Album Review: Elton John and Brandi Carlile – Who Believes in Angels?
2 min read
With an almost four-decade age difference, country music star Brandi Carlile and pop legend Elton John make an unconventional duo. However, over their two-decade friendship, they’ve collaborated several times, initially on Carlile’s 2009 album and most recently on their joint studio album, Who Believes in Angels? Started just after the end of John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, the album is a joyful collaboration showcasing both talents.
The album features lyrics by Carlile as well as by John’s long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin. Many of the tracks have a distinct country edge, a style that John has embraced throughout his career in hits such as Honky Cat, and that has helped Carlile win her 11 Grammy Awards. The opening track, The Rose of Laura Nyro, seems partially inspired by country ballads, while using electric guitar and piano to create a more rock sound. The narrative lyrics tell the story of jazz musician Laura Nyro, who was an inspiration to John and references some of her most famous songs. It’s a contemplative and powerful track that seamlessly blends country and rock elements. The fast-paced duet Swing for the Fences is a more straightforward country track featuring a catchy, upbeat drumline. Carly and John’s voices harmonize beautifully as they sing hopeful lyrics that take on a new meaning when combined with the music video, it’s a message of hope to LGBTQ youth as they sing, “They don’t deserve you.”
The album features many rock-inspired tracks, most notably Little Richards Bible. Named after the iconic rock and roll star, this track draws inspiration from his sound to create a fun and authentic track. The song references American history as John sings, “Freedom feather falling from old Jim Crow,” and it touches on Richard’s life, including his turn to evangelical Christianity and his rejection of rock music in the middle of his career, (as well as his eventual return to it). Rickards also appears as a character in the music video of the titular track “Who Believes in Angels”. The song begins with a slow, stripped-down production, accompanied only by John’s piano and Carlile’s guitar, before launching into a powerful rock chorus with soaring ballad-style vocals. It’s a more contemplative track that leads into the final number, the slower and more reflective When This Old World Is Done With Me. This meditative song, performed by the 78-year-old John, explores themes related to the end of life. His slow, heartfelt voice adds depth to the lyrics as he sings, “Release me like an ocean wave. Return me to the tide.”
Overall, the album stands out as a highlight of both John and Carlile’s already starry careers. The blend of heartfelt lyrics and fast-paced numbers makes for an album that is both contemplative and catchy. It’s a wonderful collaboration that proves John and Carlie are a match made in musical heaven.
