At 78, Sir Elton John remains unfaltering. His new album, Who Believes in Angels?, is a glistening testament to his perpetual legacy and artistic genius. Poised to become his 10th UK Number 1 album, the album brings together the iconic singer-songwriter with one of America’s most revered musical powerhouses, Brandi Carlile. The result is a collaboration as euphoric as the title.
Sir Elton John, a worldwide legend behind eternal classics such as Rocket Man and Crocodile Rock, has never been afraid of change. This time around, his musical odyssey led him to the legendary Sunset Sound recording studio in Los Angeles, where he, Carlile, long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin, and Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt produced the album in a record 20 days. The group was augmented by a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Chad Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ powerhouse drummer, and their ex-guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.
“It was electric,” Sir Elton John described the sessions. “Brandi brought so much energy and vision, and the whole process was a joy. She’s an extraordinary artist who deserves the world’s attention.“
For Carlile, this album is a career highlight. A master of ethereal ballads such as The Story and the poignant duet with Hozier on Damage Gets Done, Carlile has long been a critical darling. Yet a UK Number 1 album has so far remained out of her grasp—until now. Elton’s respect for her artistry compelled him to join forces, not just to make something special but to give her voice global reach.
“She’s extremely well known in America,” Elton said. “She’s not as well known in the UK or around the world, and that must change. This album is a vehicle for her amazing talent.”
The excitement around Who Believes in Angels? is not only about the music. The recording process was filmed, and the behind-the-scenes material has been turned into a short film. Fans were given an early preview this year when Elton and Carlile performed the album tracks for the first time at a sold-out show at the London Palladium. Hosted by Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy, the event was a combination of live performance, anecdotes, and emotional remembrances of how the album came into being.
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Sir Elton John has his chart record unrivaled. His most recent UK Number 1 was Diamonds, a greatest hits album that topped the charts in January 2024—374 weeks since its original release, thanks to special edition releases, such as a cassette edition. His illustrious career has already seen him reach the top of the UK charts nine times previously, with classic albums such as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou, Sleeping with the Past, and The Lockdown Sessions.
But Who Believes in Angels? is different. It’s a celebration of unity, a coming together of generations, and a spotlight on one of the most powerful voices of our generation. The album’s soulful messages and uplifting melodies are already captivating hearts, and its reach is likely to be felt far beyond the charts.
In the meantime, the battle for the UK charts this week is intense. British indie-rock group Black Country, New Road is poised to make a career-high debut with Forever Howlong, their third studio album. Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet is likely to take the third position, while Ethel Cain’s Preacher’s Daughter is causing a stir with an unexpected reissue that has propelled it to the fourth position.
Further along, the charts are packed with great tales. Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith and Winery Dogs’ Richie Kotzen launch their joint venture, Black Light/White Noise at Number 9, and Scottish-Irish folk veterans The Waterboys are causing waves with their 16th LP, Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. Even Tracy Chapman’s 1988 self-titled debut album is returning to the charts at Number 39, courtesy of a special 35th-anniversary vinyl release.
However, all attention falls on Sir Elton John and Carlile. Their collaboration is a source of some sort of magic that only the very best artists are able to achieve. For Elton, it’s another installment in a legendary career that has redefined pop music for more than five decades. For Carlile, it’s a moment of arrival—a time to share the world stage with one of the best musicians of all time.
Music is about connectivity,” Elton said. “And this record is a reminder of what it is like when artists get together and make something greater than all of them combined.
With the album now out, Sir Elton John’s cross-generational fans support him, while Carile’s devoted fans want to see her make this giant leap. Who Believes in Angels? isn’t an album; it’s a moment. A celebration of artistry, rebirth, and the relentless force of music to unite.
Will Sir Elton John see his milestone of 10th UK Number 1 and Carlile’s debut? The verdict is just days off, but this is one union that will stand the test of time.
