Elton John & Brandi Carlile: Inside Their 'Who Believes In Angels?' Collaboration

The Spark: A Fan Letter and Friendship

The seeds for *Who Believes in Angels?* were sown nearly two decades ago when Brandi Carlile, already an admirer, sent Elton John a letter expressing how his music, and Bernie Taupin's lyrics, inspired her own career. John, already aware of Carlile's talent, responded positively, leading to an invitation to collaborate on one of her tracks and sparking a lasting friendship described as being 'like family'.

Navigating Creative Turbulence

Despite their strong bond, the album's creation in 2023, alongside producer Andrew Watt and lyricist Bernie Taupin, was fraught with tension. Planned over just 20 days with no pre-written material, the initial sessions were challenging. Elton John admitted to feeling 'ornery' and experiencing significant self-doubt about his writing, even contemplating scrapping the project entirely. He recalled hating the first song they recorded, deeming it a 'typical Elton John-do-it-by-numbers type song' and criticizing his own 'boring chord sequence'. Carlile noted his initial desire to 'call it a day', partly due to global events and his own insecurities.

Breakthrough and Mutual Growth

The turning point came with key songs like Bernie Taupin's 'The Rose of Laura Nyro' and 'Little Richard's Bible', and Carlile's 'Swing for the Fences'. John praised Carlile's contribution, calling it 'manna from heaven'. Both artists emphasized that doubt is a necessary part of creativity. 'If you don't have doubt, then you shouldn't be there because you're coasting,' John stated. Carlile shared her own initial fear but highlighted how John's willingness to openly critique their work, even harshly, ultimately led to a better album, preventing them from settling for mediocrity. She described the experience as profoundly impactful, breaking down her own creative 'rigidities'.

Themes and Reception

The album delves into themes of mortality, notably on 'When This Old World Is Done With Me', a Taupin lyric that deeply moved John, prompting an emotional recording session. It also celebrates resilience and offers support, as seen in 'Swing for the Fences'. Reviews praise the album as a 'true meeting of minds', highlighting the strong melodies, classic songwriting, and how the artists pushed each other creatively, resulting in John sounding revitalized.

How did Elton John and Brandi Carlile decide to collaborate?

Their collaboration stemmed from a fan letter Brandi Carlile sent Elton John years ago, which led to a friendship and mutual desire to record together.

Was the album easy to make?

No, the initial sessions were difficult. Both artists experienced self-doubt, and Elton John considered abandoning the project before key songs helped them find their direction.

What are some key songs on the album?

Standout tracks mentioned include 'Swing for the Fences', 'When This Old World Is Done With Me', 'The Rose of Laura Nyro', and 'Little Richard's Bible'.

What themes does the album explore?

The album touches on themes of friendship, creative struggle, self-doubt, mortality, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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