Who Believes in Angels? Brandi and Elton - The Unofficial Archivist

On February 6th 2025, both Brandi Carlile and Elton John collaborated in a in-tandem announcement of their long rumoured collaboration album. Who Believes in Angels? comes out on April 4th. The announcement co-incided with the first formal single – the title track from the album.

It was made over a 3 week period in October 2023, with Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt. The artwork for the album and title track video is by a long time collaborator of Elton John’s, David LaChappelle.

Also in the ‘backing band’ is, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) – who also played on early Brandi Carlile album, Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails) and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).

The first track released from the album was actually Never Too Late – but no-one knew that was the first track. It was instead released in time for the film by the same name.

The icon that the artwork of the album and video is inpsired by is the pinball machine from Captain Fantastic era.

Elton John first hinted at this album it during his induction speech for Bernie Taupin in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2023. Then on 28th December 2023, reported by Clash Magazine the leak from Pete Townshend.
“Sessions commenced almost immediately, and the album was completed in a matter of days. “Elton is so fraught with loss at not knowing what to do next. He’s just gone over to LA to make an album with Brandi Carlile. They made an album together in two weeks. He says it’s one of the best things they’ve ever done”.

However, no clear reason for the delay, except for Elton’s health and eyesight infection in 2024, it took almost 18 months for it to be released. During that time, Brandi Carlile and the twins, took back over their own management, from Red Light Management who they had been with for many years. Both Elton and Brandi are now mainly managed respectively by their partners, David Furnish and Catherine Carlile.

In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Elton John said they recorded 14 songs, but with 10 on the main album. On the DVD release there is an extra song, “Lord Let Me”. Which leaves 3 more songs to possibly released on further limited, or delux releases.

During release week, Elton John Brandi Carlile (and the twins) played live on the GRaham Norton show. (video)

The Track list includes:
TRACK LIST
1. The Rose Of Laura Nyro
2. Little Richard’s Bible
3. Swing For The Fences
4. Never Too Late
5. You Without Me
6. Who Believes In Angels?
7. The River Man
8. A Little Light
9. Someone To Belong To
10. When This Old World Is Done With Me
(bonus track Lord Help Me) on DVD release.

Who Believes in Angels will be released on April 4th in the following formats:
6 x vinyl variations
3 x CD variations
1 x Cassette

Marble Purple Vinyl both artist sites

Tri Color Vinyl – Limited Edition – both artist sites – Store Exclusive

CD Clamshell box with DVD – with extra song “Lord Let Me” Limited Edition – both artist sites

Tri-color CD – both artist sites

See Green cassette (limited edition).

Record Store Exclusives:

Target Exclusive: Coke Bottle Green vinyl

Amazon Exclusive Cover CD

Indi Record Stores Exclusive – Neon Pink Transparent Vinyl

Spotify Fans First Limited Edition Blue Splatter Vinyl

Blood Records exclusive. Sold out on site in 30 minutes, 21 Feb 2025. Red and yellow colour-in-colour LP with 16-page pull-out booklet and gatefold mirror-board sleeve, limited to 2,000 and hand-numbered.