Rating: 5/5 stars

Years in the making, “Who Believes in Angels” finally came to fruition on April 4, when it was released after two years of intensive studio sessions between indie-country artist Brandi Carlile and rock ‘n’ roll icon Elton John. A shocking final hurrah from John, who has continuously struggled with health issues and said goodbye to his own career in his 2023 farewell tour. The album as a whole is a strong, ballad-esque ode to John from Carlile, thanking him for the influence he has had on her life and musical journey. While a fitting thank you to John, there is a perfect balance between the pair’s shining moments, allowing both to share their hearts with each other and the audience in a surprisingly intimate manner. 

Right off the bat, this cannot be anything other than a Brandi Carlile and Elton John record. The opening track, “The Rose of Laura Nyro,” starts off with a heavy synth that bleeds into a near-metal guitar riff and a dominant, yet charming piano. 

Carlile and John’s voices blend together well, giving both musicians the opportunity to shine as a pair and on their own as the album progresses.

Despite the ballad starting with “The Rose of Laura Nyro,” the album gets into full swing with John’s featured “Little Richard’s Bible.” The song showcases his impressive piano skills and keeps a lively beat reminiscent of “Crocodile Rock” or “Pinball Wizard.” John does not sleep on the thrills he is so well known for, the ode to the iconic rock ‘n’ roller Little Richard serving well as the fast-paced turn needed.

“Never Too Late,” named for the 2024 documentary about John, serves as the album’s centerpiece. This fourth track marks the second power ballad and is shockingly brief despite both musicians having an affinity for long lyrical ballads. “Never Too Late” is a perfect balance of the pair’s prowess, sweet and slow, as it rides the line between soft rock and contemporary pop. Carlile’s voice is a powerhouse, ringing loud and clear over John’s softer, yet still strong sound. 

The album’s title track, which follows a contemporary solo song from Carlile, “Who Believes In Angels?” is a catchily tender piece. Not quite a love song, but it explores a close relationship of understanding and support – something undoubtedly sweet and romantic enough to play at your wedding. 

John’s chronically catchy and swinging signature pop-rock is alive and well, meeting a modern take in combination with Carlile’s softer indie-country side in “The River Man.” It is an ambitious mix of the two genres that breathes new life into John’s rowdy side (think “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting”), proving he is nothing less than the diva fans adore. Despite this, the Rocket Man takes more of a backseat. This allows for Carlile to showcase her own flawless skills of managing both genres and creates an easy slide into the next two songs, “A Little Light” and “Someone To Belong To.” 

The eighth and ninth tracks on the album, “A Little Light” and “Someone To Belong To” are far from rock ‘n’ roll. The slow romantic tracks are Carlile-based, with John providing solid backing vocals for what shapes into what could be released as well-crafted singles. Although John has a smaller part in the two songs, his voice adds an extra layer of gentleness to Carlile’s strength, giving the delicate touch needed to make the pieces work.

The album concludes with the deeply touching solo from John, “When This Old World Is Done With Me.” The song features John, his baby grand and nothing more. Listeners have always known John wears his heart on his sleeve and “When This Old World Is Done With Me” is no exception. From the depths of addiction and mental health struggles, the singer is no stranger to contemplating his own mortality, especially as he nears 80. The song confronts the reality of aging and what your legacy will be once you are gone. For John, having completed his farewell tour in 2023 and battling numerous health issues, the conclusion of his career as a whole is inevitable. However, the legacy he leaves behind is one of momentous proportions, making “When This Old World Is Done With Me” the perfect note to end on. 

As a whole, “Who Believes In Angels?” is a love letter to Elton John and the contributions he has made to the world of music as his influence continues to reach into the hearts of today’s younger generations. The use of modern recording techniques and Carlile’s contemporary sound aids in transforming John’s work into something palatable for all ears, making the album timeless.