Who Believes In Angels?

“Who Believes In Angels?” Elton John & Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile and Elton John are both college radio artists who’ve obviously made it BIG. Carlile has 7 solo albums and 11 Grammy awards. Sir Elton has released 32 studio albums and sold 300 million records. The two together have released a new collection of 10 songs — produced by Andrew Watt, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile and in-studio support from several members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The tracks range from rockin’ Americana to classic Elton John piano ballads. Along the way, the songs also celebrate several musical and cultural icons: Little Richard and singer-songwriter, Laura Nyro. All tracks are excellent.
— Francis

Recommended: 3, 1, 6, 10, 4, 2, 7, 9. No FCCs noted.

1. (6:39) The Rose Of Laura Nyro — Ethereal, two-minute synth opening. Builds to a guitar-driven crescendo, before settling in as soulful power pop that blends Carlile’s and John’s vocals. Salutes hall-of-fame singer-songwriter, Laura Nyro, with references to several of her song titles. ****
2. (3:00) Little Richard’s Bible — Fun, throwback Elton John piano rocker with handclaps. A tribute to the early rock ‘n’ roll trailblazer, Little Richard. Reminiscent of some of Elton’s mid-70s pop rock hits. ***
3. (3:23) Swing For The Fences — Exuberant, slightly Americana-flavored celebration of every person being true to themself and ‘swinging for the fences.’ Upbeat, with Carlile on the lead and Elton harmonizing. ****
4. (3:37) Never Too Late (Radio Edit) — Sweet, sentimental ballad led by Elton on his piano, with lush strings — and gorgeous harmonies supplied by Carlile. Oscar-nominated tune from Elton’s Disney+ documentary. ****
5. (4:36) You Without Me — Spare, acoustic Carlile-sung folk ballad. She handles both the lead and harmonies over fingerpicked guitar. Reminds me of a Sufjan Stevens tune with female vocals.
6. (5:13) Who Believes In Angels? — Lovely, theatrical-sounding piano ballad that showcases Carlile’s exquisite songwriting and vocal abilities. Speaks to the depth of the friendship Carlile and John have built. ****
7. (4:42) The River Man — Quickly ramps up into a straight-forward burner that’s got a bit of a country rock stomp feel. Features Carlile on the lead with her driving vocals. ***
8. (4:22) A Little Light — A hopeful, uplifting piano duet that was written on the day Israel invaded Gaza. Carlile’s and Elton’s vocals play nicely off each other.
9. (4:20) Someone To Belong To — A swaying, swirling tune that was apparently penned by Carlile as a love song for John to present to his husband, David Furnish. The vocals swell over Elton’s piano, jangly guitars and a solid drum track. ***
10. (4:17) When This Old World Is Done With Me — Closing ballad that has a classic Elton feeling. The lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, and the song puts Elton’s piano front and center as he contemplates the end of his career and his mortality. ****