Song: “Little Richard’s Bible”
Two great artists and friends make a great album — and crush on SNL
Despite a good amount of build-up, the release of the new collaboration between Elton John and Brandi Carlile — Who Believes in Angels? — seemed to come out of nowhere when it actually hit.
Like a speck in space that appeared too far away to matter, a lot of musicians and music fans have realized it was a massive meteor headed right at us, decimating any doubts as soon as it hit our ears.
The album has already changed the music landscape.
Just days after its release, the two appeared together on Saturday Night Live, not long after Lady Gaga brought the house down in her own way. Could they match the glitz, power, and charisma of Gaga?
You know it.
Carlile grew up a fan of Elton. When she was making her 2009 album Give Up the Ghost, she wrote him a letter — Elton was then playing a residency in Las Vegas — asking him to play piano on a song, “Caroline.” Elton was already aware of Carlile and agreed. The two met, mutual respect sparks flew, and they became fast friends and easy collaborators in a heartbeat.
After working on a few small projects over the years, including during the pandemic lockdown, they decided to try an entire album together. Elton had “retired” after the 2023 Glastonbury, but was enticed out of retirement when Carlile and his main lyricist Bernie Taupin dragged him into the studio.
The two artists fought off doubts that seemed amplified because they didn’t want to let one another down. As Carlile said in an interview, “. . . the album was a leap of faith — of our friendship and each other’s musicality and whether or not those things would blend. You can’t have faith without doubt.”
Have no doubt — this is an album worth enjoying in full. Today’s song is one of many highlights, and like any good album, Who Believes in Angels? is multi-layered, rewarding repeat listening with different songs jumping out over time.
Enjoy!