Behind the Mic: How Elton John and Brandi Carlile Crafted ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ in Just 20 Days

The music world watched with keen interest as two titans, Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile, announced an unprecedented collaboration: a full-length studio album titled “Who Believes in Angels?”. Released on April 4, 2025, through Interscope Records, this project immediately captured headlines not just for the star power involved, but for the astonishing speed of its creation.

The entire album, including the evocative title track, was conceptualized, written, and recorded in a mere 20 days during October 2023. This remarkable feat showcases a potent blend of raw talent, decades of experience, and an adventurous spirit that pushed both artists to their creative limits.

From the moment the lead single, “Who Believes in Angels?”, dropped on February 5, 2025, fans were treated to a preview of an album that felt both instantly classic and refreshingly new. It was a testament to the intense, almost alchemical process that unfolded behind the mic, defying conventional timelines and expectations for two artists of such stature.

The Genesis of a 20-Day Odyssey

The idea for “Who Believes in Angels?” stemmed from Elton John’s desire for a true collaborative challenge after concluding his monumental Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in 2023. He sought a “proper duet record” – a project that would genuinely push him out of his comfort zone, rather than simply revisiting past glories.

His longstanding friendship and previous collaborations with Brandi Carlile, including “Simple Things” from his 2021 album “The Lockdown Sessions” and “Never Too Late” for his 2024 documentary, laid the groundwork for this ambitious undertaking.

Carlile, a self-proclaimed lifelong “Elton John disciple,” embraced the opportunity, despite her initial apprehension about collaborating with an idol on such a grand scale. The stage was set for an intense creative sprint, with the intention of crafting an entire album from scratch.

Into the Studio: A Blank Slate and High Stakes

In October 2023, Elton John and Brandi Carlile, alongside legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin and Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, entered Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios with a completely blank slate.

This audacious approach meant there were no pre-written songs, no demos, just the collective desire to create something entirely new within a highly compressed timeframe of 20 days. This intense period saw them backed by an all-star band featuring Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Josh Klinghoffer on guitar.

The collaborative process was meticulously documented through thousands of hours of raw footage, later compiled into a short film series titled “Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation.” This marked the first time Elton John had allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions, offering an unprecedented, unvarnished look into the “emotionally turbulent creative process – breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn up lyric sheets and all”.

Creative Synergy: Challenges and Breakthroughs

The tight deadline and the raw, spontaneous nature of the recording process inevitably brought forth both brilliant synergy and significant challenges. Elton John, known for his prolific songwriting speed, often composed music on the spot as Bernie Taupin or Brandi Carlile presented lyrics.

Carlile took on a dual role, contributing her own poignant lyrics alongside Taupin, and sharing lead vocal duties with John. Producer Andrew Watt acted as a crucial “mediator and creative conduit,” guiding the dynamic between the artists.

The intensity of the environment was not without its friction. Carlile candidly described Elton John’s “no filter” approach, where his emotions and musical ideas flowed freely, sometimes leading to “classic Elton John outbursts”. John himself admitted, “I was a nightmare. Angry. I was tired. I was irritable,” describing moments where he slammed headphones, ripped up paper, and butted heads with the crew, fueled by self-doubt about the record’s quality.

Bernie Taupin, a seasoned veteran of Elton John’s creative intensity, often played the role of calming presence, reassuring Carlile during these turbulent moments. Carlile acknowledged that these raw expressions were integral to John’s artistry, highlighting how his unfiltered passion translated directly into the music. Despite the demanding atmosphere, these pressures often led to breakthroughs, pushing both artists to deliver some of their most honest and powerful work.

For the title track, “Who Believes in Angels?”, Carlile penned the evocative lyrics, Elton John established the core musical theme, and Andrew Watt meticulously brought the elements together. The result was a song instantly recognizable as classic Elton John, yet imbued with a contemporary spirit, showcasing the unique blend of their artistic voices.

Public Appearances and Lasting Impact

Since its release, “Who Believes in Angels?” has enjoyed significant critical and commercial success. The album debuted at number one on the charts in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and reached the top-ten in Germany, Austria, New Zealand, and on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

Critics lauded the album for its exceptional songwriting and production, recognizing it as one of Elton John’s strongest releases in years.

The duo celebrated the album’s release with several key public appearances in 2025:

• **Saturday Night Live Performance (April 5, 2025):** Elton John and Brandi Carlile performed “Who Believes in Angels?” live, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and the album’s raw energy to a global audience.
• **An Evening With Elton John and Brandi Carlile (March 26, 2025):** They took to the stage at the legendary London Palladium for a one-night-only concert special, joined by their all-star band. This critically acclaimed performance further cemented the album’s place in their respective discographies.

Beyond the album, Brandi Carlile’s collaboration with Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and Andrew Watt extended to the song “Never Too Late,” which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in January 2025, further highlighting the creative power of this partnership.

As of October 2025, Carlile has also announced her ninth solo studio album, “Returning to Myself,” slated for release on October 24, 2025, with Andrew Watt once again serving as a producer.

Conclusion

The creation of “Who Believes in Angels?” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring magic of musical collaboration, even under extraordinary time constraints. Elton John and Brandi Carlile, with the vital contributions of Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt, embarked on a daring artistic experiment that yielded a critically acclaimed and commercially successful album.

Their journey, marked by both intense creative passion and candid emotional moments, illustrates that true artistic connection can thrive under pressure, forging new paths even for established legends. The album is not merely a collection of songs but a profound statement about the continuous evolution of artistry, proving that even after decades in the industry, there are always new creative territories to explore, and unexpected angels to believe in.

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