Brandi Carlile now has another feather in her cap as she is a multi-talented individual who is a best-selling author, a podcast host, and an acclaimed country music star with multiple Grammy Awards in her collection. She came into the limelight thanks to her song “The Story,” which was featured in Showtime’s hit series “Yellowstone.”
Award-winning ace director Mike Downs did “Carlile”—a” feature-length documentary centering on Brandi Carlile—midway through post-production when the song for the Elton John biopic was set to release.
Brandi was equally impressed with the strumming of John’s guitar or rather, his dancing fingers over the strings of his guitar. So much so that John encourages Brandi to drive deeper into the landscape of John’s music, as their collaboration will be featured on John’s next studio album, for which he will be in, out, and around the town touring.
John’s next focus is on the latest studio album, for which he is actively working on a song.
Dynamic Duo: Switchings Turns on the Marina Glue
The first song, “The Rose of Laura Nyro,” could lead you to think that “Carlile-does-John” is a “Carlile-first-then-John-comes-in-for-backup” scenario where John is subservient for harmonies while Carlile vocalizes during the opening. However, this impression is quickly dispelled by Carlile’s punchy second track, “Little Richard’s Bible,” propelled by John’s substitute energetic rhythm. This pattern sets the theme of the album, which features back-and-forth control dynamics with both artists—each artist taking charge at different times. Regardless, there is a commanding presence that essentially controls everything throughout the album: Carlile’s voice.
Beyond Ballads: Seeing a New Energized Tone
It may surprise some that “Who Believes In Angels” doesn’t rely too heavily on power ballads, a style of John’s solo works. While the title track by Carlile, an ode honoring the friendship advanced between her and John, contains the heartfelt essence of their bond, the album overall remains lively.
“Oh yes, turn off the light, said the dark, to put life back into a little hope.”
As a response to the Gaza invasion, “A Little Light,” written by Carlile, serves as an encouragement piece telling people to turn their hope on while fighting in the dark and send out for togetherness during these troubled times. The mrs. tempo pace widens the view for the listeners as the essence behind the track blooms positivity along with being in support of the main mental direction of the album.
Harmonious Duets: “Someone to Belong To”
The duet “Someone to Belong To” reflects alongside “Never Too Lat”e, depicting the ever-lasting bond of comradeship and resilience. John and Carlile’s harmonies intertwine with their vocals as well, giving a delicate phrase, “Hang in there, darling, won’t you? / The best is yet to come / I thank my lucky stars / That I’ve got someone / Someone to belong to.”
A Timeless Question: The Future of Elton John’s Solo Career
John’s classic piano ballads, which many consider timeless treasures, always ponder the future direction of his solo ventures; the closer of this album is “When This Old World is Done with Me.” Is there still any possibility of a full-length, stand-alone album from this pop legend?
A Collaborative Effort: The Making of “Who Believes In Angels?”
“Who Believes In Angels?” epitomizes the collective effort that goes into making music. Like “Never Too Late,” the upcoming album has lyrics by both Taupin and Carlile, with production done by Andrew Watt. The album’s writing and recording took place in 20 days at the iconic Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles in October 2023, a stunningly rapid time frame.
The recording was enhanced by the additional input of top-tier musicians such as Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Pino Palladino of Nine Inch Nails; and Josh Klinghoffer, who plays keyboards for Pearl Jam and Beck.
A Deepening Relationship: The Legacy of Collaboration
Elton John’s iconic music and Brandi Carlile’s beautifully crafted song ‘’Who Believes In Angels’’ is more than just a song; it captures the ever-deepening relationship between Carlile and Elton John. Just as in Carlile’s other recent work with Joni Mitchell, where she served as the bridge in propelling the folk legend from her quietude back on stage, it almost feels like this album has attempted to answer Geraldine’s call to action. The album has made the infuriatingly pleasing expectation of forcing Carlile to pair a lot of her musical heroes in the studio to be placed on perpetual loop.
A Celebration of Life: The Album’s Energy and Joy
John has made countless all-time famous songs and with the recent release of this album, I can see why Carlile has a featured place on the list of goals he set for himself; there are countless reasons to be eternally grateful to her. To praise her forever would be blaming John for fueling fans’ expectations but comparisons to older songs of John placed on the album are bound to happen and become the national anthem tradition and timeless highlight for years to come. It brings pure joy to hear the vigor of John’s songwriting, one that put John through his farewell tour to thank his fans. The shining hope for the future is in the appreciation he gifted the artistic soul amidst.
