Elton John’s collaboration with Brandi Carlile on their upcoming album, “Who Believes in Angels?”, proved to be an emotional process for the legendary singer. In a recent interview on the SmartLess podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, John opened up about the deep emotions he experienced while creating the album, particularly when working on a song that deals with themes of aging. Titled “When This Old World Is Done with Me,” the lyrics by Bernie Taupin struck a chord with John, leading him to reflect on mortality and the time he has left with his loved ones.
During the recording process, John found himself overwhelmed with emotions, breaking down for nearly 45 minutes as he delved into the poignant lyrics. The collaborative project between John and Carlile also includes a short film, “Who Believes in Angels? Stories from the Edge Of Creation,” showcasing the vulnerable and authentic moments captured during the album-making process.
Reflecting on the experience, Carlile shared her perspective on witnessing John’s emotional journey while crafting the album. Despite the intense emotions, Carlile provided support and reassurance to John, reminding him that there was still plenty of time left for the project to unfold.
In addition to discussing the emotional aspects of the album, John also expressed his gratitude for the inspiration Carlile brought to the project, describing it as the best record he has made in forty years. “Who Believes in Angels?” is scheduled for release on April 4, accompanied by the premiere of the short film at 92NY in New York City.
