Elton John and Brandi Carlile, “Who Believes in Angels?”

Elton John may be done touring, but the 78-year-old remains both prolific and tuned in with contemporary sounds. Much as with his musical relationship with pop diva Dua Lipa, his elder statesman path has crossed with that of singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Who Believes in Angels? was first proposed by super-producer Andrew Watt. With songwriting contributions by Watt and John’s longtime-collaborator Bernie Taupin, the record shows a strong musical connection.

But that’s not all! Elton John’s and Brandi Carlile’s all-star band includes the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, bassist Pino Palladino (whose credits include Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and David Gilmour) and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer of Pearl Jam.

This isn’t a paint-by-numbers album. Opener “The Rose of Laura Nyro” journeys from ambient music to stadium rock and folk.  The vocalists harmonize for nearly the entire seven-minute song, which concludes with a triumphant crescendo.

The next tune, “Little Richard’s Bible,” goes in an entirely different direction, channeling the rock icon. The rollicking, compact track hits with a bold brass section, twinkling piano accents and throwback rock and roll attitude. Carlile then takes the lead on the upbeat and twangy “Swing For the Fences,” recalling the sound with which she first came up from Washington State. The song is about blasting through expectations as a gay youth, a topic close to both artists hearts.

But regardless of who sings lead, the pair’s voices mesh seamlessly, charging ahead or retreating at to let the other shine. When the record is fun, it’s really fun, and the opening songs the right notes.

The bluesy slow burn of “Never Too Late” lands closer to Elton territory, though the pair trade lines back and forth on the piano-driven track. The song highlights how well John’s voice has held up with time. Sure, he’s older, but the depth and timbre is very much still there. Quiet and intimate “You Without Me” showcases Carlile heavily, built solely on the plucking of acoustic guitar strings and a harmonized vocal.

The title track has the bombast of the opener. The band then sits perfectly in the pocket, pushing the song forward. “The River Man” starts as a rootsy acoustic stomper before launching into the stratosphere. John takes a step back on “A Little Light,” allowing Carlile to shine. “Someone to Belong To” has the feel of a rock and roll ballad, mixing a little Petty and a dash of Stones with a rousing vocal performance by the pair.

The introspective closer, “When This Old World is Done with Me,” is John’s moment to take the spotlight.

“Release me like an ocean wave,” he sings over his piano melody.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Who Believes In Angels? works so well. It never feels forced. Elton John has loads of talent, Brandi Carlile has never been one to phone it in, and this band understood its assignment.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at mikedewald.bsky.social.