Elton John and Brandi Carlile are all set and excited about their upcoming collaborative album, *Who Believes in Angels?*, which drops in April 2025. This isn't your typical album. The creative process behind it was filled with passion, intensity, and some unforgettable moments.
This musical journey took place over a whirlwind 20 days at Sunset Sound Studio in Los Angeles back in 2023. The fast-paced and electrifying atmosphere led these two legends through some heated exchanges.
## Facing personal hurdles on a path towards greatness
Before they even hit record, Elton John was going through a lot on a personal front. He was dealing with recovery from a head injury and a hip replacement, and was preparing himself mentally and physically as he would soon need a knee replacement too. It's no wonder he wasn't feeling his best during those sessions.
In an interview, Elton opened up about it, saying, "I was very grumpy, I was tired, I didn't feel well, and I was extremely nervous." Those nerves definitely made a few sparks fly.
Brandi Carlile chimed in, hinting that Elton might have downplayed what actually happened. She recalled seeing Elton in a rare, fiery state during recording.
"He smashed his iPad. He smashed headphones. There were classic Elton John outbursts. My lyrics got torn up and thrown on the ground," Carlile shared. "At one point, he yelled, ‘Predictable! Cliché!' and told me to ‘***k off.'"
## Navigating a high-tension recording environment
A peek behind-the-scenes, shared by *The Independent*, captured some moments reflective of the tension in those sessions. Elton slamming headphones and ripping sheet music fit right in with what Carlile remembered. You could see his frustration and uncertainty about where this album was heading.
"There was tension in the studio," Elton admitted when he spoke with the press. "I was anxious about myself, not about other people."
Carlile noted how challenging it was connecting with Elton sometimes, "but it was part of the process," she said. He was wrestling with his own insecurities, especially considering how much was riding on this project.
## The triumph of persevering and creating
Despite these initial challenges, their collaboration turned out beautifully. After pushing through the stress and completing the first three songs, anxiety made room for excitement and pride.
"Once we got through those first few songs, we knew we had something special," Elton said. "I was much more relaxed after that, but I recognize I was a bit of an initial nightmare."
The album features ten tracks, including the Oscar-nominated 'Never Too Late.' In many ways, *Who Believes in Angels?* stands as proof that perseverance in the face of hardship can yield incredible creativity.
Looking back, both artists are proud and grateful, even with the rocky start. Their collaboration underscores the dynamic, often contradictory nature of artistic expression, where passion and conflict, in tandem, pave the way for something truly unique and memorable.
With the release slated for April 4, fans are eagerly awaiting this album. It unites two of music's greats and also tells a story of resilience. It serves as a potent reminder that the creative path, no matter how fraught with challenges, can lead to extraordinary results.
