Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
John and Brandi Carlile are preparing to launch their upcoming joint project, Who Believes in Angels?
Creating a new album with Brandi Carlile was a deeply emotional journey for Elton John.
During an interview on the SmartLess podcast with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the 78-year-old Rocket Man singer opened up about the heartfelt process of making Who Believes in Angels?
John reflected on one song in particular that explores themes of aging, recalling the moment he received Bernie Taupin’s lyrics. “It’s called ‘When This Old World Is Done with Me.’ I was composing the verse, thinking, ‘Oh, this is really lovely,’ and then I reached the chorus—only to realize it was about my own mortality,” he shared.
The EGOT winner reflected on his thoughts about aging, joking, “When you reach my age—basically close to 100—you start wondering, ‘How much time do I have left?’ With children and a wonderful husband, mortality naturally comes to mind.”
John went on to share how deeply one moment affected him. “When I reached the chorus, I completely broke down for 45 minutes—and it’s all captured on film,” he admitted.
Last month, following the announcement of their collaborative project, the Bennie and the Jets singer and Brandi Carlile, 43, unveiled a trailer for Who Believes in Angels? Stories from the Edge of Creation, a short film documenting the album’s creative journey.
“I want everyone to see it because it’s so raw—deeply human, flawed, and even a little embarrassing,” Carlile shared on SmartLess. “The kind of stuff you do when you forget the camera is rolling—that’s what makes it so compelling.”
She was there for the creation of When This Old World Is Done with Me and witnessed John’s emotional reaction firsthand. “While we were making the record, I would sit behind him as he worked on melodies, trying to remember the ones that really moved me,” she recalled.
Carlile explained that she had been recording John’s melody for the song, wanting to capture something special. “I thought, ‘I need to save this melody in case he moves on, so he remembers how good it was.’ Then he reached the end of the chorus, and his voice started to shake—I knew he was really about to let go.”
Reflecting on the recording session, John joked that Carlile reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry. You’ve got at least another six months.”
During the interview, the Cold Heart singer also looked back on his career. “I’ve accomplished so much in my life, and there’s still so much more to do. Brandi has inspired me to move forward with this record, and honestly, I think it’s the best album I’ve made in 40 years. So, there you have it,” he said.
