Who Believes in a new Elton album?

The wait is nearly over! A new album from Elton, his first original content since the Lockdown Sessions, is nearing release. So implied a personalised letter fans have been getting this week from the superstar.

In a Times Roman typeset, akin to the style the official Elton John Fan Club would be printed back in the 1970s, Elton launched directly and unapologetically into his friendship with singer songwriter Brandi Carlile. The letter went on to talk about how the duo became friends “many years ago” and that she had written to him asking if he would play piano on her songs.

Elton and Brandi Carlile (foreground on guitar) recording new album in 2023. Behind is a poster for Fats Domino.

Elton then explained that he has teamed up for an “inspiring” album recording with Brandi, as well as Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watts, supported by “a world-class band of legendary session musicians”. This the first indication that the band is less likely to include all or any of Elton’s regular bandmates.

Although not explicitly declared, the new album is likely to be called Who Believes In Angels? And if it is, this would mark the first time that Elton has released an album with a question mark in its title. To coin a phrase, it’s Never Too Late.

Talking of which, Elton’s title track to the documentary Never Too Late was co-written and performed by Brandi and Elton.

Elton said that making the album in 2023 felt like the albums he used to make “all those years ago”. In 20 days 14 songs were written, of which 10 would make the cut. And the fans of course would like to hear the four that didn’t make it!

Elton confessed in his letter to fans it was “one of the most difficult creative processes I’ve ever been through, but couldn’t be prouder of the outcome.”

He then signed off “Who Believes in Angels? We do”, referring to himself, Brandi, Bernie and Andrew.

At the footnote is a website whobelievesinangels.com

More and more of the artwork of the new album is purported to be shown on this page daily. Stay tuned!

The letter is an intended teaser and does not specify when the long-speculated album would be coming out. But it is now apparent that much of it was recorded at least a year ago, before Elton’s various health setbacks. So it is likely to be another masterpiece from the modern-day maestro.

The news also chimes with a brief revelation from Elton’s pal, The Who frontman Peter Townshend, who said in March 2024 the album was likely to involve Brandi.

Visiting the website there is a counter. At the time of going to press the counter showed more than 3 days 22 hours to go, and promises daily updates, which so far have eluded the audience. So we think that Wednesday, 5 February 2025 could be a major day. If it is, that’s one day before my wedding anniversary. That ceremony was held at Guildhall Windsor, just like Elton and David’s!

But without a doubt the album IS coming and in the letter comes a collectable low resolution “polariod” type of black and white, almost sepia, photo of Elton at the piano and Brandi in foreground on guitar. Suddenly things look brighter for the album news and we are all 200% behind it. Let’s hope that it really is an exciting departure for Elton’s creativity. It is what he wanted.