The Rocket Man has once again skyrocketed through the musical stratosphere with his latest album, “Who Believes in Angels?” Elton John collaborated with longtime friend and rock-folk artist Brandi Carlile for a release that is every bit as authentic Americana as theatrical rock.  

It’s a chemistry experiment of epic proportions, and the result is an explosive reaction mixed from John and Carlile’s genre-defining forces.  

“The Rose of Laura Nyro” anchors the album’s sound and spirit with its strong melody and Carlile’s rich folky twinges while “Little Richard’s Bible” is an entirely eclectic track with flamboyant instrumentals that capture John’s iconic flair. “Swing for the Fences” leans heavily into Carlile’s alternative country influences with strong twangy guitar accompanied by John’s signature piano pomp.  

John and Carlile have a collaborative push-and-pull, where each artist stretches into unfamiliar territory but settles into the new sound as if it were never a stranger to them at all. 

“Someone To Belong To” is syrupy sweet, arguably speaking to the near 20 year friendship between John and Carlile, with lush instrumentals and sentimental lyrics, “But if there’s still gold in these hills, I owe it all to you / I thank my lucky stars that I’ve got someone to belong to / someone to belong to.”  

“Never Too Late” can only be described as the truest sounds of John’s soul, first serving as the lead single from the soundtrack of the documentary film “Elton John: Never Too Late” and earning a nomination for Best Original Song at the 97th Academy Awards prior to its official release on the album. It sounds like pure nostalgia, Carlile and John delicately harmonizing over lilting piano and swelling strings.  

“Who Believes in Angels” is proof that even as Elton John enters his illustrious career, he continues to soar. His collaboration with Carlile rises beyond the horizon of their already formidable musical legacy, charting a course toward new heights.