Ten Things You Did Not Know About ‘Who Believes In Angels?’

Elton John’s latest album, Who Believes In Angels?, is more than just a powerful collaboration with Brandi Carlile – it’s a project full of surprises, deep cuts, and hidden connections.

From vintage drum kits with Hollywood ties to lyrical Easter eggs and unexpected musical reunions, here are ten fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about this remarkable release.

By John F. Higgins

1

Who Believes In Angels? brings Elton’s recorded duets and collaborations to over 200 songs. Of these, 71 are part of his official catalog, including tracks from his 1993 Duets album, his 2010 LP with Leon Russell The Union, and 2021’s The Lockdown Sessions, among others.

While most people are familiar with songs like his 1976 duet with Kiki Dee, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, some might be surprised to learn that Elton also played piano on The Hollies’ 1969 classic He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, contributed backing vocals to Tom Jones’ hits Delilah and Daughter Of Darkness, and has recorded or performed with each of the four Beatles following their breakup.

2

Little Richard’s Bible isn’t the first time Elton has paid tribute to the flamboyant singer and pianist from Georgia. His 1995 song Made in England includes the lines, “I had Little Richard / And that black piano / Oh, that sweet Georgia peach…”

3

Prior to the album, three songs in Elton’s catalog include “Angel” right in the title (well, four if you count Angeline from Leather Jackets – can we get a judge’s ruling on that?). Both Angel Tree and The Girl On Angel Pavement, two deep cuts from Elton and Bernie’s early days, can be found on the Rarities discs of 2020’s Jewel Box. And while In the Hands of Angels, the moving closer to The Union, was actually written and sung by Leon, we’re still counting it.

4

Expanding upon the theme from above, Elton has sung the word “angel” in 21 different songs over the years. These are:

All Quiet On The Western Front
Are You Ready For Love
Burn Down The Mission
Emily
Finish Line
God Never Came Here
I Need You To Turn To
I Never Knew Her Name
It’s Getting Dark In Here
Little Island
Make Me As You Are
Michelle’s Song
Original Sin
Religion
Sick City
Since God Invented Girls
The Best Part Of The Day
The Retreat
Ticking
Tower Of Babel
True Love

5

With the release of the title track from Elton’s documentary last year – also featured on Who Believes In Angels? – he now has two songs titled Never Too Late. The other is an upbeat track he co-wrote with Sir Tim Rice for the 2019 remake of The Lion King.

6

The new album isn’t bassist Pino Palladino’s first collaboration with Elton. He also played on Shoot Down the Moon from Elton’s 1985 album Ice on Fire and contributed to much of 1992’s The One – including the title track and all three of the album’s other singles: Runaway Train, The Last Song, and Simple Life.

7

Before recording Who Believes In Angels? at Sunset Sound Recorders, Elton used the legendary Los Angeles studio – known for everything from Disney film soundtracks in the 1960s to artists like the Doors and Guns N’ Roses – for all or parts of 45 songs. These include the Ringo Starr sessions for Snookeroo (August 1974), and subsequent overdubs for songs on the albums Blue Moves, 21 at 33, The Fox, and Too Low For Zero.

8

The drummer and keyboardist on Who Believes In Angels? – Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer – are members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who released a song in 2016 called Sick Love. The verses of that track are adapted from Elton’s Bennie and the Jets, and Elton himself contributed a new piano part to the recording.

9

Adding an unexpected twist to the ‘six degrees of separation’ between Chad Smith and Elton John, the Who Believes In Angels? drummer ended up recording parts of the album using one of Nigel Olsson’s drum kits from Elton’s classic 1970s albums. The kit was on loan from none other than actor Ben Stiller – who had acquired it years earlier and happened to lend it to Chad…the two having first met at a party a decade prior to the album’s recording.

10

While recording Who Believes In Angels? between October 11 and November 5, 2023, Elton appeared on Hackney Diamonds; the Rolling Stones album – also produced by Andrew Watt – was released on October 20. And just for good measure, Elton squeezed in a surprise private concert on October 14 at The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville, TN.