Elton John & Brandi Carlile Who Believes In Angels?
Released Apr 4, 2025 EMI
Established consensus 9 professional reviews Updated Oct 1, 2026
Broadly positive consensus
Elton John and Brandi Carlile's Who Believes In Angels?
How ChoruScore worksCritics' Top Tracks
The songs critics returned to most
Swing For The Fences
5 critic mentions
“Swing for the Fences” is an uptempo LGBT+ anthem with a rather chugging melody, fortunately elevated by the passionately unified force of the singers’ voices.” — The Independent (UK)
The Rose Of Laura Nyro
5 critic mentions
“Album-opening “The Rose of Laura Nyro” is a “Candle in the Wind”-size tribute to an Elton contemporary” — Rolling Stone
Never Too Late
4 critic mentions
“Ballads like “Never Too Late” and “Who Believes in Angels” are sweeping statements about getting the most out of life in the face of mortality.” — Rolling Stone
Full critic consensus
Elton John and Brandi Carlile's Who Believes In Angels? reunites classic Elton influences with Brandi Carlile's Americana-tinged intimacy to deliver a big-hearted, radio-ready collection that critics largely celebrate. Across nine professional reviews the record earned an 80/100 consensus score, and reviewers consistently point to the chemistry of the duet format as the album's driving strength. That blend of rock roots, homage to musical peers, and clear vocal partnership makes the record feel both nostalgic and revitalizing.
Critics repeatedly flag several standout tracks as exemplars of the album's themes: “Swing For The Fences” emerges as the most praised duet, a rollicking, rhinestone-rock highlight; “The Rose Of Laura Nyro” is cited as an immediate earworm and affectionate tribute; “Never Too Late” and the title ballad “Who Believes In Angels?” are praised for hymn-like choruses and reflective sweep; and the piano-anchored closer “When This Old World Is Done With Me” supplies an unsentimental meditation on mortality. Reviewers note moments of rejuvenation and friendship throughout, plus homage pieces such as “Little Richard's Bible” and country gospel touches that broaden the album's palette.
While praise is dominant, critics offer measured caveats: a few point to one or two less compelling tracks and occasional over-polish, yet most regard the collection as one of Elton's stronger late-period efforts and a meaningful collaborative achievement for Carlile. For readers searching for a clear verdict on Who Believes In Angels? the critical consensus suggests it is worth hearing for its standout songs, vocal chemistry, and emotionally resonant moments—particularly the best songs named above. Below, the full reviews unpack how these themes and tracks shape the album's place in both artists' catalogs.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
The Rose Of Laura Nyro
Little Richard’s Bible
Swing For The Fences
Never Too Late
You Without Me
Who Believes In Angels?
The River Man
A Little Light
Someone To Belong To
When This Old World Is Done With Me
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 9 critics who reviewed this album
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Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile make a winning team on Who Believes In Angels?, and the best songs show why. Helen Brown's review revels in the record's old-school, dad-rockin' fun while admiring the moments of real emotional payoff.
Key Points
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“Never Too Late” is the album's most immediate, radio-friendly standout because of its hymn-like chorus and echoes of classic Elton piano rolls.
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The album's core strengths are its old-school AOR charm, heartfelt vocal chemistry, and frank confrontation with ageing and mortality.
Themes
Th
Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile make a convincing team on Who Believes In Angels?, with the best songs showing genuine spark. The rollicking “Little Richard’s Bible” and the full-blooded duet “Swing for the Fences” feel like real meeting points where both artists push each other and raise their game. The title track “Who Believes In Angels?” offers rousing piano balladry, while the closer “When This Old World Is Done With Me” supplies a remarkably poignant end-of-life reflection. This album answers searches for the best tracks on Who Believes In Angels? with performances that favor classic, melody-driven songwriting and clear vocal chemistry.
Key Points
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The best song moments, notably “Little Richard’s Bible” and “Swing for the Fences”, succeed because both artists push each other and raise their game.
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The album’s core strengths are classic, melody-driven songwriting, strong vocal chemistry, and emotionally resonant closers.
Themes
Ho
Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s Who Believes In Angels? feels big-hearted and soaring, and the review flags “Swing For The Fences” as one of the most assured pop tunes Elton has ever written. The reviewer points to tribute pieces like “The Rose Of Laura Nyro” and “Little Richard’s Bible” as thematic highlights, while praising the Tina Turner-tinged “The River Man”. Only “You Without Me” is called out as probably the only sub-par number, otherwise this is celebrated as a real winner.
Key Points
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“Swing For The Fences” is the album’s standout, praised as one of Elton’s most assured pop tunes.
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The album’s core strengths are its big-hearted, soaring quality and clear tributes to musical influences.
Themes
Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile make a persuasive case on Who Believes In Angels?, where the best songs - notably “Never Too Late” and “You Without Me” - underline the album's strengths. The record feels reflective yet vigorous, Carlile often foregrounded while Elton's piano and echoing support recall his 1970s heyday. Opener “The Rose Of Laura Nyro” and rockier cuts like “Swing For The Fences” show this is one of Elton's strongest collections in years. The partnership reads as a marriage made in heaven, making the best tracks stand out for their vocal chemistry and rootsy ambition.
Key Points
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The best song highlights Carlile's vocals and intimate indie-folk style, making “You Without Me” stand out.
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The album's core strength is the complementary vocal partnership and a return to Elton's rock and Americana roots.
Themes
Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s Who Believes In Angels? feels like a rejuvenation, equal parts homage and renewal, with the opener “The Rose Of Laura Nyro” standing out as the obvious standout and earworm. The review savours the stomping “Little Richard’s Bible” and the pensive title track “Who Believes In Angels?” for their energy and moral weight, while the closing “When This Old World Is Done With Me” supplies moving, unsentimental reflection on mortality. The reviewer’s tone is celebratory but measured, treating the record as both a career highlight for Carlile and a late flourish for John.
Key Points
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The opener "The Rose Of Laura Nyro" is best for its magnificent, earworm arrangement and standout harmonies.
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The album’s core strengths are equal partnership, reverent pastiche, and thoughtful reflections on mortality.
Themes
Critic's Take
Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s Who Believes In Angels? feels like a heartwarming burst of rejuvenation, with the best songs balancing sweep and spark. The review singles out “Swing For The Fences” as the best duet, a rhinestone-rock splurge that captures youthful exuberance, while ballads like “Never Too Late” and “Who Believes in Angels” are praised as sweeping statements about making the most of life. The opener “The Rose Of Laura Nyro” is likened to a modern Candle in the Wind tribute, and Carlile’s quiet “You Without Me” shows off intimate indie-folk shades. Overall, the album’s best tracks mix classic Elton gestures with fresh reflection, making these the clear best songs on Who Believes In Angels?.
Key Points
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“Swing For The Fences” is the best song because it is called the best duet and praised as a youthfully upbeat, rhinestone-rock highlight.
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The album’s core strengths are its reflective ballads and classic Elton gestures reimagined through rejuvenated collaboration.