Elton John's new album written in 20 days: 'Toughest I've ever made'

Elton John has announced the release of yet another album, written in just 20 days amid some serious health conditions.

It is called Who Believes in Angels? and the album is due out on April 4.

The 77-year-old music legend has collaborated with some big names for the album including US folk singer Brandi Carlile and his long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin, 74.

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John shared the news on Instagram along with a video showing behind-the-scenes of creating the album.

"This record was one of the toughest I've ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life," he wrote. "It has given me a place where I know I can move forward.

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"'Who Believes In Angels?' feels like going into another era and I'm pushing the door open to come into the future," he continued. "I decided I wanted to make an album with @brandicarlile because our friendship was so close, and I just knew the instinct that we could produce something really, really amazing.

"Along with my long-term collaborator @bernietaupinofficial and friend and ally @ThisIsWatt, we decided to go into the studio and try and make a truly collaborative album inspired from our musical heroes and our journey together," the musician explained.

"We started from scratch, with a blank notepad and a world-class band of legendary session musicians," he said.

"It was one of the most difficult creative processes I've ever been through, but I couldn't be prouder of the outcome. I wanted to make this record with Brandi because I knew what she's capable of, and I wanted to sing and play with her because I knew it would be special.

"'Who Believes In Angels?' the new album, out April 4th 2025, and title track OUT NOW! 👼🪽🚀"

Carlile shared the same video on social media, sharing her thoughts about the collaboration.

"Listen… if you know anything about me you know this: Elton John and I have been singing together basically my whole life – he just didn't know it. I've been working - and dreaming - my way towards this moment since I was 11 years old," she said.

"Every album I've ever made has carried Elton's name in the liner notes, my quiet thank you to the artist without whom I would have never written a song," she continued.

"It was impossible to imagine that one day, he'd not only be my hero, but probably my best friend. In some way though I think maybe I knew? I can't believe I'm getting to say this…" Carlile continued.

"𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬? The album I made alongside my musical soulmates @eltonjohn, @bernietaupin and @thisiswatt will be out April 4th 2025. And the title track is out NOW.

"Who Believes in Angels? I can tell you with absolute certainty that I do."

Elton John, who was knighted in 1998 making him Sir Elton John, has had an extensive career including 32 studio albums, five live albums, 10 soundtrack albums, 16 compilation albums, four extended plays, three tribute albums, four collaboration albums, and two holiday albums.

John has recently opened up about his various health challenges, including eyesight problems. He has also previously undergone knee operations and a hip replacement.

At the 2024 premiere of his new documentary film Never Too Late, he joked: "I don't have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don't have a prostate," Rolling Stone reported.

During an interview on Good Morning America alongside husband David Furnish, the musician spoke about his failing eyesight.

"I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France and it's been four months now since I haven't been able to see," he said.

"And my left eye is not the greatest, so. There's hope and encouragement that it will be okay and we're taking an initiative to try and get it better. At the moment that's really what we're concentrating on."

When asked about his general state of health John shared: "David and I always have our blood tests every six months in Los Angeles. Our health has never been better.

"It's never fortunate for anything like this to happen. I can't see anything, I can't read anything, I can't watch anything."

He has also kept fans updated on his various health struggles on social media, including on Instagram in September.

In the post he wrote: "Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.

"I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.

"I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks."

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