Elton John has scored the 10th No.1 album of his career with Who Believes In Angels? (EMI/Interscope), the collaborative record with US singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile.
It is the first chart-topping record for Brandi Carlile, who has never reached the UK Top 40 as a solo artist before.
The album was produced by Andrew Watt, while John’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin also worked on the project. Management duo David Furnish and Rachael Paley at Rocket Entertainment spoke to Music Week for an in-depth interview about the album.
Who Believes In Angels? is Elton John’s second No.1 album of 2025, following the chart-topping result for compilation Diamonds at the start of the year. The music legend’s hits collection was first released in 2017.
Who Believes In Angels? opened at No.1 with consumption of 22,843 units (20,927 physical copies, 1,004 downloads and 912 sales-equivalent streams), according to the Official Charts Company. As well as being Elton John's 10th No.1 album, it is his 34th Top 10 and 49th Top 75 album in a chart career spanning almost 55 years.
Island EMI Label Group president Louis Bloom said: “Who Believes In Angels? is two remarkable artists at the peak of their powers coming together to make a record for the ages. It’s the perfect album, brilliant songs from truly great songwriters, Elton, Brandi, Bernie, and masterful producer Andrew Watt and sublime musicianship from Chad Smith, Pino Palladino and Josh Klinghoffer.
“It was only a few weeks ago that we were celebrating Diamonds giving Elton his ninth No.1 album and here we are celebrating his 10th with one of the most acclaimed albums of his career.”
Who Believes In Angels? is two remarkable artists at the peak of their powers coming together to make a record for the ages
Louis Bloom
Elton John was joined by his management and label team for a photo presentation, including a birthday gift from Universal Music UK: a framed memento from the time Little Richard recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
“Elton has long been one of the most iconic artists in the history of popular music but it’s his boundless creativity, his need to always move forward and to collaborate, decades into his fantastic career, that makes him the most revered and respected artist out there,” added Bloom. “When you consider his philanthropy, his activism and his incredible support for new artists, he continues to be a huge inspiration to us all.
“It is such a privilege and pleasure, as a lifelong fan, to have the opportunity to work with such a giant of the entertainment world. Special thanks to Sam Lunn, Alastair Smith, Alex Sayers, Marisa Hemson, Phil Blackler for another exceptional campaign, and of course to Elton, David and Rachael, for being so fantastic to work with. Here’s to more No.1s and more music from the genius, Elton John.”
David Furnish, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Catherine Carlile
David Furnish and Rachael Paley, of Rocket Entertainment, said: “What an achievement for Elton and Brandi! His 10th No.1 and her first. We are over the moon to be hitting this major milestone for both artists. Hitting No.1 and receiving all the critical acclaim for Who Believes In Angels? richly rewards the creative brilliance of Elton, Brandi, Bernie and Andrew and all their hard work. Massive thanks to everyone at Universal for their partnership.”
Catherine Carlile, Phantom Management, said: “This is a major milestone and career highlight for Brandi and Elton. This is Brandi’s first ever No.1 album, and to have achieved this honour with her heroes and friends Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt makes this accomplishment even more profound.
"We have been overwhelmed by the universal critical acclaim and praise for Who Believes In Angels?. It is a testament to the extraordinary talents of Brandi and Elton and the authenticity of this soulful collaboration. Huge thanks to Universal for their hard work, dedication and belief in this project.”
The chart result means that Island EMI achieved consecutive No.1s following the chart-topping Rushmere by Mumford & Sons in the prior week. The label group finished Q1 on top of the market share results.
PHOTO: (L-R) David Furnish (CEO Rocket Entertainment), Louis Bloom (president Island EMI Label Group), Elton John Nickie Owen (president international marketing Universal Music UK), Sam Lunn (director of strategic marketing Island EMI Label Group), Alex Sayers (marketing director Island EMI Label Group), Rachael Paley (artist manager Rocket Entertainment)
Photo credit: Ben Gibson
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