Sir Elton John has achieved his 10th UK number one album with Who Believes In Angels?, a collaborative project with American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Released on April 4, 2025, the album marks a significant milestone in Elton John’s illustrious career, coming 52 years after his first chart-topping record.
The album was conceived and recorded over a 20-day period in October 2023 at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studios. Alongside Elton John and Brandi Carlile, the project features contributions from longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt. Notable musicians such as Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Josh Klinghoffer, and Pino Palladino also participated in the recording sessions.
Who Believes In Angels? comprises ten tracks, including the Oscar-nominated “Never Too Late,” originally featured in Elton John’s Disney+ documentary of the same name. The album blends Elton John’s classic, melody-driven songwriting with Brandi Carlile’s country-rock sensibilities, resulting in a collection that critics have described as both heartfelt and adventurous.
The album’s themes revolve around resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of collaboration. Tracks like “Swing for the Fences” serve as anthems for the LGBTQ community, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities boldly. Despite facing personal challenges during the recording process, including recovery from a hip replacement and vision difficulties due to an eye infection, Elton John described the project as one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.
The album’s success has been met with critical acclaim, with The Times naming it among the best albums of 2025 so far. With this release, Elton John joins the ranks of artists like Abba, Queen, Kylie Minogue, and Michael Jackson, each having ten UK number-one albums. The Beatles and Robbie Williams currently hold the record with fifteen each.
Elton John’s UK number one albums
Who Believes In Angels? (2025)
Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player (1973)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Caribou (1974)
Elton John’s Greatest Hits (1974)
Sleeping With The Past (1989)
The Very Best Of Elton John (1990)
Good Morning To The Night (with Pnau) (2012)
Diamonds (2017)
The Lockdown Sessions (2021)
