audio review : Who Believes In Angels ( album ) … Elton John + Brandi Carlile

audio review : Who Believes In Angels ( album ) ... Elton John + Brandi Carlile

The cover photo is tacky and gay, but Elton John’s been that way for decades. Why he decided to bring Brandi Carlile into his wacky world to the point of making a whole album together is one of the universe’s great mysteries, but conceptually it comes across more like his than hers. She’s not even on the last and best song; a poignant lament entitled When This Old World Is Done With Me.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

audio review : Something About The Way You Look Tonight ( song ) … Elton John

The best part of this song, which is conceptually reminiscent of Chris De Burgh’s Lady In Red; though, knowing Elton John, he’s probably singing about some dude; comes at the end. “The way you look tonight,” he says with passion, stretching the word “look” out to three seconds. I love that part.

my rating : 4 of 5

1997

audio review : Solid Wall Of Sound ( song ) … A Tribe Called Quest ( featuring Busta Rhymes + Elton John )

This concert anthem doesn’t get good until near the end when what serves as the chorus; a bit of an old Elton John ballad sampled and looped; is dropped for something more original and much easier on the ears. The drums stay the same, but the enveloping music changes into a melodic wonderment of sorts.

“A million watts are shaking the room,” Q-Tip sings as you wonder why the whole song doesn’t sound like this, “In just a few hours, you’re going to feel the burn.” Is that really new Elton John singing with him? If so, that’s epic. I just wish they’d abandoned the Bennie And The Jets sample and used this part for the chorus.

my rating : 3 of 5

2016

audio review : We Got It From Here [ Thank You 4 Your Service ] ( album ) ... A Tribe Called Quest