Elton John recently pulled back the curtain on a chaotic journey of creating his new album, "Who Believes in Angels?," offering an intimate look into his creative challenges through behind-the-scenes footage.
The New York Post reported that despite facing a series of emotional and creative struggles, John completed his latest musical endeavor, set to be released on April 4.
The footage unveiled John's tempestuous recording sessions, where he navigated through a myriad of emotions while crafting his first album in four years.
Collaborating with Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt, and Bernie Taupin, John faced both artistic frustrations and moments of doubt during a 20-day recording period in October 2023. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, fans got an up-close look at the arduous process.
"He was a nightmare," John confessed in a voice-over, candidly acknowledging the emotional toll the project took on him.
The footage revealed scenes of John in heated exchanges with Watt, who was tasked with producing the album. When asked if he was prepared to begin recording, John sarcastically retorted, “Why do you think I am sitting here?”
Watt, attempting to manage the volatile studio environment, tried to assure John of his commitment to the project: “I am just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You are so impatient!” John's raw exclamation, describing the experience as "a f – – king nightmare," depicted his frustration and struggle for creative perfection.
The difficulties in the production were not limited to John's disposition. Brandi Carlile, one of John's collaborators, expressed feeling disconnected from the iconic artist.
“I am having a hard time connecting to Elton,” Carlile shared in a clip, elaborating in a voice-over about John's sensitivity and insecurities during high-pressure situations. Despite these challenges, the collaborative effort continued with determination.
John did not shy away from reflecting on the personal trials he encountered during the making of the album. "The reality is, I was exhausted," he openly stated, shedding light on a period of fatigue and doubt. He described feeling overwhelmed and irritable, with repeated internal questions about pursuing the project.
Despite the tumultuous exchanges and emotional upheaval, John was resolute in his commitment. Recognizing the contribution of his collaborators, he understood that walking away was not an option. “There were other people involved, I can’t abandon it,” John admitted, acknowledging the shared responsibility toward those invested in the process.
As the sessions progressed, there was a notable shift in energy. John began to find his footing, allowing creativity to flow more freely.
His desire to not only meet but exceed his own expectations as an artist emerged as a driving force. "I wanted to play better, sing better, write better, and challenge myself at the age I am," he explained.
Ultimately, the perseverance paid off. The music that once seemed elusive began to materialize in a form John was proud of.
Looking back at the completion of the album, he expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “This came out the way I wanted it to come out,” John proudly declared, affirming the success amid the struggle.
The journey to complete "Who Believes in Angels?" mirrored a saga of emotional resilience and artistic determination.
While the footage captured elements of discord, it also highlighted a collaborative process fraught with tension but not devoid of breakthroughs.
Fans and followers of John have already received a taste of the much-anticipated album with the release of its first single this past Wednesday. As the final countdown to the full album's release on April 4 begins, excitement builds around what John and his collaborators have created.
