Renowned musician Elton John is eagerly anticipating the release of his highly-anticipated collaborative album with Brandi Carlile, scheduled to debut next week. In a candid recent interview, the legendary artist shared that working on this upcoming record has prompted him to confront profound themes of mortality and self-reflection, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career.

The new album by John and Carlile, titled Who Believes in Angels?, is set to launch on April 4. This eagerly awaited release features singles like the title track and the energetic “Swing for the Fences,” which are generating excitement among fans. During the announcement of the record, John candidly described the creative process as a dual experience, noting it was both “one of the toughest I’ve ever made” and “one of the greatest musical experiences of my life.” Such reflections reveal the emotional depth and complexity behind the music, underscoring the significance of this album in his career.

In a recent episode of the popular Smartless podcast, released to subscribers on Tuesday, March 25—coinciding with John’s 78th birthday—the artist shared that the album’s closing track resonated with him on a personal level due to its profound themes. This moment of introspection offered listeners a glimpse into the emotional landscape that influenced his songwriting, highlighting the weight of his experiences as he navigates this stage in his life.

“I wrote a song at the end of the album and I just get the lyrics, Bernie Taupin’s lyrics,” John recounted. “As I was composing the verse, I thought, ‘Oh, this is really pretty.’ But then I reached the chorus, and it was about my death. This stark realization brought forth a wave of emotion that was hard to contain.”

Reflecting on his age, John stated, “When you reach my age, which is nearing 100, you ponder the question, ‘How much time do I have left?’” His thoughts turned towards his loved ones, including his husband, David Furnish, and their sons, Zachary and Elijah. “Having children and a wonderful husband makes you reflect on mortality more deeply. When I reached the chorus, I broke down for 45 minutes – and it’s all captured on film,” a testament to the emotional intensity of the moment.

The recording sessions for this deeply personal album were documented as part of the film Elton John: Never Too Late, which premiered in October to critical acclaim. The titular song “Never Too Late” will also appear on Who Believes in Angels? and was recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, showcasing John’s ongoing impact on the music industry and the emotional resonance of his work.

“I hope everyone gets to see it because it’s really human, deeply flawed, and at times embarrassing,” Carlile added, emphasizing the authenticity of their creative process. “The moments you forget there’s a camera present reveal the genuine nature of our experiences, making the entire journey truly fascinating.” This candid perspective invites listeners to connect with the artists on a deeper level.

In the upcoming episode of the Smartless podcast, set to be released to all listeners on March 31, John also reflects on his early career as a solo musician. “I never envisioned myself as a solo artist,” he shared. “During my time with the band Bluesology, I took a significant risk by approaching Liberty Records, expressing my desire to write songs. I was frustrated with being part of a band that lacked ambition, and I wanted the opportunity to showcase my singing talent too.” This insight into his past highlights the determination that shaped his successful career.