Elton John isn’t quite done with the studio just yet. Despite calling time on touring with a monumental Glastonbury send-off, he’s been quietly putting together something new, and he’s broken the news in the most old-school way possible: handwritten letters to fans.
Yes, in an age where most artists tease projects through cryptic Instagram posts or surprise drops, Elton has gone full classic rock icon and penned personal notes to select superfans. Those lucky enough to receive one have wasted no time flooding fan forums with scans of the letters, confirming what many had hoped: a brand-new studio album is on the way.
And it gets better: Brandi Carlile is heavily involved. “When we met, I fell in love with her, and we connected straight away,” Elton writes, calling their bond “one of the greatest friendships of my life.” That chemistry has translated into music, with the pair working alongside longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt to craft what Elton describes as “a truly collaborative album inspired by our musical heroes and our journey together.”
It’s clear the sessions were intense. Twenty days, fourteen songs. Ten will make the final cut, with Elton pushing himself harder than ever: “I wanted to play better, sing better, write better, and challenge myself creatively. It was one of the most difficult creative processes I’ve ever been through, but I couldn’t be prouder of the outcome.”
This marks Elton’s first full studio album since 2016’s Wonderful Crazy Night. His 2021 release, The Lockdown Sessions, was more of a guest-heavy experiment than a traditional Elton John record, featuring collaborations with Dua Lipa, Young Thug, and Stevie Nicks. This time, though, it’s all about the music that made him who he is.
There’s even a dedicated website where fans can sign up for updates, further hinting that an official announcement is imminent.
Interestingly, Pete Townshend spilled the beans on this project over a year ago in an interview, revealing that Elton had flown to LA to record with Carlile and came away calling it “one of the best things they’ve ever done.” It seems the legend wasn’t exaggerating.
Expect more details to emerge soon, but for now, one thing’s clear: Elton John is still full of surprises.
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