After bringing Tanya Tucker and Joni Mitchell back from the dead, Brandi Carlile has done it again. This time she has revived Elton John, who after a triumphant Glastonbury had declared himself exhausted and retired (from touring anyway). Here with Brandi’s help, he sings using every ounce of what voice he has left and sounds like a man reborn. 

But this isn’t an Elton John album produced by Brandi Carlile. Elton has done something important for Brandi in return – he has humbly let her take the lead across much of the album, sharing the spotlight and the billing. The results are powerful and moving.