Elton John, one of music’s biggest icons, recently welcomed Charlie Puth, an immensely talented singer-songwriter, to accompany him on his newest single “After All,” released on Wednesday, September 22.
John’s unique ability to blend pop and rock styles has been praised since the beginning of his career. With a whopping 32 studio albums under his belt, his last of which was released in 2016, we weren’t sure what we would see next from the esteemed musician or when it would appear, but this single sure did not disappoint.
Puth, a 29-year-old from Rumson, New Jersey, has received an abundance of recognition since the start of his professional career just five years ago. His most recent album Voicenotes was released in 2018, and although new music is often teased on his TikTok page, the single with John is the first he has been featured on since November 2020.
Photo Credit: Elton John
“After All” is the fourth single to be released from John’s upcoming album The Lockdown Sessions set to drop October 22. This is unlike any other album he has done before, in that every song features a collaboration.
John said in an Instagram post:
“I’ve ended with a selection of really interesting and diverse stuff that was completely different to anything I’m known for, stuff that took me out of my comfort zone into completely new territory.”
The single combines both John and Puth’s stylistic features with an overarching vintage tone. John’s keen talent on the electric piano is heard right as the song begins and Puth’s electronic beats are apparent throughout. The combination of both voices balances each other out perfectly and sets a great precedent for newer and older artists alike to collaborate. The whole song was written in 15 minutes when the two came together at Puth’s home, free of the expectation that any songwriting was going to take place. Puth explained, “Elton‘s musical genius and presence brought so much inspiration and joy to me that day, especially in a time when it seemed like the world was never coming back.”
John and Puth’s chemistry is easily detectable in their new single, which only leads us to be even more excited for John’s forthcoming 16-song album.
Stream “After All” on all music platforms.
Follow Elton John on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Charlie Puth on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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