Elaine Paige Teams Up w/Sinead O'Connor for New Tim Rice Tune

As previously reported, Elaine Paige 'The First Lady of West End Musical Theatre' is in the U.S. working on a highly anticipated new album, tentatively titled 'Elaine and Friends.'

Paige told the New York Post that the album would feature a new song by legendary lyricist, Tim Rice.  "[The song is] called 'It's Only Life,' which I'm doing with Sinead O'Connor. It's very dark but very beautiful," she told the Post's Michael Riedel.

The album will also feature duets with Dionne Warwick, Johnny Mathis, Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton-John and Barry Manilow. 'Elaine and Friends' will be released in the U.K. on November 1, with a U.S. release early next year.

The album's famed producer, Phil Ramone has previously produced albums for Warwick, Manilow, Newton-John and O'Connor (among his many famous credits including Frank Sinatra and Aretha Frianklin).  This is his first collaboration with Paige.

"It's Only Life" lyricist, Tim Rice touts an impressive resume as well. Best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber ('Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Evita'), Rice has also won and Academy award, a Golden Globe, a Tony and a Grammy.

Elaine Paige has brought to life many of Rice's words, including those of Eva Perón in 'Evita.' Highlights of Paige's career include 'Cats,' for which she made the song 'Memory' into a hit record, 'Chess,' 'Hair' and 'Sunset Boulevard.' She has been nominated for five Laurence Olivier awards. 

In addition to the stage, Paige has recorded over twenty solo albums and currently hosts a successful program on BBC Radio 2.