Dolly Parton’s final vocal on new U2 album
Fifty years later, U2 is back with a monumental creative statement, marking a significant milestone with their first album of new material in nine years. The group has unveiled Carnaval De Luz, a twelve-track journey slated for release on November 13 via Interscope, signaling a powerful new chapter for the iconic band.
This year has been a period of unexpected musical exploration, with the band also releasing the six-track EPs Days of Ash and Easter Lily. These projects, recorded concurrently with the new album, frame themselves within a sequence tied to the liturgical calendar: Lent, Easter, and now Carnival, weaving spiritual and celebratory themes into the musical tapestry.
The sound of Carnaval De Luz is a masterful blend of U2’s experimental impulses and direct songwriting. Produced by Jacknife Lee, the album delves into profound subjects, exploring spirituality, friendship, freedom, and perseverance against what the band describes as “dark, encroaching forces.” Tracks like “The Greatest Show on Earth,” “Glorify,” and “Midnight Sunshine” showcase this expansive lyrical and musical vision.
Adding to the sonic landscape is the brand-new single “Silencio,” a brisk 2:35 blast imbued with early surf and punk attitude, enhanced by production from OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. The single features a Mexico City-shot video directed by the Mexican-American duo Cliqua, Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez.
The album is rich with unexpected collaborations, featuring contributions from longtime collaborator Brian Eno, who contributed to several tracks; Martin Garrix, who co-wrote “Glorify”; and Daniel Lanois, who added pedal steel to “Torn.” The project also includes a deeply moving feature on the closing track, “Torn,” a duet between Bono and the late Dolly Parton. This song, co-written by U2 and Parton, carries particular weight as it marks Parton’s final recorded vocal performance, addressing fractured family relationships with poignant honesty.
The creative sequence connects directly to U2’s history, following the moment years ago when Larry Mullen Jr. posted a notice seeking musicians. As the band moves forward, they continue to explore complex emotional territory, exemplified by the track list of Carnaval De Luz, which includes anthems like “Go (Carnaval De Luz),” “Street of Dreams,” and the unforgettable “Torn (Feat. Dolly Parton).”
U2 is widely expected to embark on a tour in 2027, following this release. The band will also be honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year during a tribute ceremony on February 5th at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, just ahead of the Grammy Awards.
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