U2 will release their 16th studio album, Carnaval de Luz, on Friday, November 13th, featuring a duet between Bono and late country music genius Dolly Parton on the final track, “Torn,” marking the band’s first album of new material since Songs of Experience in 2017.
Collaborations and Album Details on Carnaval de Luz
The closing track “Torn” is a tender country song detailing broken family ties, co-written by U2, Dolly Parton, and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, as reported by RTÉ. Carnaval de Luz comprises 12 songs exploring themes of spirituality, friendship, freedom, and endurance in the face of dark, encroaching forces.
Long-time producer Jacknife Lee helped create the record, which also features musical contributions from veteran collaborators Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. The release arrives on the heels of two EPs released earlier this year: Days of Ash, which engaged with contemporary political agency, and Easter Lily, a reflective rumination on friendship, ageing, faith, and death.
Tracklisting and Musical Direction
Guitarist The Edge described the new material to journalists as a “messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs” that notably features the first-ever use of flat-wound strings on a U2 recording. Alongside the album announcement, the band made a new track, “Silencio,” available on streaming platforms accompanied by a video shot in Mexico City by Cliqua, the directing duo Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez.
The full 12-song tracklisting for Carnaval de Luz includes:
- 1. Go (Carnaval de Luz)
- 2. La Reina
- 3. Street of Dreams
- 4. The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)
- 5. Superficiality
- 6. If the World Is at War, We Better Not Be
- 7. Silencio
- 8. The Greatest Show on Earth
- 9. Glorify
- 10. Midnight Sunshine
- 11. Can’t Stop Us Now
- 12. Torn (Feat. Dolly Parton)
50 Years Since Mount Temple
The album announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of U2’s formation. It was 50 years ago this week that drummer Larry Mullen Jr. pinned a handwritten note to a noticeboard at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin seeking musicians to form a band.
Did you know? The title of the record was first revealed by journalist Róisín Ingle on her podcast, marking half a century since Mullen’s initial school noticeboard advertisement.
Describing the mood of the record, Bono stated via press announcements: “Roll up, roll up, roll up! Bring your purple socks, your broken hearts, your rose-tinted naivety… oh be amazed in the hall of mirrors. There will be loud guitars, deep bass, some ecstatic rhythms, and, yes, some silver tears will make an appearance!”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Carnaval de Luz being released?
U2’s new album Carnaval de Luz will be released on Friday, November 13th.
Who sings with Bono on the song “Torn”?
The late country music genius Dolly Parton duets with Bono on the album’s final track, “Torn,” which was co-written by the band, Parton, and Johnny McDaid.
Is this U2’s first album since 2017?
Yes, Carnaval de Luz is U2’s first full-length album of new material since Songs of Experience was released in 2017.
What are your thoughts on U2’s upcoming album and the Dolly Parton collaboration? Leave a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter for more music news and updates.
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