Irish rock band U2 is set to release their first full-length album featuring new material in nine years. Titled “Carnaval De Luz,” this highly anticipated 12-track album will include a notable collaboration with country music icon Dolly Parton. According to Interscope Records, the album is scheduled for sale on November 13, and the band has already released a new track titled “Silencio.” Additionally, “Street of Dreams,” the album’s lead single, was made available to fans in July.
The Edge, U2’s guitarist, described the forthcoming album as “a messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs.” He emphasized its unique character, while lead singer Bono added that it will feature “loud guitars, deep bass, some ecstatic rhythms,” promising an exciting auditory experience for listeners.
“Carnaval De Luz” translates from Spanish and Portuguese to “Carnival of Light,” and the album is produced by Jacknife Lee, who has been collaborating with U2 since their 2004 release, “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.” The collaboration with Parton culminates in the last track on the album, titled “Torn.” This duet has been described as “what has sadly turned out to be her last recorded vocal performance,” as confirmed by a representative for the legendary singer. The song was co-written by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid from Snow Patrol, and it is characterized as “a tender country song detailing broken family ties that holds wider resonances.”
As U2 celebrates its remarkable 50th anniversary this year, the band has not been dormant during this period. Alongside their preparations for the new album, they released two EPs earlier in the year: “Days of Ash” for Ash Wednesday and “Easter Lily” for Easter, each consisting of six songs. These releases highlight their continued creativity and engagement with their audience, despite the long gap since their last full-length studio album.
The cover art for “Carnaval De Luz” features The Edge and Bono alongside drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton walking in a line on a beach. The imagery showcases Bono leading the group while dressed in a top hat and black coat, echoing the iconic Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album cover in a nod to the band’s musical heritage.
This combination of fresh material, significant collaborations, and the celebration of their longstanding legacy positions U2's “Carnaval De Luz” as one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
