New Album Release
U2 Announces First Album in Nine Years Featuring Final Dolly Parton Duet
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Bono said Dolly Parton recorded her vocal for “Torn” in June and, after becoming ill, got out of bed to sing it. Parton later approved the final mix and was proud of the recording, producer Jacknife Lee said.
2
Bono and Johnny McDaid reshaped “Torn” around the story of a mother watching her family split apart. Larry Mullen Jr.’s drum part was inspired by Daniel Lanois’s production on Bob Dylan’s “Most of the Time.”
3
The Edge said the album marks the first time U2 has used flat-wound strings on a recording. Its opening track, “Go (Carnaval de Luz),” is described as Suicide-influenced, with the Edge calling it a “statement of intent.”
4
U2’s two surprise EPs and the album together contain 24 new songs. Producer Jacknife Lee called the band’s work during the period unprecedented and said they were enjoying making music together.
5
The “Silencio” video was filmed in Mexico City and directed by Cliqua, the Mexican-American duo of Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez.
U2 will release *Carnaval de Luz* on November 13, marking the band's first full album of new material in nine years and their 50th anniversary. The 12-track record features a duet between Bono and late country legend Dolly Parton on the closing track "Torn," described as Parton's final recorded vocal performance Far Out Magazine.
Produced by Jacknife Lee, the album completes a spiritual trilogy that began with surprise EPs *Days of Ash* and *Easter Lily*. The band also unveiled "Silencio," the first single, filmed in Mexico City Rockcellar Magazine. U2 recorded 24 new songs in total across the three releases.
Dolly Parton's Final Gift to U2
Dolly Parton recorded her vocal for "Torn" in June despite being seriously ill. Herald Scotland reports Bono noted that Parton got out of bed to sing the track. She co-wrote the song with U2 and Johnny McDaid, with Daniel Lanois adding pedal steel. Parton later approved the final mix and felt proud of the recording, Herald Scotland said.
Bono and McDaid reshaped "Torn" around the story of a mother watching her family split apart. The song marks a historic moment — Parton's final vocal performance on any recording before her death in August 2026 East Lothian Courier.
A Fresh Sound With Rare Instrumentation
The Edge revealed that *Carnaval de Luz* marks the first time U2 has used flat-wound strings on a recording. The opening track, "Go (Carnaval de Luz)," draws influence from the post-punk band Suicide. Rockcellar Magazine notes The Edge called it a "statement of intent" that signals the album's bold artistic direction.
Larry Mullen Jr.'s drum part on "Torn" was inspired by Daniel Lanois's production work on Bob Dylan's "Most of the Time." The album brings together veteran collaborators like Brian Eno alongside new partners like Martin Garrix and Ryan Tedder, who provided additional production on "Silencio."
Surprise EPs Lead Into the Main Event
U2 released two unexpected 6-track EPs earlier in 2026 — *Days of Ash* and *Easter Lily* — linked to the liturgical calendar of Lent and Easter. Together with *Carnaval de Luz*, the releases total 24 brand-new original songs. Producer Jacknife Lee described the band's work during this period as unprecedented and noted they were clearly enjoying making music together.
Silencio Arrives With Mexico City Visuals
U2 released "Silencio" as the album's lead single, featuring additional production by Ryan Tedder. Rockcellar Magazine reports the accompanying music video was filmed in Mexico City and directed by Cliqua, the Mexican-American duo of Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl "RJ" Sanchez. The track signals a return to U2's rock roots with early surf-punk energy.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
43
Articles
172
Reach
215
A
AnonymousAuthor
