U2 announce new album Carnaval de Luz featuring final Dolly Parton vocal

U2’s *Carnaval de Luz* Marks 50th Anniversary and Dolly Parton’s Final Collaboration

The Irish rock band U2 has unveiled its 16th studio album, *Carnaval de Luz*, set for release on November 13, 2026. The project, their first full-length album of new material in nearly a decade, features a poignant collaboration with Dolly Parton, whose final recorded vocal appears on the closing track, “Torn.” The album also celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary, with events including a surprise performance at their alma mater in Dublin and a rooftop gig on Grafton Street.

Released nearly nine years after their last studio album, *Songs of Surrender* (2023), *Carnaval de Luz* includes 12 tracks that blend rock, country, and electronic influences. The album’s title, meaning “Carnival of Light,” reflects a “messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs” according to guitarist the Edge. The band’s frontman, Bono, described the project as a return to “loud guitars, deep bass, and ecstatic rhythms,” emphasizing its defiantly joyful tone after the politically charged themes of earlier 2026 EPs.

Dolly Parton’s Final Vocal: A Bittersweet Closing Track

“Torn,” the album’s final track, marks Dolly Parton’s last recorded performance. The country legend, who died in August 2026 at age 80, recorded the duet with Bono in June while battling illness. Bono described the session as emotionally charged, noting that Parton “got out of her bed to sing this song” and that her frailty is audible in the recording. “I can’t even listen to it now,” he told *Rolling Stone*.

The song, co-written by Bono, Parton, and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid, explores fractured family relationships. Parton’s involvement was unexpected: she initially rejected a separate project influenced by Irish folk music but instead proposed “Torn,” asking Bono to reinterpret it. The finished track features pedal steel guitar from Daniel Lanois and drumwork inspired by Bob Dylan’s “Most of the Time.” Producer Garret “Jacknife” Lee confirmed that Parton approved the final mix before her death, expressing pride in her contribution.

U2’s announcement of the album coincided with the 50th anniversary of their formation. On August 26, 1976, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted a notice at Dublin’s Mount Temple Comprehensive School seeking musicians to form a band. The quartet—Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Mullen—went on to become one of rock’s most influential acts, with hits like “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”

EPs, Collaborations, and a Rhythmic Shift

*Carnaval de Luz* follows two surprise EPs released in 2026: *Days of Ash* (February) and *Easter Lily* (April). These projects, which each contained six tracks, laid the groundwork for the album’s sound. The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis praised *Days of Ash* for recapturing the “zeal, purpose, and belief” of U2’s peak years, while the new album expands on its “defiantly joyful” vibe.

The album’s tracklist features a diverse range of collaborators. Rosalía appears on “The Mirror Maker,” while EDM producer Martin Garrix co-wrote “Glorify.” Pop producer Ryan Tedder contributed to “Silencio,” a 2:35 rock’n’roll track released alongside the album announcement. Brian Eno, who produced U2’s seminal albums *The Unforgettable Fire* and *The Joshua Tree*, returns to co-write three tracks, while Daniel Lanois plays pedal steel on “Torn.”

U2’s 50th-anniversary celebrations extend beyond the album. The band performed a surprise rooftop gig on Dublin’s Grafton Street and held a secret concert at their old school, as reported by *msn.com* and *clutchpoints.com*.

Frequently Asked Questions

The release of *Carnaval de Luz* underscores U2’s enduring creativity and their ability to blend personal tributes with global themes. As the band prepares to celebrate half a century of music, the album stands as both a farewell to Dolly Parton and a bold step forward for the legendary group.