U2 are returning with their first full-length album of new material in nearly a decade. The Irish rock legends have announced Carnaval De Luz, their 16th studio album, which will be released on November 13.
The 12-track record includes a very special collaboration with Dolly Parton. The closing song, “Torn,” is a duet between Parton and Bono and is described as her final recorded vocal performance. Parton recorded the song in June, and she also shares writing credits with U2 and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid.
The song is described as a tender country track about broken family ties, giving the collaboration an especially emotional character.
U2 have already released two songs from the upcoming album. “Street of Dreams” arrived in July, while “Silencio” was released alongside the album announcement. The band has also been active this year with two six-track EPs, Days of Ash and Easter Lily.
The new album reunites U2 with legendary producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Other collaborators include Martin Garrix and Ryan Tedder, adding several different musical influences to the record.
For U2, the album also arrives during a major anniversary year: the band is celebrating 50 years since its formation. Now, with Dolly Parton’s final recorded performance becoming part of the project, Carnaval De Luz is carrying an especially memorable piece of music history.
