Carnaval De Luz

U2 return with Carnaval De Luz, their 16th studio album and first collection of new material in nine years. Arriving in the band's 50th anniversary year, it's a record that finds Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. looking to push things forward rather than simply revisit their past. Produced by Jacknife Lee, the 12-track album has its roots in the two surprise EP releases, Days Of Ash and Easter Lily, which appeared earlier in 2026. Where those records explored more specific responses to the world around them, Carnaval De Luz brings together a broader collection of ideas around spirituality, friendship, freedom and finding some light in increasingly dark times.

Sonically, there's plenty going on. U2 have described the record as a return to some of their more experimental instincts, with Brian Eno back in the picture contributing synthesisers and co-writing on three tracks. “Go (Carnaval De Luz)” sets the scene, while “The Greatest Show On Earth”, “Glorify” and “Midnight Sunshine” bring together big melodies, restless rhythms and some of the band's more adventurous arrangements. There's also “Silencio”, a short, sharp burst of surf-punk energy that apparently takes its cues from the band's earliest influences. Martin Garrix also gets a co-writing credit on “Glorify”, adding another unexpected name to the mix.

The album's closing track is perhaps its most intriguing moment. “Torn” is a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton, featuring pedal steel from Daniel Lanois and co-written with Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid. A tender country-leaning song about broken family ties, it takes on an added poignancy as Parton's final recorded vocal performance. It's quite a remarkable collaboration on paper, but apparently a rather moving one in practice, and an unexpected way to bring a U2 album to a close.

The title itself refers to carnival as a celebration of life and the physical world, sitting just before the reflection and restraint of Lent. That idea runs through the record, with the band seemingly interested in the contradictions between joy and darkness, faith and doubt, and the things that make us human. Bono has talked about making the melodies sweeter and the songs shine brighter when the world outside feels increasingly bleak, which gives the album a sense of optimism without pretending everything is fine.

After nine years without a full studio album, Carnaval De Luz is certainly an ambitious way for U2 to mark their half-century together. There's Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, surf-punk, country music and a final appearance from Dolly Parton, all held together by a band that still seems keen to experiment with its own identity. Whether you're here for the grand gestures or the stranger musical detours, there's plenty to get your teeth into.

LP/CD

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)

3LP Box Set

Carnaval De Luz

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)

Days Of Ash EP

1. American Obituary
2. The Tears Of Things
3. Song Of The Future
4. Wildpeace (ft. Adeola & Jacknife Lee)
5. One Life At A Time
6. Yours Eternally (ft. Ed Sheeran & Taras Topolia)

Easter Lily EP

1. Song For Hal
2. In A Life 
3. Scars 
4. Resurrection Song
5. Easter Parade 
6. COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times? 

3CD

Carnaval De Luz

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)

Days Of Ash EP

1. American Obituary
2. The Tears Of Things
3. Song Of The Future
4. Wildpeace (ft. Adeola & Jacknife Lee)
5. One Life At A Time
6. Yours Eternally (ft. Ed Sheeran & Taras Topolia)

Easter Lily EP

1. Song For Hal
2. In A Life 
3. Scars 
4. Resurrection Song
5. Easter Parade 
6. COEXIST (I Will Bless The Lord At All Times?