Bono Clarifies U2's Tribute to Rosalía on New Album
U2 frontman Bono explained that the track 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)' on their upcoming album is a celebration of the Spanish singer's artistic courage, not a romantic pursuit. The song, which features Bono impersonating Rosalía's soprano voice, was recorded after he contacted her through mutual friend Penélope Cruz. The album, 'Carnaval de Luz,' also includes a final duet with the late Dolly Parton and marks the band's first new material in nine years.
Key points
- Bono told Rolling Stone that U2 usually writes about prisoners or the dead, but this track celebrates Rosalía because she is an 'extraordinary artist' who approaches art with 'great courage and great self-effacing humor.'
- The track, titled 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía),' features Bono singing in Rosalía's soprano style; producer Jacknife Lee confirmed they kept this version after realizing a guest vocal would be nonsensical.
- Bono contacted Rosalía via Penélope Cruz to request permission, noting that Rosalía was 'really encouraging' and they have continued texting, though they have not yet met in person.
- The album 'Carnaval de Luz' is set for release on November 13 and includes the final recorded duet 'Torn' with Dolly Parton, who passed away in August after recording the track in June.
- The Edge described the album's theme as 'defiant joy' in dark times, while Bono noted the record was created during a 'disturbed period' globally, drawing inspiration from the liturgical calendar.
Background
U2 announced 'Carnaval de Luz' as their 16th studio album and first release in nearly a decade, coinciding with their 50th anniversary. Previous coverage highlighted the album's inclusion of Dolly Parton's final vocal performance and collaborations with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The new tracklist includes Spanish-language lyrics and a structure based on the liturgical calendar, moving from Carnival to Easter.
How outlets are covering it
Stereogum focused on the specific controversy and explanation regarding the Rosalía track, highlighting Bono's humorous admission about 'narcissism' and his awkwardness in reaching out to the singer. Rolling Stone provided a broader context of the album's creation, emphasizing the band's struggle with relevance, the emotional weight of Dolly Parton's final recording, and the thematic concept of 'defiant joy.' While Stereogum noted the confusion over the track title, Rolling Stone framed the album as a risk-taking effort to break from past formulas, contrasting the lighthearted Rosalía tribute with the somber 'Torn' duet.
Why it matters
The clarification resolves confusion surrounding the track title and highlights U2's continued relevance at their 50th anniversary. The album's release signals a return to ambitious, risk-taking music after a nine-year hiatus, featuring significant collaborations with both living icons like Rosalía and the late Dolly Parton, reflecting the band's evolving artistic direction.
What to watch
U2 is scheduled to release 'Carnaval de Luz' on November 13. The band is currently rehearsing for a stadium tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Bono plans to send Rosalía the final mix of 'The Mirror Maker' once it is complete, though he has not yet met her in person.
- Bono Explains Why U2 Wrote A Song About Rosalía Stereogum
- U2 Dream It All Up Again Rolling Stone
- U2 Wrote a New Song About Rosalía. Bono Was Nervous to Ask Her Permission to Release It: ‘I Look Like a Stalker’ People.com
- Dying country star left bed rest to record one final song with legendary band Syracuse.com
- Dolly Parton posthumously duets with Bono on new U2 album Yahoo
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