U2’s 'Carnaval de Luz' Returns to Core Sound After Decade-Light Drought
U2 released their 16th studio album, 'Carnaval de Luz,' on November 13, 2026, marking their first full album of new material in nearly a decade. The record features 11 tracks, including a posthumous duet with Dolly Parton and a collaboration with Rosalía. Produced by Jacknife Lee with contributions from Brian Eno, the album reflects on the band’s 50-year history and recent political activism. Critics describe it as a return to the band’s core sound, contrasting with the experimental nature of their previous releases.
Key points
- Released on November 13, 2026, 'Carnaval de Luz' is U2’s first new album in nearly nine years.
- The album features a final recorded duet with Dolly Parton, who died in August 2026.
- Collaborations include Rosalía on 'The Mirror Maker' and Martin Garrix on 'Glorify.'
- Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. returned to the band after recovering from a neck injury that halted their 2023-2024 residency.
- The album includes tracks inspired by global conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine.
Background
U2’s previous albums, 'Songs of Innocence,' 'Songs of Experience,' and 'Songs of Surrender,' were criticized for being tedious and experimental. The band had not released new material since 2017. In 2023 and 2024, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. sat out the Las Vegas Sphere residency due to a neck injury, raising questions about the band’s future. The release of 'Carnaval de Luz' coincides with the band’s 50th anniversary and a planned 2027 stadium tour.
How outlets are covering it
The Los Angeles Times critic Mikael Wood praises the album’s 'defiant joy' and Bono’s vocal performance but criticizes some lyrics as 'embarrassing.' Pitchfork’s Sam Sodomsky rates the album 6.5, noting a return to the band’s core sound but criticizing the mid-album momentum. The Irish Times provides a track-by-track guide from Bono, emphasizing the album’s themes of community and faith. USA Today highlights the album’s unpredictability and the emotional impact of the Dolly Parton duet. Reader reviews on Pitchfork are mixed, with some praising the album’s playfulness and others calling it 'dad rock.'
Why it matters
The album marks a significant return for U2 after a nearly decade-long hiatus from new material. It reflects the band’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. The inclusion of collaborations with Rosalía and Martin Garrix, as well as the posthumous duet with Dolly Parton, demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment while maintaining their core sound. The album also serves as a statement on the band’s 50-year legacy and their continued relevance in the music industry.
What to watch
U2 is expected to embark on a 2027 stadium tour, with 'The Greatest Show on Earth' cited as a key track for live performances. The band’s next moves will likely be influenced by the album’s reception and their ongoing political activism. The 50th anniversary celebrations in Dublin may also influence future releases and tours.
- Review: U2 is a rock ’n’ roll band at the end of history Los Angeles Times
- U2: Carnaval De Luz Album Review Pitchfork
- Bono explains Carnaval de Luz: The singer’s track by track guide to U2’s new album The Irish Times
- With an assist from Dolly Parton, U2 defies expectations again | Review USA Today
- Out Now! U2.com
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