U2 announces new album ‘Carnaval De Luz’ for November release

Irish rock band U2 has announced their 16th studio album, ‘Carnaval De Luz’, scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. This marks the group’s first full-length studio album in nine years.

The announcement coincides with the band’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate, the group performed surprise guerrilla sets in Dublin, including a performance at Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where drummer Larry Mullen Jr. originally posted a notice seeking musicians in 1976.

Produced by Jacknife Lee, the 12-track album explores themes of spirituality, friendship, and resistance. It features notable collaborations, including a track titled ‘Torn’ which serves as the final recorded vocal performance of the late country music legend Dolly Parton. Other contributors include Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, and Ryan Tedder. The band also released the single ‘Silencio’, described as having surf-punk influences, following the earlier release of ‘Street of Dreams’ in July.