U2’s Carnaval De Luz arrives November 13, 2026, marking the band’s first full-length studio album of new material in nine years. The 12-track release is U2’s 16th studio album and arrives during the group’s 50th anniversary year. For listeners searching for the Carnaval De Luz release date, tracklist, collaborators and new songs, here is what the band and its label have confirmed.
The album follows Songs of Experience, released in 2017, and comes after two separate six-track EPs U2 released earlier in 2026: Days of Ash and Easter Lily. The band has described the new record as exploring spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance. Its release announcement also points to a mix of experimental textures and direct, song-driven writing.
When does U2’s Carnaval De Luz come out?
Carnaval De Luz is scheduled for release on Friday, November 13, 2026. Island Records announced the date in September, and U2’s official website lists the same release date. The album is being offered in digital formats as well as standard and limited physical editions, including vinyl and CD packages. Availability and pre-order options can vary by country and retailer.
U2 Carnaval De Luz tracklist
The official album announcement lists 12 songs. The tracklist includes collaborations with Rosalía and Dolly Parton, plus contributions from several producers and musicians who have worked with U2 across different eras.
- Go (Carnaval De Luz)
- La Reina
- Street of Dreams
- The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)
- Superficiality
- If The World Is At War We Better Not Be
- Silencio
- The Greatest Show On Earth
- Glorify
- Midnight Sunshine
- Can’t Stop Us Now
- Torn (feat. Dolly Parton)
Track listings can occasionally differ between announcement materials, regional product pages and final streaming listings. Check U2’s official album page or your music service on release day if you need the definitive order for the edition you are buying or streaming.
Who worked on the new U2 album?
Jacknife Lee produced Carnaval De Luz, continuing a creative relationship with the band. The announcement names Brian Eno as a co-writer and synthesizer contributor on several songs, Martin Garrix as a co-writer on “Glorify,” Daniel Lanois on pedal steel for “Torn,” and Ryan Tedder for additional production on “Silencio.” Those credits point to a record that draws on U2’s long history of working with producers and collaborators outside the core four-member lineup.
Rosalía is credited on “The Mirror Maker.” Dolly Parton appears on the closing track, “Torn,” which was co-written by U2, Parton and Johnny McDaid. The album announcement describes the recording as Parton’s final recorded vocal performance. That is a notable detail, but the song should also be understood as part of the album’s wider themes of family ties and endurance rather than treated only as a celebrity feature.
What is “Silencio,” and is there an official video?
“Silencio” was released ahead of the album and arrived with an official music video directed by Cliqua, the directing duo of Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez. U2’s official site hosts the lyric video, while the label announcement identifies the track as one of the album’s more distinctive experiments. The song gives listeners an early indication of the album’s sound before the full record arrives.
The band also released “Street of Dreams” in July. Together, the early singles give listeners two different entry points: one track tied to the band’s anniversary-year activity and another that previews the album’s more unusual sonic direction.
Why is the album called Carnaval De Luz?
The title connects the album to the two EPs U2 released earlier in 2026. The band’s explanation places Days of Ash and Easter Lily within a seasonal and symbolic sequence, with Carnaval De Luz looking toward celebration, light and togetherness. The title also fits the album’s cover image, which shows the four members walking along a beach in a bright, open setting.
U2’s official announcement describes the record as a collection of songs about spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance in difficult times. That framing gives the album a thematic connection to the group’s 50th anniversary, while the collaborators and varied production credits suggest a willingness to keep changing its sound.
Vinyl, CD and other editions
U2 has announced several physical formats, including standard vinyl and CD as well as limited-edition packages. Some variants are retailer or territory exclusives, so packaging, bonus materials and stock can differ. Fans comparing editions should check the exact product listing before ordering, especially if they are collecting a specific colour pressing or box set.
For listeners who mainly use streaming services, the album is listed for November 13 on Apple Music. Pre-release pages may show incomplete metadata before the full album becomes available, so the final track duration and sequencing should be checked after launch.
What U2 fans should know before release day
- Release date: November 13, 2026.
- Album number: U2’s 16th studio album.
- Track count: 12 songs in the official announcement.
- Producer: Jacknife Lee.
- Notable collaborators: Rosalía, Dolly Parton, Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, Daniel Lanois and Ryan Tedder.
- Early tracks: “Street of Dreams” and “Silencio.”
- Physical formats: Standard and limited vinyl and CD editions, alongside digital release.
Frequently asked questions about U2’s Carnaval De Luz
Is Carnaval De Luz U2’s first album in nine years?
Yes. U2’s official announcement describes it as the band’s first studio album of new material in nine years, following 2017’s Songs of Experience.
How many songs are on Carnaval De Luz?
The official album announcement lists 12 tracks, including “The Mirror Maker” with Rosalía and “Torn” featuring Dolly Parton.
Who produced Carnaval De Luz?
Jacknife Lee is the album’s producer. The release announcement also credits Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, Daniel Lanois and Ryan Tedder with specific writing, instrumental or additional production contributions.
Where can I listen to Carnaval De Luz?
The album is scheduled for November 13 on major digital music services, including Apple Music, as well as for physical release. Check U2’s official site and your preferred streaming service for availability in your region.
The bottom line
Carnaval De Luz is more than a new U2 release date on the calendar. It is the band’s first full studio album in nine years, a 12-song project arriving during its 50th anniversary year, and a record that brings together long-time collaborators with new voices. The tracklist, “Silencio” and “Street of Dreams” offer plenty for fans to explore before November 13. The clearest way to follow final release details is through U2’s official album page and the label’s announcements.
Sources and further reading
- U2 — Official Carnaval De Luz album announcement and tracklist
- Universal Music — Album release, collaborators and “Silencio” announcement
- U2 — “Silencio” lyric video
- Apple Music — Carnaval De Luz pre-release listing
- Associated Press — U2’s new album and Dolly Parton collaboration
Related reading: What to Stream and Listen to November 9–15.
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