Overview
- Carnaval De Luz, released on Friday, November 13, 2026, is U2's 16th studio album and their first album of new material in about nine years.
- The record follows two surprise 2026 EPs, Days Of Ash and Easter Lily, and uses Christian calendar imagery to explore themes of faith, renewal, friendship and freedom.
- Longtime collaborator Brian Eno supplies key sonic touches while guest appearances include Rosalía and a Dolly Parton duet that French coverage reports as Parton's final recorded vocal.
- Critics in the coverage call the album a creative rebound for the band, with some describing it as U2's strongest work since 2000 while also noting a handful of uneven tracks.
- The return of drummer Larry Mullen Jr. is credited with energizing the group and the band is moving back into large‑scale shows, with Paris stadium dates next spring reported sold out.