Entertainment · Music · 8 hrs ago
U2 return with their first album of new songs in nearly a decade
U2 have released Carnaval de Luz, their first album of new original songs in nearly a decade.
The Dublin band’s 16th studio album arrives after years in which their newer work struggled to match their earlier success.
The group sound refreshed, with Larry Mullen Jr back on drums after medical issues.
The record pairs loud guitars and energetic rhythms with songs about hope, faith, empathy and relationships.
Its songs include “Go (Carnaval de Luz),” “La Reina” and “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which features Brian Eno’s contribution.
The album aims for a defiantly joyful mood amid anxious times, while drawing on the band’s familiar sound.
It also connects with U2’s earlier Days of Ash and Easter Lily EPs as part of a wider conceptual arc.
U2 have released Carnaval de Luz, their first album of new songs in nearly a decade.
The 16th studio album features the band’s original members, including drummer Larry Mullen Jr, who has returned after medical issues.
The album’s songs focus on themes including hope, faith, empathy and the possibility of change.
The Guardian describes the record as a return to a more confident, guitar-driven sound, while Rolling Stone praises its focused, cohesive production.
The album follows the band’s 2017 collection Songs of Experience and connects the previously released EPs Days of Ash and Easter Lily.
- Who
- U2, the Dublin rock band.
- What
- The band has released Carnaval de Luz, its 16th studio album and first album of new songs in nearly a decade.
- When
- The album was reviewed on November 8 and 9, 2026. The exact release date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Bono said the return to “loud guitars” was intended to create “a more defiantly joyful feel to take on these anxious times”.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bono recalls the band’s beginnings at Mount Temple comprehensive school in Dublin.
U2 released Songs of Experience, their last collection of original songs before Carnaval de Luz.
U2 released the Days of Ash EP.
Rolling Stone published its review of Carnaval de Luz.
The Guardian published its review of Carnaval de Luz.
- Album
- Carnaval de Luz
- Band
- U2
- Studio album number
- 16th
- Previous album of original songs
- Songs of Experience, released in 2017
- Drummer
- Larry Mullen Jr returned after medical issues
- Producer
- Jacknife Lee produced the album; Brian Eno assisted on The Greatest Show on Earth
2 sources
What people are saying
a more defiantly joyful feel to take on these anxious times