U2 is officially entering a new era, and one song on the legendary rock band’s upcoming album immediately caught fans’ attention. The Irish group has announced Carnaval De Luz, its 16th studio album and first collection of new album material in nine years. The record is scheduled for release on November 13, 2026, with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. all returning for the new chapter.
But among the album’s intriguing song titles, one stands out: “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía).” The title initially sparked reports that Spanish superstar Rosalía had recorded a collaboration with U2. There is an important twist, however. According to subsequent reporting, Rosalía does not actually perform on the song. Instead, she inspired it.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesIs Rosalía Featured on U2’s “The Mirror Maker”?
At first glance, it certainly looks that way. “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” appears on the official Carnaval De Luz tracklist, while another song, “Torn,” is explicitly listed as featuring Dolly Parton. U2’s official store also lists “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)” without a “feat.” designation.
Consequence reported that a source confirmed Rosalía inspired the U2 song but is not one of the album’s featured collaborators. Spanish outlet LOS40 subsequently reported the same clarification.
Exactly how her music, image, or artistic approach influenced the track has not yet been publicly detailed.
U2’s New Album Carnaval De Luz Arrives in November
Carnaval De Luz will arrive November 13 through Island Records and marks U2’s first studio album of entirely new material in nine years.
© Getty Images for U2Produced by longtime U2 collaborator Jacknife Lee, the project explores spirituality, friendship, freedom and endurance in the face of darker forces, according to the band's announcement. U2 says the music also combines echoes of its more experimental periods with tightly constructed songwriting.
The album arrives during an especially significant moment in the band's history.
September 2026 marks 50 years since Larry Mullen Jr. placed a handwritten notice at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin looking for musicians to form a band. That meeting eventually produced the group that became U2. Five decades later, they are still experimenting.
© Getty ImagesThe Edge described the new record as a “messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs,” while Bono framed Carnaval De Luz around the idea of responding to darkness with louder music, bigger stories and brighter songs.
U2 Releases New Song “Silencio”
While listeners will have to wait to hear the full story behind “The Mirror Maker (Rosalía),” U2 has already offered another preview of the album.
The band released “Silencio” alongside the album announcement. Running just 2 minutes and 35 seconds, the song is described by U2 as an homage to the attitude of early surf punk. Ryan Tedder provided additional production on the track, while its music video was filmed in Mexico City and directed by Mexican-American duo Cliqua, Pasqual Gutiérrez and Raúl “RJ” Sanchez.
“Silencio” follows “Street of Dreams,” which was released in July as the first song from the upcoming album.
The Spanish-language touches are hard to miss. Beyond Carnaval De Luz and “Silencio,” the album includes “La Reina,” while “The Mirror Maker” carries Rosalía’s name in parentheses.
Dolly Parton Appears on U2’s New Album
There is one major guest appearance that is explicitly confirmed.
Dolly Parton appears on the album-closing track “Torn.” The song was co-written by U2, Parton, and Johnny McDaid, with Daniel Lanois contributing pedal steel guitar. It has been described as Parton’s final recorded vocal performance.
© NBCOther familiar names are involved behind the scenes. Brian Eno contributed co-writing and synthesizers to “Go (Carnaval De Luz),” “The Greatest Show on Earth,” and “Can’t Stop Us Now.” Martin Garrix has a co-writing credit on “Glorify,” while Lanois appears on “Torn.”
Those collaborators connect the new album to different periods of U2’s history while also introducing contemporary influences.
U2 Carnaval De Luz Tracklist
The announced 12-song tracklist is:
- “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)
