Dolly Parton’s Final Recorded Vocals Featured on New U2 Track “Torn”

U2 will commemorate their 50th anniversary as a band later this year with the release of their 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz. The iconic rock group, renowned for their contributions to music, announced the album's details on Thursday (Sept. 24). The band's first full album of new material in nine years also includes a video for the second single, "Silencio," featuring a chaotic dancehall aesthetic.

The track "Silencio" boasts a pulsating beat and Bono's vocals singing, "There's a quiet where a baby doesn't cry/ There's a hush where a mother might sigh/ Oh Mary mama angel offer her a choice." The music video, shot in Mexico City and directed by Cliqua, showcases the band performing in a Mexican dance hall with lyrics displayed on the screen in black and red.

Carnaval De Luz was recorded in various locations and produced by Jacknife Lee. The album explores themes of spirituality, friendship, freedom, and endurance amidst challenges. Co-writing and production credits include Brian Eno, Martin Garrix, Daniel Lanois, Ryan Tedder, and Daniel Lanois. The album features a collaboration with late country icon Dolly Parton on "Torn," which marks her final vocal performance. The song delves into broken family ties and has broader implications.

The band's 16th studio album serves as the follow-up to their 2017 release, Songs of Experience. Earlier this year, U2 also released two EPs, Days of Ash and Easter Lily. In a statement, Bono described the album as a "messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs" and revealed the first-ever use of flat-wound strings on a U2 recording. Guitarist The Edge added that the album features a "messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs."