  
  
Direction & Production

Sonic

Guitarist The Edge has characterized the project as a "messy, provocative, sacred collection of songs" featuring the first-ever use of flat-wound strings on a U2 album. In a parallel statement, Bono promised a return to large, energetic sounds: "There will be loud guitars, deep bass, some ecstatic rhythms and, yes, some silver tears." \[[1](https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/u2-carnaval-de-luz-dolly-parton-final-vocal-rosalia-track-list-1236346332/), [2](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/sep/24/u2-announce-new-album-carnaval-de-luz-featuring-final-recording-by-dolly-parton)\]

The primary production duties were handled by long-time U2 collaborator Jacknife Lee. The record also features a mix of veteran and contemporary musical partners:

* **Brian Eno:** Co-wrote and played synthesizers on three tracks.
* **Daniel Lanois:** Played pedal steel on the closing duet.
* **Martin Garrix:** Co-wrote the track "Glorify".
* **Ryan Tedder:** Contributed additional production.
* **Rosalía:** Features vocally on the song "The Mirror Maker". 

Direction & Production of COL (Eno, Lanois Garrix, oh my!)