Bono has detailed the track-by-track creative journey behind U2’s new album, Carnaval de Luz, offering an inside look at studio friction with Brian Eno, Latin American surrealism, and grief.
The album opens with “Carnaval de Luz,” an track described as an invitation to the best night of anybody’s life. Recorded with producer and long-time collaborator Brian Eno, the song relies on custom-built studio noises rather than preprogrammed synthesizer patches. Bono said that Eno frequently wanted to disrupt conventional song structures.
“When Eno feels we might be getting too close to what could too easily be described as a song, he wants to destroy it,” Bono said.
- Brian Eno and Jacknife Lee build out the sonic architecture of the piece.
- Cultural Influences: The text mentions the Catalan singer Rosalía.
The track “La Reina” examines the tradition of carnival royalty and the inversion of social hierarchies. Bono said that during Francisco Franco’s regime in Spain, carnivals were banned for being overly free.
“We should not forget and even be encouraged that in Spain during Franco’s time, carnival was cancelled for being a little too free,” Bono said. Rex and David Bowie.
Bono explained that the song explores community renaissances in Latin America, specifically highlighting Mexico City’s art scene.
“Edge came up with the little prayer to open and close it… Well, it’s a gigantic prayer; there’s no such thing as a little prayer,” Bono said, adding that the guitarist humorously claimed special permission to plagiarize Psalm 61.
On “The Mirror Maker,” the band pays homage to Catalan singer Rosalía and her Motomami tour. Bono and his daughter Jordan found inspiration in her blend of flamenco traditions and modern performance.
“Me pongo guapa para Dios … I want to look hot for God, you understand?” puts a whole other spin on dressing up in your Sunday best,” Bono said.
“A level of darkness in the world that’s too much to bear. We mustn’t bear it,” Bono said.
Inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s film about Elvis Presley, Bono wanted to write a song about an entertainer trying to be real.
“Christianity once was the greatest show on earth for a lot of people,” Bono said, adding that he wishes to worship in what he describes as the Church of Love. “Many have their doors open and their pews empty. I pray for revival.”
