U2 has announced a new studio album, Carnaval de Luz, set for release on November 13, according to The Guardian. The 12-track record marks the band's first collection of new material in nearly a decade.
The closing track, Torn, features a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton, described in press materials cited by The Guardian as 'a tender country song detailing broken family ties, that holds wider resonances.' Parton died on August 25 at age 80.
Bono has said Parton 'got out of her sickbed' to record the vocal performance, according to RTÉ News and The Daily Caller, adding that U2 did not know at the time how critically ill she was. Billboard reported that Bono said Parton 'sang her heart out' during the session.
The song is being described across outlets as the final recorded performance of Parton's career.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported the album title, Carnaval de Luz, and its November 13 release date.
- Noted the album is U2's first new material in nearly a decade.
- Described Torn as the final recorded performance by Dolly Parton, who died August 25 at age 80.
- Cited press materials describing the song as a tender country song about broken family ties.
“U2 announce new album Carnaval de Luz, featuring final recording by Dolly Parton” — The Guardian
Center
- Focused on Bono's statement that Parton 'got out of her sickbed' to record the song.
- Reported that U2 did not know at the time that Parton was critically ill.
- Billboard cited Bono saying Parton 'sang her heart out' during the recording.
“Bono: Dolly Parton 'got out of sickbed' for final song” — RTÉ News
Right
- Highlighted Bono's quote that Parton 'got out of her bed to sing this song.'
- Reported the recording as Parton's final song before her death.
- Framed the story around Bono revealing details of the session.
“'She got out of her bed to sing this song'” — The Daily Caller
Questions readers ask
What is the name of U2's new album?
U2's 16th studio album is titled Carnaval de Luz and is set for release on November 13, according to The Guardian.
What song features Dolly Parton and Bono?
The album's closing track, called Torn, is a duet between Bono and Dolly Parton, described in press materials as a tender country song about broken family ties.
Why does this recording matter?
It is being reported as the final recorded vocal performance by Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 at age 80, before the release of U2's new album.
Did U2 know Dolly Parton was ill during the recording?
According to RTÉ News and The Daily Caller, Bono said U2 did not know at the time that Parton was critically ill, and that she 'got out of her sickbed' to record the song.
What did outlets across the political spectrum focus on?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the album announcement and track listing, center outlets focused on Bono's account of the recording session, and right-leaning outlets highlighted Bono's quote about Parton leaving her sickbed to sing.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Los Angeles TimesLeft-leaningDolly Parton recorded a duet with Bono before she died that will be on U2’s next album
- The GuardianLeft-leaningU2 announce new album Carnaval de Luz, featuring final recording by Dolly Parton
- BillboardCenterBono Says Dolly Parton ‘Sang Her Heart Out’ for Her Final Recording With U2
- RTÉ NewsCenterBono: Dolly Parton 'got out of sickbed' for final song
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningDolly Parton's Final Recording to Close U2 Album
- The Daily CallerRight-leaningBono Reveals Heartbreaking Details Behind Dolly Parton’s Final Song