On Friday, November 13, U2’s album “Carnaval De Luz” was released. It closes with “Torn,” a duet with Dolly Parton, which the publisher describes as her last recorded vocal performance.
“Torn” is the final track on U2’s 16th studio album, released by Island Records. It is the band’s first full album in nine years. The song premiered on country radio on Thursday, November 12, and on Friday it arrived on streaming services along with the entire album.
What we know about the song
The music was written by Dolly Parton, U2 and Johnny McDaid, and the lyrics by Parton, Bono and McDaid. McDaid is a member of Snow Patrol. According to the publishers, “Torn” is a gentle country song about broken family ties, which also carries a broader meaning. Parton’s vocals were produced by Kent Wells and mixed by Joel McKenney. Daniel Lanois played pedal steel.
Parton recorded her part in June. She died in August, as we reported in our article about the death of Dolly Parton at the age of 80. The information that this was her last recorded vocal was already given in the September album announcement, which said it had “sadly” turned out to be her final recording.
Two versions of the song
Alongside the album version, a version titled “Torn (Kent Wells Version)” was released. It is promoted by Big Machine Records, Parton’s last record label.
The album “Carnaval De Luz”
The album was announced as part of celebrations marking the band’s 50th anniversary. Collaborators include Brian Eno, co-writer of, among others, “Go (Carnaval De Luz),” “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “Can’t Stop Us Now,” and Martin Garrix on the track “Glorify.” Additional production was provided by Ryan Tedder. The track “Torn” is listed as “feat. Dolly Parton.”
