U2's Next Album Is "Making Itself," Says Daniel Lanois

In June, Rock Daily reported that acclaimed artists/producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois were starting work with U2 on the band's next album, the follow-up to 2004's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Here's a status report, straight from Lanois, who has produced a handful of albums for the band, including 1984's The Unforgettable Fire, 1987's The Joshua Tree and 1991's Achtung, Baby: "We've been invited as writers this time," he says. "I did three writing sessions with Eno and U2 -- one in Fez, Morocco; two in France. It's going great. We're regrouping in November." He adds that "the record's kind of making itself." Lanois has included some footage of the Morocco sessions in his upcoming documentary, Here Is What Is, but the scenes are well into the film. "It just seemed to make sense there and I didn't want to take advantage of those guys. They're so kind to me," says Lanois. "They're saying, "Lanois, you're going to show us recording and we haven't even put out a record yet, c'mon." I said, "Aw, please. We're not going to give away anything and besides we've got twenty-five years together, throw me a biscuit [laughs]."

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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