U2’s The Joshua Tree (1987) is the band’s fifth studio album, widely regarded as one of their most iconic and influential works. It blends rock, post-punk, and Americana influences to explore themes of spirituality, political struggle, and personal introspection. The album features some of U2’s most recognizable tracks, including “With or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name.” The record reflects a mix of U2’s Irish roots and their engagement with global issues, particularly the socio-political landscape of the United States. The Joshua Tree became a massive commercial success, earning U2 multiple Grammy Awards and cementing their place as one of the biggest bands in the world.
| Released | 9 March 1987 |
|---|
Drawing inspiration from American experiences, literature, and politics, U2 made America the central theme of their album. Recording began in January 1986 in Ireland, where the band chose to work primarily in two houses to create a relaxed and creative atmosphere. Several key events during the sessions influenced the album’s reflective tone, including the band’s involvement in the Conspiracy of Hope benefit concerts for Amnesty International, the tragic death of roadie Greg Carroll, and lead vocalist Bono’s travels to Central America. Recording was completed by November 1986, with additional production extending into January 1987. Throughout the sessions, U2 aimed to achieve a “cinematic” quality for the record—one that would capture a strong sense of place, particularly the vast open spaces of the United States. This vision was reflected in the album’s sleeve photography, which featured the band against the backdrop of American desert landscapes.
Side one
- “Where the Streets Have No Name” 5:38
- “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” 4:38
- “With or Without You” 4:56
- “Bullet the Blue Sky” 4:32
- “Running to Stand Still” 4:18
Side two - “Red Hill Mining Town” 4:52
- “In God’s Country” 2:57
- “Trip Through Your Wires” 3:33
- “One Tree Hill” 5:23
- “Exit” 4:13
- “Mothers of the Disappeared” 5:12
History of Sorts 
Leave a comment