The Joshua Tree Review: U2's Big, Open Road Album
9/10 — U2 - The Joshua Tree (1987)
Pros
- Three huge singles
- The Edge's guitar sound
- Expansive production
Cons
- Earnest to a fault
- Weaker second half
The Joshua Tree was inspired by the band’s fascination with American music and landscape, and it was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. It made U2 one of the biggest bands in the world.
What works
‘Where the Streets Have No Name’, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and ‘With or Without You’ are huge, and The Edge’s chiming guitar is distinctive. Bono’s voice is passionate, and the album’s atmosphere is expansive.
Where it falters
The earnestness can be overbearing, and the second half is less strong.
Verdict
A soaring, ambitious record that still sounds massive.
