U2

Item: The Joshua Tree
Author: Christopher Wiitala

The Joshua Tree

(1987)

Reviewed by Christopher Wiitala

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Label Island RecordsHM Magazine #95May/June 2002

alternative rock post-punk rock

When The Joshua Tree was released in 1987, the eighties were in full swing. Most bands based their music in synthesizers and drum machines, playing new-wave pop. But U2, being the innovators that they always have been, remained un-swayed by what was happening around them in the world of music. The Joshua Tree is considered by many to be U2's finest record. It hurtled them into true rock-star status, prompting stadium tours and a nod from Rolling Stone as band of the 80's.

From the triumphant, "Where the Streets Have No Name," the searching "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," to the hauntingly dark, "Exit," each song throughout the record conveys a mood all its own. The well thought-out artistry of this record is heard in every musical and lyrical aspect. A combination of spiritual, romantic and political topics; ambient, open guitars and solid drums and bass convey a more mature, well-versed group. These songs are timeless. A lot of them are still staples in their live set (and probably always will be), and still get airplay as well.

Take "With Or Without," for example. Here's a simple song, with the long drawn out "infinite guitar," as the sleeve notes call it, the signature driving bass and drums, and some of Bono's best vocals. Yet it doesn't sound like anything from the 80s. It doesn't really sound like it's from any era specifically -- it sounds entirely and uniquely like U2. In fact, it's quintessential U2. The Edge's simple D chord melody at the end signifies a mature school of thought. It brings the song to its end without sounding too dramatic. Instead of shredding his way through a guitar solo, he subtly adds just the right touches by playing something simple and delicate, like a true guitar genius should.

Whether it's through lyrical or sonic expression, the influence of America through geographical make-up, culture, and foreign policies runs as a constant lyrical theme throughout the record, making this record one that should be perceived as a whole, almost like a concept record. Joshua Tree stands out as one of the more important records in the last two decades, because it was relevant then, and it's relevant now.

U2 doesn't bother with singing about things that don't matter. Their music is a voice, and what a loud voice that is.