The Joshua Tree (Original Recording

This is a review of the twentieth anniversary edition. There are no extra tracks.`The Joshua Tree', originally released in 1987, is arguably U2's greatest album. Bill Flanagan, who has written the sleevenotes, is right when he says that, with this collection, U2 got to the top of the mountain. But whether he's right also to state that U2 were different from all the previous occupants of this rarefied position to use it "as a place to build a launching pad" to greater heights is open to conjecture. (The sleeve design sees the group crowded together in a wide desolate landscape, as if to emphasise their arrival at the top - or, alternatively, an admission that the world is bigger than they are.)Like `October', there are no mere filler tracks here. If the song structures appear formulaic - in particular Bono's vocal constructions, the production itself and the arrangements allow for much innovation, making each track distinct. For me, two tracks stand out: the opening `Where the Streets Have No Name' (I can't get enough of that guitar!), and (perhaps surprisingly) `Red Hill Mining Town'.Anyone new to U2 wanting to purchase one of their albums, should get this one.

I bought this on cassette ( remember them !) upon it's release, after hearing the single "With or Without You".That track is one of the best of all time, by any band, of any music genre.Considering I am a "progger" and into ELP, Yes, Rush, Marillion etc, this was a diversion from my usual music tastes.Of all the BIG, BIG, selling albums: Dark Side of the Moon, Thriller, Rumours, etc this, in my opinion, is the best.It just doesn't date and, was so unlike anything around at that time in 1987 and a welcome relief from some of the other "pop/synth stuff going on then.No-one plays guitar like The Edge; his distinctive "jangly" sound is magnificent throughout and Bono's vocals are exceptional and emotional.Two of the understated teacks are my favourites: " Red Hill Mining Town" and " One Tree Hill".One of the best albums ever made.

Great band,and excellent cd. I RECCOMEND THIS CD TO ANY U2 FAN

As you would expect - A fantastic album as ever and good to have a remastered version after losing my old copy.

The album is fantastic, I've been singing each song repeatedly every time I'm driving my car, much to the annoyance of my teenage daughter, especially when my wife joins in with me!The CD case that the CD came in was damaged, that was the only minor downside.

Taken me 30 years to listen to this but amazing! Favourite album. Getting chills when I hear the guitars in the first song.

I have no knowledge of this item as it was a Christmas gift. The recipient however, was very pleased with it . The item arrived within the dates given and was in excellent order. Excellent service

I wouldn't describe myself as a 'huge' fan of U2, despite liking most of what they produced. I had several albums on vinyl, til they went! At this stage I chose a few albums that stoood out and this is one of them.