The album that made U2 the biggest band in the world, widescreen and spiritual, anchored by its towering opening trio. Anthemic and assured. Their masterpiece. Not the headline release, but a genuine highlight.
On vinyl: Many '80s records have had strong reissue programmes — check for a recently mastered version.
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Tracks from this album on our lists
- With or Without You on Best Songs of the 1980s, Best 1980s Rock Songs
- Where the Streets Have No Name on Best Rock Songs of All Time
- I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For on
We don't reproduce full tracklists — only the songs from this record we've featured in our best-of lists.
More from U2 — where to go next
If you have The Joshua Tree, these are the U2 records worth reaching for next.
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1
The Joshua Tree1987 · you're viewing this oneStart here
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2
The Unforgettable Fire1984 · RockEssential
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3
Boy1980 · RockClassic
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4
War1983 · RockClassic
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5
Achtung Baby1991 · RockClassic
If you like The Joshua Tree, try
Appetite for DestructionGuns N' Roses
Nothing's ShockingJane's Addiction
GracelandPaul Simon
SoPeter Gabriel
PumpAerosmith
Brothers in ArmsDire Straits