There is no way that I can even do justice to the title of this piece. I am too wrapped up as a fan to turn a coherent, critical eye to the U2 masterpiece Joshua Tree.

See, I already called it a masterpiece in less than 3 sentences.

Recently I was browsing through my CD's looking at release dates to see how long I have owned and/or listened to the music in my collection. Also, anytime I slide in a CD in the car, my son asks how old it is. Getting to the U2 stacks, of which there are three, I flipped over Joshua Tree and read: 1987. Really? Was it is that long ago?

A lot has happened in 15 years. I graduated from high school, college, and law school. Ran through a bunch of bad mistake girlfriends and finally found "the one" and got married. I have two kids, a car payment, a mortgage and work as an attorney. Not to mention the world is completely different place.

But, I can still remember where I was in 1987 (I was 13) the first time I heard "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For." Strangely enough, it wasn't on the radio. For some reason, I didn't listen to a lot of radio then. Earlier that year I found about U2 while looking through the "Nice Price" tape collection and came across Live Under a Blood Red Sky, thought the cover was neat and bought it. Hooked instantly. Not life changing yet. I think I responded to the music more than the words. The music seemed important, and big and wide open.

I had heard that U2 released a new album that year, but being of limited funds (remember, I am 13), I waited and asked for Joshua Tree for Christmas.

The tradition in my family is let the kids open a small present on Christmas Eve. The little box I opened that night was Joshua Tree. I could hardly stand it, sitting around another hour or so with the adults. I wanted to listen and listen bad. Finally, it was time for bed, and I grabbed my Grandma's little tape player and headed to the bedroom.