This is the ninth in a series of Rock & Roll features I'm writing for this site. I'm a rock and roller, so this column is a way for me to feature a different album that I like, from different genres every month.
Some bands have been larger than life since day one... I think U2 is the epitome of the statement. When they came onto the scene in the late 70s and early 80s their unique blend, a kind of post punk rock and roll with plenty of political statements in epic arena rock format, there was no doubt they had the vision for something huge, and indeed they became something huge. After much artistic experimentation, having delved into electronica/dance and coming somewhat full circle back to the more driving rock and roll that made them famous originally, they're still huge, now 30+ years later.
I came to U2 unfortunately through a “Best of” collection, never my favorite way to first experience a band as they rarely give a truly accurate representation of what the band sounds like. When I came back to listen to the band's actual albums a few years later I found, as is typical, some of their best songs were not the hits at all. A good example is the album that really solidified them as one of the biggest bands of all time, an album that will actually have its 20th anniversary sometime in 2007 as well: The Joshua Tree. One of my favorite U2 albums, and not just because it contains my favorite U2 song of all time, “Where the Streets Have No Names”, but also because it contains some of the best songs from the band's career and really works as a complete work. The Joshua Tree is not just one of the seminal U2 albums for me, but one of the seminal rock and roll albums of all time, and that it why I chose it for this month's feature.
A song that as I said, is my personal favorite and was also one of their biggest hits, opens the album. “Where the Streets Have No Name” is a driving rocker with layer upon layer of guitar tracks that sound both huge and spacious at the same time. It is a sound that is pretty unique to this band and the guitar style of U2 guitarist, the Edge, and makes this song sound so epic from the very first notes. Bono's soaring vocals push the song further in typical fashion and really set the tone for the album; anthemic, powerful and emotional.
Article comments
1 - jerry
Great article! Nice breakdown of the whole album. I have seen them once and its still one my best concerts ever. Every time I hear "Where The Streets Have No Name" its like you a starting a new journey each time.
2 - Allegra
Thank you so much for writing this wonderful article. Most people these days are writing about how they hate U2 and Bono when they don't have a clue what they're talking about or they're just jealous. Not only does The Joshua Tree stands on it's own, the songs do as well, espeically live. Hearing those songs live at a U2 show totally takes it to a new level, and one cannot understand the power of them unless they are there in person. I have been a fan of U2 since the mid 80's, but I didn't become a huge fan until I saw them live for the very first time during the Elevation tour in November of 2001. I've heard Streets for years and years, and I've always have loved The Joshua Tree album, but after hearing those songs live, my eyes well up everytime I hear it. Why now and not back when I first heard the song in the 80's? It's not just Streets, it's all of U2's songs. Everytime I hear any U2 song randomly played on the radio now, I start getting choked up. U2 has a special power, but I think in order to get the whole package, you need to see them in person as well.
3 - JC Mosquito
Yeah, everyone luvs J Tree. I was more moved by their previous album, War. I like some of their newer stuff too. J Tree and Unforgettable Fire both seem so overproduced after the first three albums stripped down rock and roll to their essentials.
I think the previous comment aboout how you have to hear these songs live is probably accurate - the arrangements would have to have to be at a minimum for a four piece band to pull them off without backing musicians.
4 - CYNTHIA
Nice review of a fantastic album. "Streets" is my favorite song also - in person, at a stadium of thousands of people, it's like soaring on wings. I always think Bono is spot on when he says their music is "ecstatic" music, that they want to achieve "liftoff." I have always felt that "Streets" is the definitive of ecstatic and liftoff, IMHO. ESPECIALLY live. There is nothing like it. They are the best band in the world - ever.