There are actually three consecutive hits to open the album each one was huge and remain rock staples to this day. Following the opening track is “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For”, a similar song in its building, pulsing style, but more restrained and less aggressively driving. Again there are great lyrics that are put over the top by Bono and a great sing-along chorus. The third of the big hits to start off this album might be in their top 5 hits of all time: “With or Without You”. A slow burning ballad it serves almost as the climax to the two previous songs when listened to in order because it builds and builds, just like the previous two, but eventually explodes with Bono's huge wailing vocals in a sort of emotional outpouring that is just spine tingling.... A great love song, or is it? I always found it interesting how this song is viewed as although the lyrics are confessional and emotional they're a bit darker than is evident on the first listen and I think this song is often misinterpreted, but it's still a great song none the less.
“Bullet the Blue Sky” follows and is also one of my favorite U2 songs of all time with it's howling guitars, hypnotic pulse an darker outlook. It's a bit different than some of the bigger hits that the band produced, and that's part of the reason I like it as it's a good contrast to their more straightforward pop moments. Plus it has great poetic imagery that ranges from haunting to spoken word, really creating a great feel throughout. “Running to Stand Still” is soft and sorrowful throughout with it's soft piano, guitar accents and drum beats, but there is a subtle country twinge in its guitar licks and closing harmonica that really add depth. “Red Hill Mining Town” is one another one of those standout songs in my mind. A powerfully emotional song with a slower beat, and ringing guitar parts, but it's once again Bono's vocals that really put this song over the top with a massive “bring the audience to tears” type chorus. I'm also fond of the simple backing vocals on the chorus that really seem to add just the right accent and touch of a choir like effect. Great song that could easily sound melodramatic, but I think is executed perfectly and serves as a great midpoint for the album.
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.