"I don't think any of our work has ever come full circle to that extent," says the Edge, referring to 1987's The Joshua Tree. It's been 30 years since the album first hit the world, and Bono and co. has announced a 2017 The Joshua Tree Tour, on which the band will revisit songs like "Exit," "Trip Through Your wires," "In God's Country," "Where The Streets Have No Name," and of course, "With Or Without You." Released in the Reagan-Thatcher era of world politics, the tunes take on new meaning & relevance in the context of current social and political climate. U2 took a chance w/ 1984's The Unforgettable Fire as more ambient, atmospheric sounds took center stage. With that said, The Joshua Tree combines the intricate layers that decorated The Unforgettable… with the aggressive sound of 1983's War, and what comes forth is an undeniable rock record that has sold over 25-million copies worldwide. If you're a fan and have yet to secure a copy of this LP, don't sleep. This is the 20th anniversary reissue pressed on 180g double LP and includes a LP-sized 8-page booklet of lyrics, credits, and photographs.

• 180g pressing
• includes LP-sized 8-page booklet of lyrics, credits, photos
• music label: Island Records 1987 / 2016

reviewed by enbee 02/2017