The Joshua Tree is considered by many, including myself to be U2's masterpiece, surpassing even War and Achtung Baby. There are some of U2's most brilliant tracks on this record, and I think it is an essential album, for nearly anyone. The messages on this album are very direct and personal, which I consider to be a good thing.
Where The Streets Have No Name- This song is my all time favourite track from U2. The synth and picked guitar notes at the beginning continue to give chills, even though I have been listening to the song for over 2 years. The lyrics are also great, they are about the third world stuff in Ethiopia. This song is truly one of the greatest acheivements of mankind (well it's close anyway) 5.5/5
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For- This is a great song, but I do find it a bit overrated. Great riff and lyrics, but U2 have definately done better. But as I said, Great song. 4/5
With Or Without You- This is another brilliant U2 track. I have no problem saying that it is one of the best songs I have ever heard. There is a very catchy line in the form of "You give yourself away". Great Bass line in here too. There is a part in the song where Bono starts wailing, which is the peak of the song. Very good indeed. The Edge does some great licks in this song. 5/5
Bullet The Blue Sky- A darker number, it was covered by Sepultura, i beleive. A great song with some good riffs. Nothing much else to say about it. 4/5
Running To Stand Still- A great song, mostly on piano with a few effects in the background. The song sounds great and fits into the album well. Not a masterpiece, but a very solid song. 4/5
Red Hill Mining Town- Some good riffs here, and a very catchy chorus. The lyrics here are also top class. One of the finest hours of the album in my opinion. 5/5
In God's Country- The intro riff to this song reflects "Where The Streets Have No Name". This is a great song with a good feel to it. The Edge's guitar work is great here and definaty worth a mention. 4/5
Trip Through Your Wires- This song has more of a bluesy feel to it, and features a harmonica. I think that this is one fo the lower parts of the album, but still a decent song, no need to press the skip button. 3/5
One Tree Hill- Great song again, still no "Where The Streets Have No Name" but and excellent number nonetheless. Great licks from the Edge again, and nice relaxing vocals from Bono. 4/5
Exit- Bono starts the track by singing solo. His "out of tune" signature becomes apparent here. The song then morphs into a great number with great drumming, guitar licks and a pounding bass line. The bass finishes the song off. This is one of The Joshua Tree's finest moments. 5/5
Mothers Of The Dissapeared- A slower number for the album closer. Great song with lots of synth sounds and acoustic guitars. The song has a very lullaby feel to it. Great stuff. 5/5
Overall, this album gets a 5/5. One of the greatest albums ever I'd say. If you buy this disc, you won't be dissapointed.