COMMENT: U2’s timeless masterpiece

THERE is simply nothing more evocative of time and place than music.

Take U2’s seminal album, ‘The Joshua Tree’, for instance. The Dublin band have just embarked on a world tour to mark the 30th anniversary of what is widely considered to be their career-defining masterpiece. 

Those lucky enough to secure tickets can join in the celebrations when Bono and the boys return to Croke Park in July.

To be honest, I was never U2’s biggest fan. I admired their success, for sure, and was proud to hear Bono name-check Dublin during their triumphant ‘Live Aid’ performance. I had seen them live in Croke Park in 1985, which was my first stadium rock concert experience.

But a full decade into the band’s career, I had never bought a U2 album – until ‘The Joshua Tree’ was released.

I vividly remember that I was studying for my Leaving Cert when I first heard the intro of ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ playing in the background on a small radio/cassette. The infectious organ intro had me instantly hooked and when The Edge chimed in with his trademark guitar sound you knew you were in for something pretty special.

Once the bass and drums kicked-in, the song had timeless rock classic written all over it. It’s also one of Bono’s finest vocal performances, underpinned by well-written lyrics.

On the strength of the opening track alone, I bought ‘The Joshua Tree’ the next day. And I wasn’t to be disappointed. There wasn’t a dud song on the album: the gospel tinged ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For; the brooding melancholy of ‘With or Without You’; the unashamed politics of ‘Bullet the Blue Sky’; the reflective balladry of ‘Running to Stand Still’.

In the ‘80s, we lived in an era where global politics was dominated by the likes of Regan and Thatcher. The threat of terrorism was on our own doorstep as the conflict in Northern Ireland raged on.

Fast-forward to 2017 and we still have plenty to fear: the ongoing Isis terrorism; Britain’s exit from the EU; and the fact that the most powerful country in the world is led by a former reality show star. Played against the backdrop of today’s world issues, ‘The Joshua Tree’ sounds as fresh and relevant as ever.