According to Rolling Stone, the album increased the band's stature 'from heroes to superstars'. The Joshua Tree received critical acclaim, topped the charts in over 20 countries, and became the fastest-selling album in British history. They represented this in the sleeve photography depicting them in American desert landscapes. Throughout the sessions, U2 sought a 'cinematic' quality for the record, one that would evoke a sense of location, in particular, the open spaces of the United States.

Recording was completed in November 1986 additional production continued into January 1987. Several events during the sessions helped shape the conscious tone of the album, including the band's participation in the Conspiracy of Hope benefit concerts for Amnesty International, the death of roadie Greg Carroll, and lead vocalist Bono's travels to Central America. Recording began in January 1986 in Ireland, and to foster a relaxed, creative atmosphere, the group primarily recorded in two houses. Inspired by American experiences, literature, and politics, U2 chose America as a theme for the record. The album is influenced by American and Irish roots music, and through sociopolitically conscious lyrics embellished with spiritual imagery, it contrasts the group's antipathy for the 'real America' with their fascination with the 'mythical America'. In contrast to the ambient experimentation of their 1984 release, The Unforgettable Fire, the band aimed for a harder-hitting sound within the limitation of conventional song structures on The Joshua Tree. It was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and was released on 9В March 1987 on Island Records. The Joshua Tree is the fifth studio album by Irish rock band U2. ' I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.

U2 the joshua tree scene