U2

The Joshua Tree

First released1987

The Joshua Tree was recorded between 1986 and 1987 across multiple studios including Sun Studio in Memphis, Island Def Jam Studios in New York, and various facilities in Dublin and Los Angeles. Producer Daniel Lanois, known for his work on U2's previous album The Unforgettable Fire, returned to helm the project alongside co-producer Brian Eno, who served in a more limited capacity. The band employed innovative recording techniques including the use of analog tape and unconventional miking methods to capture a more spacious, atmospheric sound distinct from their previous work. The album's production was influenced by American musical traditions and landscapes, with the band drawing inspiration from roots music and the American Southwest during the recording sessions. The Joshua Tree was released in March 1987 and became one of the best-selling albums of all time, significantly influenced by Lanois's distinctive production aesthetic that emphasized space and clarity in the mix.