Customer Ratings & Reviews

The 30th Anniversary re-release of "The Joshua Tree" album is certainly appropriate, given that it is one of the greatest rock recordings of all time, a landmark classic in every sense of the word, and undoubtedly THE breakthrough recording for U2. But if you have the original pressing (as tens of millions have), it's not entirely necessary to spend another $16.99 for the reissue of the original record - except that this comes with a bonus live CD, recorded at Madison Square Garden in 1987 during the heights of the Joshua Tree tour. They would re-visit the NYC area at Giants Stadium not too long after that, placing them as one of the premier touring rock bands of all time, a ranking that they still hold to this day. U2 was (and still is) one of those bands that even manage to make a stadium gig as intimate as a club date. The honest and inspiring music has always been a strong persuader in accomplishing that feat, but Bono is one of the few front men to have the charisma to pull it off consistently. Perhaps Springsteen is the closest counterpart in America to having this gift. Anyway, more to the point, the live CD is well-recorded, excellently performed and still captures some of the energy of the live performance that displayed just how special a experience it was to see and hear this band live on that monumental tour. The songs of "The Joshua Tree" album enraptured audiences around the world when originally released in 1986. But the live performances in support of the record cemented U2 as one of the greatest live acts in rock history. The live CD in this 30th Anniversary package is a testament to that. Summarily, that's what makes this re-issue worth buying.

The two-disc version of U2's release of their seminal The Joshua Tree album is essential for two kinds of people. First, for those just discovering U2 that don't already own a copy of The Joshua Tree should pick it up without question. It represents the pinnacle of U2's recording career when the band's passion and Bono's voice were at their peak, and the music was refreshingly original. Half of the album still plays on the radio as the music is ingrained in rock 'n' roll history, but the songs that don't get airplay are just as strong... there is no filler here. The other person this release is aimed at is the die-hard U2 fan that wants a definitive concert recording from the original tour. The November 1987 concert from Madison Square Garden contained here is just that. There is no extended monologue from Bono during Bullet the Blue Sky or Sunday Bloody Sunday, but the bulk of Joshua Tree and all of the material from previous albums you'd hope to hear are contained here, performed by the quartet in fine form. The band kicking in during the intro of Where the Streets Have No Name, the catharsis of Exit, and the one-off performance of I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For with the New Voices of Freedom backing are all goosebump-inducing. The only minor quibble is the electric piano seemingly struggling to find its rhythm during Running to Stand Still. This is a solid performance, and may contain the best live performance of "40" officially released on CD to date. The package is handsome and contains insightful liner notes, including details on the contributions and death of Gregg Carol, to whom the album is dedicated. The original album artwork graces the cover of the included booklet.

Sonically improved double cd edition (there is a 4 cd set available also but I am most content with spending under 20.00 for this ultra cool digipack 2 cd set which is the focus of this review. Its a KEEPER!!!! Truly one of the best albums in the history of British rock THE JOSHUA TREE just churns out the hits one by one and almost single handedley put U2 on the map. I whole heartedley recommend this amazing album in this updated form.

I've always thought that U2's Joshua Tree was one of the best rock albums made. My version came from a CD club in the 1990s, so when I found the anniversary edition at Best Buy I bought it. The bonus CD with this edition is a recording of a concert at Madison Square Garden, which is a bit like listening to music history. "In the Name of love" is definitely a highlight on that one.

This is one of those albums that everyone should own. A defining moment for U2 and a snapshot of the time. The album rings just as true today as it did when it was released in a lot of ways. The live disc, despite not having 'Bad' on it, is great. Don't skip this release. The two disc is well worth the price.

As a huge U2 fan I was happy to have found this CD at Best Buy. I was not aware that this particular CD was available with live tracks from Madison Square Garden. It's nice to be able to find unique items like this (especially since CDs have become dinosaurs) at a local "big box" store.

This anniversary release brings back memories of one of the best albums that U 2 made. The concert CD that completes the packet makes the price worth it all on it's own. Bullet the Blue Sky has all its intensity that I remember from seeing them in concert 30 years ago.

The Joshua Tree CD and tour was memorable. To purchase a CD that was important to the history of music was special. Best Buy is one of the few retail establishments to offer current CDs.It is important and I was grateful to obtain this memorable archive.

I remember the day The Joshua Tree cd came out 30 yrs ago and being at The Joshua Tree concert December 5, 1987 in Tampa, FL was a life-changing event for me!! These cds were such a part of my teenage years and the best U2 music ever! Lifelong U2 fan!

This 2 CD set is awesome ! The concert CD of the Joshua Tree tour brings me back to when I saw them live in the 80`s on this tour. Plus you get a copy of the album on CD. Too. If u like u2 or went to that concert tour, this is a must have!!

It is hard to review one of the bands best albums in their long list of projects. In the tradition of U2's "War", the Joshua Tree stands as one of the bands best offerings. The deluxe edition will delight even the casual U2 Fan

The CD is much cleaner than my original Album, and this is U2's Best. The live CD that comes packaged with it ,is every bit as good as the studio version. Really makes me wish that I had seen them at this time.

Let's face it, I did not need another copy of the original Joshua Tree album, as great as it is. But, I am happy to get the live concert recording from September 28, 1987 at Madison Square Garden. I remember seeing U2 in October of that year in Chicago and it brought back great memories. If you are a U2 fan, get it for the concert, even if you already own the Joshua Tree.

Plus added bonus is the live material from Madison Square Garden. Some of the earliest songs mixed in with Joshua tree release, plus in the name of love which I believe was released after Joshua tree.

Joshua Tree is one of U2's best albums. This deluxe edition adds a concert from the Joshua Tree tour. The concert is excellent. I saw U2 on this tour and this is a great example of one of the shows.

Excellent remastered version of the original Joshua Tree CD with the bonus live tracks making it all worthwhile to purchase, especially for associates which are just getting into U2's music!

You may have Joshua Tree already in your collection, but you really should consider replacing it with this version. All the great music from the original album plus a live concert CD

I loved this one because it included the Madison Square Garden concert and it was so similar to the 30 year Joshua Tree Anniversary, it takes me back to mi high school years! Love it!

OK, the review summary is a line from Rattle and Hum, but it's still the same era of U2 as this excellent offering that includes a live from MSG recording. Excellent quality.

This one gets all the attention but The Unforgettable Fire was better. Still, every fan needs this for the 2nd disc. The first disc is the same as the 2007 remaster.