Why Did U2 Name The Album The Joshua Tree?

How Did U2 Come Up With The Joshua Tree Title?

U2 was traveling through the Mojave Desert for a photoshoot when their photographer told them of the significance of Joshua Trees. The band liked the starkness of a single tree set in the desert for the imagery of the album and decided to name the album after the tree as well.

What Does The Joshua Tree Mean?

Joshua Tree is a name for a type of tree that is common in the California desert. According to Wikipedia, there is a theory that Mormon settlers name the trees after Joshua, as the branches look like extended arms and the leaves resemble a beard. There is no substantial evidence on that naming convention, however. But apparently Bono did like the tale enough to want to name the album The Joshua Tree.

Joshua Tree Was U2’s Fifth Album

It took 5 albums, but U2 finally had their big breakthrough to mainstream music with 1987’s The Joshua Tree.