<Li> "In God's Country" Released: 16 November 1987 (North America only) </Li> <Li> "One Tree Hill" Released: March 1988 (Australia and New Zealand only) </Li> <P> The Joshua Tree is the fifth studio album by Irish rock band U2 . It was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, and was released on 9 March 1987 on Island Records . 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 . 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". </P> <P> Inspired by American tour experiences, literature, and politics, U2 chose America as a theme for the record . Recording began in January 1986 in Ireland, and to foster a relaxed, creative atmosphere, the group primarily recorded in two houses . 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 was completed in November 1986; additional production continued into January 1987 . 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 . They represented this in the sleeve photography depicting them in American desert landscapes . </P>

Where does the joshua tree get its name