39 Years Ago, This Rock Album Shot to No. 1 — And Dominated the Charts for 3 Years

On March 21, 1987, The Joshua Tree by U2 began its historic chart-topping performance in the United Kingdom. The band's fifth studio album—which housed hits such as "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"—became the fastest-selling record ever in the U.K.

U2 had released four albums prior to The Joshua Tree, but none that had been anywhere near as successful internationally. This was widely considered to be their big break, and it remains their most iconic and well-known album today.

After peaking at No. 1 on the U.K. Album Chart, The Joshua Tree was a regular fixture on the chart for a staggering 156 weeks henceforth. The album also reached No. 1 in the United States, Canada, and several other countries across the world.

The '80s were a fascinating decade for several reasons; music was beginning to become much more diversified, meaning that countless genres were evolving and working their way onto mainstream radio. Whether it was rock, country, pop, or disco, music suddenly felt a lot more versatile than it had ever been.

The Joshua Tree capitalized on this evolving industry, going back to the roots of classic rock and mixing elements of country, folk, and even pop melodies into their infectious tracks. They had a unique sound that was unlike anything audiences had heard before, which accounted for so many listeners coming back week after week.

The Joshua Tree continued to break records following its wide release; it was the first album to sell over one million CDs, and in the years since, it has sold over 25 physical and digital copies.

U2 also made history at the Grammy Awards the following year, taking home the top prize of Album of the Year— and also Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band had ammassed a cultural force that allowed them to coast on the album's success for decades and remain one of the leading voices in alternative rock.