The Joshua Tree is one of the best-selling albums of all-time. You can read all about the cultural impact it had here. That’s not what we’re here for.
What we are here for is to talk about the impact The Edge (aka David Howell Evans) has had on popular music. Specifically, we’re here to analyze what rock-n-roll would be like if The Edge never came around.
The Edge never really gets his due as a guitarist for a variety of reasons, most of which is probably due to his lack of shredding chops. You’re not going to hear a U2 song that features a blistering solo, and it’s rare to hear the guitar be the primary hook on any of their songs. From a technical standpoint The Edge doesn’t stand out.
And yet, The Edge is the most important member of U2 and is the reason why The Joshua Tree is such an incredible experience. He lays the foundation for every single song on this record by building atmosphere from the ground up. He is a world builder. His ability to distill complex chord progressions into harmonic juxtapositions compliments each song he plays on, and his use of delays, reverbs, and other effects creates a soundtrack that defines the sound of U2.
Bono may be the frontman and the band’s most recognizable member, but no one shapes the sound of U2 like The Edge.
Standout Songs: “With Or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, “In’s God Country”
