“U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America is a meticulously researched cultural and historical analysis that offers new insights into a familiar album. Morgan draws on archival interviews and critical material, as well as his own first-hand observations and close listening, to make a strong case for the enduring resonance of both U2 and The Joshua Tree. When Morgan introduces his personal journey with the band and its music, his insightful writing reinforces the book's arguments and themes—and deepens the overall emotional impact.”
—Annie Zaleski, author of the 33 1/3 book on Duran Duran's Rio
—
"In his book U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America, author Bradley Morgan offers his readers an expertly researched analysis of the tenacious humanity found within a timeless album and its continued relevancy in our cultural moment. Through its dissection of global and sociopolitical circumstances as aligned with the tracks on The Joshua Tree, the book posits itself not only as a critical analysis of the album as an important piece of music history but also a critique of American policy both foreign and domestic. By comparing the Reagan and Trump administrations as the flawed, unforgiving, and outright immoral forces they were through the lens of Irish musicians rooting deep into Americana, U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America offers keen insight into the ways in which, verse by verse, history rhymes."
—Nikki Stout, Online Media Director, CHIRP Radio 107.1 FM (Chicago Independent Radio Project)
—
"Bradley Morgan's look at U2's The Joshua Tree is a compelling account of the complexities within the album and the world that shaped its creation during the mid-1980s. He delves deeply into the Irish band's adoration of American culture and its opposition to the Reagan administration's global betrayal of democratic ideals. As the group became aware of its own musical limitations, these four musicians sought to open their sound to influences from across the planet. Morgan also binds that period to the political insanity that emerged just as U2 was marking this album's 30th anniversary. This is a crucial depiction of the intersections of great music, deep faith, and deadly politics from decades ago and Morgan vividly shows why that era must never be forgotten."
—Aaron Cohen, author of Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power
—
“Reading Bradley Morgan take The Joshua Tree to heart as his guiding album is an inspiring tribute to the search I think U2 hopes each fan embarks on: making a better place for one and all out of the circumstances of life."
—Scott Calhoun, Director of The U2 Conference and Professor of English, Cedarville University
—
“For the author, the story about The Joshua Tree and what it represents obviously resonates deeply and strongly. The book is multilayered, and on one hand, it is a story about this significant cultural artifact. But, on the other hand, this book is Morgan's quest or personal pilgrimage in search of his own individual identity in the 21C and the identity of his collective. It's as if he is on a mission in search of some of the ideals that this album stands for. In that quest, we all look for ideals as our guiding light in these treacherous times; The Joshua Tree stands as a beacon of light and a sign of hope in this chaotic world.
U2's The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America is thoughtful, illuminating, well-researched, well-structured and well-written. Morgan diligently sifts through a myriad of sources such as various interviews, books, and documentaries, and digs deep into the narrative thus providing a fresh insight into this great record and what it stands for.”
—Nenad Georgievski, AllAboutJazz.com
—