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.