U2’s The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America
Rowman & Littlefield, 2021
U2 planted the seeds for The Joshua Tree during an existential journey through America. As Irishmen in the 1970s, the band grew up with the belief that America was a place of freedom and prosperity, a symbol of hope and a refuge for all people. However, global politics of the 1980s undermined that impression and fostered hypocritical policies that manipulated Americans and devastated people around the world.
Originally conceived as "The Two Americas," The Joshua Tree was U2's critique of America. Rather than living up to the ideal that the country was "an idea that belongs to people who need it most," the band found that America sacrificed equality and justice for populism and fascism. This book explores the political, social, and cultural themes rooted in The Joshua Tree when it was originally released in 1987 and how those themes resonated as a response to the election of Donald Trump when U2 toured for the album's 30th anniversary.
The author juxtaposes the band's existential journey through America with his own journey connecting with his Irish roots by becoming a citizen in the age of Trump and places U2's and The Joshua Tree's relevance in context with the current political climate.
Frank Zappa’s America
Louisiana State University Press, Spring 2025
From his early albums with the Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa established a reputation as a musical genius who pushed the limits of culture throughout the 1960s and 1970s, experimenting with a blend of genres in innovative and unheard of ways. Not only did his exploratory styles challenge the expectations of what popular music could sound like, his prolific creative endeavors would also influence how audiences think about the freedom of artistic expression.
In Frank Zappa’s America, Bradley Morgan presents the artist as an often-misunderstood figure who critiqued religious and political groups pushing a predominantly white, Christian vision of the United States. A controversial and provocative satirist, often criticized for the shocking subject matter of his songs, Zappa provided social commentary throughout his career that spoke truth to power about the nefarious institutions present in the lives of everyday Americans. By the end of the 1970s, Zappa’s music frequently addressed the rise of extremist religious influence in American politics, specifically white Christian nationalism.
Despite commercial and critical pressure, Zappa refused to waver in his advocacy for free speech throughout the era of MTV and Reagan, including his pointed testimony before the U.S. Senate during the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) hearings. Throughout the 1980s, and until his death in 1993, Zappa crafted his musical art to advocate for political engagement, the security of individual freedoms, and the advancement of education. Music became his platform to convey progressive political views promoting the rights of marginalized communities most at risk in a society governed by the principles of what he viewed as Christian extremism.
Frank Zappa’s America explores the political messaging of his music, tracing the means by which Zappa created passionate, at times troubling, art that challenges conservativism in its many forms. For readers in the twenty-first century, Zappa’s music and public advocacy demonstrate the need to preserve democracy and the voices that uphold it.
U2: Until the End of the World
Palazzo Editions, Fall 2025
From the bustling streets of Dublin in 1976 to the grandest arenas on the planet, follow U2's extraordinary ascent as they transform from a group of ambitious young musicians into global music icons. Bradley Morgan delves deep into their early days, offering an intimate look at the band's formation and the roots of their distinctive sound. From Boy to The Joshua Tree to Achtung Baby and beyond, witness how each album marked a creative evolution and cemented their status as musical pioneers.
But this beautifully illustrated book goes beyond the music. It explores U2's profound commitment to social activism and their tireless efforts to make the world a better place. From Live Aid to Amnesty International, U2's impact on global issues is as significant as their musical legacy.
Bradley Morgan also offers readers a rare glimpse into the personal lives and relationships of the band members. Get to know Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. as individuals, as friends, and as the driving forces behind U2's enduring success.
Drawing on interviews, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and stunning photography, Until the End of the World is the definitive history of U2. It's a book that will captivate die-hard fans and newcomers alike, providing fresh insights into the band's artistry, vision, and resilience.