Album Covers

I am going to look at 5 different album covers and create a brief analysis of each one. By doing this, it well help me to understand what I need to do in order to create a cover that represents my artist to their full potential and that is pleasing to the consumers.

To the left is an image of the album cover 'In Rainbows' by 'Radiohead'. The album cover instantly grabbed my attention through it's use of vibrant primary colours and intriguing background. The font used for the album title is the same used as the name of the band 'Radiohead' and although it corresponds, I find this to be a negative use of design. To those who have never heard of the album or the band, it would be unclear to them what the album is called and what the band is called as the font is similar in colour and size. However, I appreciate the attention to detail with the eye catching background which suggests a band full of energy and creativity, linking to it's image of an explosion. The colour scheme works well against the surrounding dark baground and without a doubt, this cover certainly attracts attention quickly.

To the left is an image of the album cover 'Just the Way You Are' by 'Bruno Mars'. The instant reaction to this album cover would be to draw your eyes to the large pink and purple image to the left of the cover. The image is cleverly designed using feminine colours to relate to the artist's target audience of young, teenage girls who will find this image more appealing. The font used here for the artist is simple yet displayed well so it is not totally overwhelmed by the image. I especially like the mosaic effect on the album cover, giving it a unique look whilst being effective in drawing attention at the same time. When designing the artwork for my Digipack, I am going to take inspiration from the use of individual idea and design from this album cover in order to create a personal and different form of album artwork.

To the left is an image of Cheryl Cole's album '3 Words'. Unlike the previous 2 album covers I have looked at, this one clearly places the artist in the centre of the cover so audiences can instantly recognise the familiar face of the popular musician. The classic black and white colour scheme reflects the almost 1950's pin up girl style and decorative head piece used here. The imagery of the flowers and pose of the artist appeals to both males and females, creating an alluring but feminine appearance that many will find attractive. The use of displaying the artist's name and album name 'Cheryl Cole 3 Words' as a tattoo on her shoulder is highly clever and makes the consumer look harder at the cover, bringing more and more attention in. I really like and appreciate the design and work of this album cover and will use the elements that link together such as image,font and colour when creating my own Digipack.

Here is an image of the album cover 'The Libertines' by 'The Libertines'. The album cover features the two well known figures of the indie world - Pete Doherty and Carl Barat who are positioned clearly in the centre of the cover. For those familiar with the band, the raffish charm of the two men corresponds well with the music of the band and almost works as the artwork itself. The font works well with the genre and imagery of The Libertines however the cover itself gives very little insight into the full band and only merely the two lead singers. I feel this album cover to be useful in not what to do when creating an album cover for my artist.

Below is an image of Lady GaGa's album cover 'The Fame Monster'. It shows the artist positioned well in the middle so the audience can establish and recognise who she is. The font used it simple and clear so it is easy to read and the black and white colour scheme means that the album is different and suggestive, linking to her questioning eyes which pull in the audience's attention. I particularly like the angles used in this picture with the square edging of the jacket and triangular shape of the hair which suggest the artist is modern, eccentric and unique. When designing my own Digipack I am going to consider this album cover in the sense that it's layout works extremely well, giving the information needed whilst being effective also.