Why is an Album’s Cover Art Important?
An album’s art can play a part in both public reception and listener experience. No matter the medium a cover was visualised in, it sets expectations of the music’s tone, genre and atmosphere. However, it could also pique interest or put off its onlookers, playing an influential role in the success of a record. While it is important for the quality of music to be good—simply think about how much great album cover art has been plastered over mass-made and mass-worn t-shirts.
So, now that we’ve established its importance, here’s a list of 5 albums that are as distinct visually as they are musically:
1. The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico
Album Cover Art Credit: Andy Warhol
Release Date: March 12, 1967
Genres: Art rock, Avant-garde, Experimental rock, Proto-punk
Length: 47:51
Producers: Andy Warhol, Tom Wilson
In collaboration with the German singer Nico, The Velvet Underground released their debut album. From its sound and lyrics, it was a record considered unconventional during its time. The self-titled album explored gritty themes with perfectly imperfect musicality—standing out from the rest of the 60’s crowd.
Its cover art was made by the leading figure of Pop Art, Andy Warhol himself. However, it’s no surprise when you come to learn that he was the band’s manager and producer after all. The banana is phallic, yet rotten—a direct reflection of this album thematically. Uniquely, early editions of this cover were interactive. Peel off the skin of the banana to reveal the flesh beneath.
2. Abbey Road – The Beatles
Album Cover Art Credit: John Kosh, Iain Macmillian
Release Date: September 26, 1969
Genres: Rock, Rock and roll, Pop rock, Progressive rock, Hard rock, Blues rock, Art rock
Length: 47:03
Producer: George Martin
The Beatles need no introduction, it’s the general consensus that they’re one of the most influential bands of all time. “Abbey Road” was their last recorded album—but don’t conflate it with the one released last—and arguably their most enduring one.
One of the few things that rival this record’s popularity may be its cover art. With fans and casual listeners alike, many have recreated and/or parodied the famed photograph. It pictures the four walking across a zebra crossing in Abbey Road, one situated around the studio where they had recorded this very album at. More significantly, The Beatles were depicted walking away from the studio—in a straight line ironically led by Lennon, the first Beatle to leave the band.
3. In The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson
Album Cover Art Credit: Barry Godber
Release Date: October 10, 1969
Genres: Progressive rock, Psychedelic rock, Hard rock, Art rock, Jazz fusion, Symphonic rock, Experimental rock
Length: 43:54
Producer: King Crimson
“In The Court of the Crimson King” marks the debut of King Crimson. It’s an album that pioneered progressive rock, encompassing the rudiments that make a piece fall under the genre. It contains seminal songs like “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “Epitaph”, that have been immortalised in the history of prog rock.
The watercolour hues of reds, blues and purples that make up the album’s cover art can be credited to none other than Barry Godber. It’s a distorted depiction of his face—with fearful eyes and a cavern for a mouth, this piece serves as a solid representation of the music the album contains. However, the creative process of the art can only be speculated, as shortly after King Crimson’s debut, Godber passed away.
4. Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters
Album Cover Art Credit: Jennifer Youngblood
Release Date: July 4, 1995
Genres: Punk rock, Grunge, Alternative rock, Melodic hardcore, Post-grunge
Length: 44:04
Producer: Dave Grohl, Barrett Jones
Yet another debut album, this Foo Fighters album of the same name was the first time the world has heard from Dave Grohl since the death of his bandmate and best friend, Kurt Cobain. However, Nirvana fans and the public alike had no clue it was Grohl. The songs were singlehandedly written, sung and played by him—under the guise of a bandlike name “Foo Fighters”, to hide his identity. But Grohl couldn’t play the songs live just by his lonesome. Eventually, they recruited Pat Smear, Nate Mendel and a drummer who didn’t stick around for very long.
The cover art of the eponymous album is a photograph of the sci-fi hero Buck Roger’s Disintegrator Pistol—befit of the album and the band’s name. A Foo Fighter was a term used in WWII to describe unidentified flying objects or alien phenomena. This picture in particular was taken by the then-wife of Dave Grohl, the photographer Jennifer Youngblood. But aside from the blatant nod to science fiction, the colour grading and intentional scuffs on the picture are visually akin to the album's sonics.
5. The Grand Pecking Order – Oysterhead
Album Cover Art Credit: Tim Slowinski
Release Date: October 2, 2001
Genres: Alternative rock, Experimental rock, Hard rock, Avant-garde
Length: 51:46
Producer: Oysterhead
“The Grand Pecking Order” was the first and only album of the supergroup, Oysterhead. Featuring members from bands like The Police, Primus and Phish, their formation was purely intended to be a singular live performance at a theatre in New Orleans. But one thing led to another, and the public has been gifted with an album full of songs by the greats of the industry.
The album’s cover art is Tim Slowinski’s piece, an acrylic painting that matches the essence of Oysterhead. While the cover quite blatantly illustrates a head with oysters sprouting from it, Slowinski’s artwork is avant-garde and eclectic, which isn’t dissimilar to Oysterhead’s sound. After working on the album’s art, the artist went on to work on other visuals the supergroup needed—posters, ticket stubs and all—throughout their short-lived formation.
Conclusion
An album’s cover art can be synonymous with its contents—and these are just a handful that best represents that notion. So, stay updated and you’ll discover 5 more albums, in part two.
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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