At the end of the day, an album lives or dies by the quality and consistency of its music. But, non-musical elements can add some sizzle to an album, and the cover art is one of them.
Today, well take a look at five of our favourite covers for the albums of artists we currently have on our ticket roster. We made our picks based on overall creativity and art direction.
Awaken, My Love
Artist: Childish Gambino
Release: December 2, 2016
Genre: R&B/Soul/Funk/Psychedelic
Label: Glassnote
Description/Why We Like It: On a musical note, this album showcased Gambinos surprising vocal dexterity and nimble range. However, we love this cover because of its afro-futuristic art styling (a perfect pairing to the music), neon lighting and all. For this one, much respect goes out to New York-based creative director, Ibra Ake.
Singles: Me and Your Mama, Redbone, Terrified
Culture
Artist: Migos
Released: January 27, 2017
Genre: Hip-Hop/Trap
Label: 300/Quality Control/YRN
Description/Why We Like It: The club-banging, speaker-rattling cuts of Migos Culture, is tastefully represented with a collage of grainy American symbols which signify success and gloss. Maybe it wasnt prophetic, but the cover - designed by Italian artist Stole Moab Stojmenov - was a great choice for this album considering how this project turned the trio a household name.
Singles: Bad and Boujee, T-Shirt, Slippery
P!nk
Artist: P!nk
Released: October 13, 2017
Genre: Pop
Label: RCA
Description/Why We Like It: P!nk has always exuded confidence, resilience and attitude, making her a hero for both music and feminism. She definitely displays all attributes with her portrait on this album cover yet she still looks classy. Its post-punk-P!nk - she says Im strong, Im grounded, Im untouchable, with just one look.
Singles: What About Us, Beautiful Trauma, Whatever You Want, Secrets
Red Pill Blues
Artist: Maroon 5
Released: November 3, 2017
Genre: Pop/R&B/Funk/Soft Rock
Label: 222/Interscope
Description/Why We Like It: We like this cover, not because it is visually brilliance per se, but rather, for its cheekily fun reference to Snapchat. Each member is pictured on polaroids with Snapchat filters on their faces, and it makes us chuckle a bit (considering the filters they used). And as Adam Levine said himself, its a great representation of what has become a huge part of the culture. Were sure hes referring to the band just as much as he is Snapchat.
Singles: What Lovers Do, Wait, Girls Like You
Man Of the Woods
Artist: Justin Timberlake
Released: February 2, 2018
Genre: Pop/R&B/Electronic
Label: RCA
What better way to say youre going back to your roots by depicting a man whos torn between an artificial world and the natural world (in this case, a forest). We love the distorted grainy imagery of the photo (shoutouts to Ryan McGinley), but also, how it represents the eclectic mix of sounds ranging from country to electronica. Great choice, Justin.
Singles: Filthy, Supplies, Say Something
You Cant Judge An Album By Its Cover, But You Can Admire It
True, what matters most about an album is what goes on wax, not the sleeve or case. But making a beautiful album cover is a work of art itself.
It can capture the essence of an albums musical production, lyrical content, the artists current temperament and even the state of current affairs before you have a chance to discern any of those things for yourself.
Thats why well forever be enamoured by great album covers - their images alone can speak as loud as the music.