Because I have chosen the genre of pop I have been looking at existing CD album covers as well as looking at web pages of established pop artists. I have also been looking at album covers from artists and bands of other genres.
These album covers are from the established artist Justin Bieber. The 'My World 2.0' album was Justin's second album from his 'My World Collection'. This album cover is in black and white with little colour of the name of the album therefore making the album name stand out a lot more. In the image Justin is looking directly at the audience will draws the audiences attention to the album cover and the way he's slightly leaning into the camera also makes the image draw the audience's attention in.
In the other image of Justin's 'Believe' album we can see two different versions of the same image, the first been in black and white with again the name of the album in gold and also his name in gold at the top of the album cover. This draws the attention of the audience to the album name. The second version of the album is in colour with the album name in white, the album cover appeals more to the visual side of promotion because not only can we see colour but it makes the whole image stand out a lot more as well as the name of the album (Believe) which is kept plain but our attention is still draw too.
These album covers are from Kings OF Leon hit album 'Come Around Sundown' the image clearly reflects the album title with an image of a sundown on the front cover. The first image is taken from the front cover of the album and the second image is the back of the album, both sides of the album clearly reflects the idea of a sundown. The album also follows a colour scheme with oranges and yellows been used all over the album. On the back of the album we can see a barcode and the music company who have produced the album which is something common among all the albums I have been looking at. A credit to the record company is always used on an album cover to show that those songs belong to that record company but most importantly the band or artist that have made the track/s.
On the second image (the back of the album) we are shown an image of the band stood together facing a sundown. Usually album front covers will feature the artist or band because that is the main reason we consume music because of a particular band or artist, however the idea of placing an image of the band on the back is something I will consider using as it is very inventive and isn't an idea that has already been used on the market.
This next album cover is taken from Carly Rae Jepsen's album 'Curiosity'. Carly is most known for her first single 'Call Me Maybe' which got her most recognised as an established pop music artist. Carly's music is very upbeat and holds a positive message and her album cover reflects that with the bright colouring of pink and blue, and her name standing out in the background. The image of herself is placed in the centre of the cover therefore we associate the artist with the album straight away. The image is very simplistic but again draws the audience attention in.
This album cover appeals to me because although it is very simple the album cover itself is very eye catching and looks very sophisticated and therefore reflects the good morals of the artist behind the album.
This next album cover is by an established well known pop artist Conor Maynard, the album is named 'Contrast'. This front cover is very similar to Carly Rae Jepsen's and Justin Bieber's album with the artist been pictured in the center of the frame. However in this image Conor isn't looking directly at the audience, he is however pulling his signature move which his fan base often copy as he is known for pulling this pose in many of his music videos or on magazine front covers.
The colouring in this image is very simple also. The dark jacket and plain background make the image stand out more because of the black colouring. The only bright colour used is the name of the album which is position on top of the image and spread across the front cover making it stand out a lot more than if it was positioned at the top of the album.
This album cover is taken from Beyonce's album 'I Am Sasha Fierce'. This album is the most simple of all the album covers reviewed. Not only is there no colour used but the font doesn't much stand out against the image. However this album cover does appeal to me. I like the image because of laid back and relaxed Beyonce is made to look with minimalist makeup and a hairstyle that looks easy to replicate. The only part of the image which looks placed is the bracelet with the holy cross on, this prop was placed within the image maybe to give the affect that Beyonce is pure or to reflect the beliefs of the artist. Also the image is placed within the centre of the cover making the artist stand out a lot more.
The font on the album cover is visible but isn't made to stand out like other album covers I have looked at. This may have been done to keep the album cover simplistic or could reflect the colouring of the bracelet worn by the artist again so we get a clear connection from the album to the artist featured on the cover.
This album is by Cody Simpson and is called 'Paradise'. Cody Simpson is more established as a pop artist in America but has toured within the UK and other countries. Cody is not only known for his music but for his pride of been Australian. The image on the album shows Cody coming out of some water presumably on a beach, the 'I' in 'Paradise' is shaped into a palm tree giving the affect that he's making the album personal to himself and his Australian roots. Also in the image Cody is holding a guitar which he is also known for playing really well. Overall the album cover makes itself personal to the artist behind the music. Cody is positioned in the centre of the cover and is looking directly at the camera therefore drawing the audience's attention to the artist and the album more.
The fonts are both in black and white but stand out against the image because of their position in the centre of the cover. The wording 'Paradise' slightly covers the artists name but doesn't make it hard to read but makes the album name stand out a lot more as well as connecting the album name to the artist who's name is in a larger font and spread across the cover.
This album cover is from Demi Lovato's album 'Unbroken'. The front cover is very bold and attracts the eye of the audience because of mainly the image. Although Demi isn't looking directly at the camera we can connect with her because of the strong look in her stance and eye contact. Also the way she's positioned on the cover makes her look very dominant within the frame giving use the idea that she's in charge and posses a lot of power.
The font is all in one colour but goes with the colouring on her lips. The font is in a simple black but because of the size of the font it stands out against the light colouring of the image behind it. The words 'Demi' and 'Unbroken' are in a bold font therefore making the audience associate the album name with the artist behind the album.
This album cover is taken from Calvin Harris' latest album '18 Months'. With this album cover it's simple and effective, I like the way the text is positioned in the middle of the album and the artists image placed at the bottom. I like the backdrop of the location with the wall and the house satellite dishes in the background. The simplicity of this album cover makes it more interesting and kind of makes it more eye catching because it is simple, with the album name and artist on the front makes for an album cover which isn't busy and is readable.
