The best album cover artwork may not always be of the album that won the most awards. But, from a design point of view, it is the album art that enhances the value of the music in the album and manages to stay memorable.
Coldplay – Viva la Vida
Album Cover Artwork by Eugène Delacroix
A painting by Eugene Delacroix from 1830, titled Liberty Leading the People is on the cover of the Viva la Vida album cover. The album itself has another title, “Death and All His Friends.” However, the name Viva la Vida which means “Long Live Life” seems like the antithesis of the alternative title. Another odd thing about this album is that it is named “Viva la Vida” after a totally different painting by Frida Khalo. You may land on the right interpretation that the band intended from the artwork or you come up with your own. Either way, the cover is quite popular and well done.
The Beatles – Abbey Road
Album Cover Artwork by John Kosh
Iconic, iconic and immensely iconic. There is no better way to describe this album cover and even the musical content within the album. The Beatles defied expectations with every album and its consequent cover. Many conspiracy theorists have their own absurd assumptions about what the Abbey Road cover means and why Paul McCartney is barefoot. Nevertheless, the actual road itself is now on the itinerary of many tourists who are diehard Beatles fans.
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
Album Cover Artwork by Storm Thorgerson with Aubrey Powell
A prism that splits white light into the colours of the rainbow. Simple illustration won an album cover that doesn’t even mention the name of the band. While Pink Floyd themselves have never confirmed the meaning of the album cover artwork, fans have speculated. Roger Waters may or may not reveal the meaning of the album artwork but this print on a t-shirt may just never get old.
Nirvana – Nevermind
Album Cover Artwork by Robert Fisher
A little baby in the water swimming after a greenback that baited on a fishing hook. This surreal concept was meant to depict the very real idea of how humans are pushed towards joining a rat race from a very young age, even perhaps from as early as a watery womb. Today, the cover is seen differently and is the subject of some controversy. However, it is definitely one that classic rock fans remember as iconic album cover artwork.
The Roots – Things Fall Apart
Album Cover Artwork by Kenny Gravillis
This album cover famously features African American people running away from uniformed law enforcement officers. The image looks very photo-journalistic from a Brooklyn neighbourhood in the 1960s. A watershed moment in American Civil Rights complements the tracks in this album. Album cover artwork that makes an impact and just adds to the message of the music.
The Velvet Underground and Nico
Album Cover Artwork by Andy Warhol
Interactive Album Cover Artwork is rare and yet this cover image is still a favourite t-shirt and poster print. The Banana on the album cover comes with a sticker that can be peeled to reveal a banana without its peel. A gimmick or meaningful art? That is a question that can be best answered when the songs of the album are evaluated in the context of the cover artwork.
Whether or not the music in these albums is good, there is no denying the album art is well-designed and memorable. Let us know your list of best album cover artwork in the comments below.
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