CD Album Covers Analysis

The CD album cover title ‘LOUD’ is written in Arial font which is one of the simplest form of typography. Although, the text is placed at the bottom part of the album is white making the main focus of the album the main image. Similarly, each letter is spaced out across the album, this connotes how music is loud and can travel across. The unpretentious form is noticeable but doesn’t lose the main image of the album. The main image is of Rihanna with her new red hair which contrast with the red lipstick. Red is symbolised for many things from blood to love. However, this case the symbol of red is linked with strong emotions of excitement, energy, passion, etc. connoting the album title ‘LOUD’ which links with the colour red as it is a bright shade of red making it stand out. Additionally, the main image is framed to take up the whole album cover

Page because these affect emphasis on the red lips and hair. For instance; the red lips are positioned in the centre on the album cover right above the cover letters in the word ‘LOUD’ which makes the audience focus on Rihanna which displaces the importance of the title of album suggesting that the album is based more on Rihanna as a person; which is also indicated by a BCU (big close-up) shot of Rihanna’s face which emphasis her femininity: the sensuous red lipstick, long eyelashes and averted gave make her seem alluring but demure.The genre of this album is R&B (which is more associated with the artist personality and experiences) and soul; this is inferred by the colour red, as it is a symbol of passion implying how the album is going to be passionate and sensual, as the only thing that is presented on the cover is her red lips, hair and skin connoting the sexual aspects as there is no clothes visible and her eyes are closed suggesting that she is in the state of ecstasy or pleasure. This is supported by the tracks on the album such as; S&M, Skin and California King Bed, etc. This album appeals to men and teenage girls for different reasons, for example men will be drawn to they sexual features of the album from the connotation in the main image. Whereas, teenage girls may idolise her appearance and her success.

Additional Information:Rihanna’s album ‘Loud’ was released on November 15, 2010 in the UK; and the album debuted at number two in the United Kingdom, within the first week and sold 91,000 copies; by the fifth week LOUD sold 306,107 copies, giving the singer her first platinum-selling week in her career. It was also the biggest selling R&B album of 2011 in the UK.

The album ‘I AM… SASHA FIERCE’ which implies that this album is personal, as Beyoncé alter ego on stage is called ‘SASHA’; as Beyoncé has said in an previous interview that ‘SASHA’ is a ‘FIERCE’ person and completely different to show is as a normal person, indicating that album is going to be about her alter ego and experiences she has had. This is implied by the names of Beyoncé's songs e.g. ‘DIVA’ which connotes the word ‘FIERCE’ as it is associated with be unrestrained, wild and out-going person. Additionally, it seem the album title is introducing the world to Beyoncé's alter ego as it starts by saying ‘I AM…’ stating that your introducing your self.

Moreover, the ‘FIERCE’ in the album title is contradicted by the crucifix in the image; as I had stated before the word ‘FIERCE’ is a symbol of the unrestrained person. Whereas, the crucifix is a symbol of Christianity, belief’s and tied to god (calm person). However, the position of the crucifix is above her name ‘BEYONCE’ highlighting that ‘BEYONCE’ is the calm and less confident person; and her alter ego ‘SASHA’ is the unrestrained and out-going person.The main image is quiet similar to Rihanna’s album ‘LOUD’ as they both go for a feminine look. The is portrayed by the nude make-up which shows off both of their womanly assets. However, in Rihanna’s album she uses a BCU whereas Beyoncé uses a CU (close-up) of her face, also the position in which she places her hands, pulls back her hair and elongates her neck emphasis on her femininity but at the same time alluring, which appeals to men, women and teenage girls for different reasons. For instance, teenage girls and women look to her as an idol; whereas, men will be attracted to the feminine and sexual aspects of the album cover. The sexual and womanly features of the album cover links with the genre of the music (R&B) which is related with those characteristics that is presented on the cover.Furthermore, the use of the plain white background behind the main image (which is in black and grey effect) helps to enhance the shadows and outlines of her womanly features.

Additional information:Beyoncé's album was released November 14, 2008; this was released simultaneously with the platinum edition. They both charted number 2 album in the UK but number 1 on the US Billboard charts and sold over seven million copies worldwide.

‘UNORTHODOX’• Means breaking the

traditional convention.

‘JUKEBOX’ • The word jukebox is

linked to the era of music that is being portrayed in this album.

The title of the album is ‘UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX’ this is implied by the main image, as it breaks the traditional conventions. As there is a gorilla playing music on the jukebox which is humorous and difficult, which refers back to the title of the album.

Not only the gorilla is used for humour but there is a track on the album called ‘GORILLA’ which is a sex-rock jam; as the main lyric in the track is “You and me, baby, making love like gorillas!“ this contradicts the concept of the gorilla in the main image.

The jukebox is also suggesting how the whole album flicks through different era’s e.g. the track ‘LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN’ has an 80’s influence, whereas you have the track ‘WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN’ is 90s R&B with an Alicia Keys influence.

The background has this 80’s paper influence which ties in with the main image and the tracks of the album as it implies how the album is going to have a retro/old classic influence within every track.

Additional information:Unorthodox jukebox was released in December 6, 2012 and came in the top 10 in 20 countries (No.1 in the UK and US). Also sold over 2,500,000 copies.

The typography on the front and back cover has a similar style to ‘Calibri (body)’ Such as the album title and artist name which is placed at the bottom in small which takes no attention away from the main image.

The main image is of two chains placed on a black background, which allows the two gold chains to be able to stand out more. Also, the main image indicates the artist name as the name of the artist is ‘2 CHAINZ’.

Additionally, the main image is framed in the centre which has the affect of making the audience think the two chains are placed around something neck.

The genre of the album is indicated by the tracks and the main image on the album. For instance the gold chains are used to symbolise rappers wealth and also the album title links with the genre of music this album is about, as the album title is called ‘ BASED ON A T.R.U. STORY’ as most raps are based around their life experiences.

The audience in which this CD album cover appeals to is men and teenage boys as rap is stereotyped to be associated with men as most rap these days are known for their explicit content which is stated my the ‘parental advisory’ sticker in the corner.

Additional information:Album was released on August 13, 2012 in the UK and the album cover was ranked 2nd best of 2012 by Complex Magazine. The album No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, selling 147,000 copies in its first week.