3 examples of analysis of CD covers and how they relate to genre, target audience, star image and synthetic vs organic artists

The name of this band is 'The Clash' and the genre of this album is Post-Punk, which is a broad type of rock music. At first the photographer who photographed the band did not want to use this photo as it was out of focus. But eventually they realised it would make a great album cover as it was said that 'it captures the ultimate rock'n'roll moment- total loss of control. The image is of the bassist smashing his guitar on the floor, this photo captures the star image of the band as rebellious and angry which are also connotations of the rock genre. The album cover was cover was voted the ninth best album cove of all time by Q magazine in 20001. This appeals to the target audience of rock'n'roll fans as the cover perfectly represents this genre. Also the picture of smashing a guitar shows rebellion and will attract rebellious and alienated teens. They are an organic rock band and they want their genre and what they represent to jump of the front cd cover. The colours of the background are black and white which represent the rock genre but further it helps the name of the album 'London Calling' which is in pink and green really stand out.

This album is by  Nirvana and the genre is alternative rock, released in 1993. The album cover shows an image in the centre of a beige background with the band name and album name. The image portrayed on the album cover is a transparent anatomical mannequin with angel wings. The colours of the image are burgundy, which contrasts with the light cream and beige colours of the background. The star image is presented through the album cover by having such a surreal image of a mannequin being conveyed. This is incredibly important because it helps to highlight the organic image of the band due to the fact that they are covering themes that would not usually be presented by mainstream pop groups. The genre of the band is also conveyed through this album cover. This is because the surreal imagery presented on the cover helps to outline the basic themes of Grunge music. This is because the lyrics in Grunge songs often portray serious and often surreal issues such as social alienation and a desire for freedom. These messages will relate to their target audience of the rebellious rock fans or the alienated in society who will resonate with the messages they are trying to portray.                 

                

This was the album cover Queens second album. The band were upset with how the first album cover failed to attract peoples attention to the album. For this album they are photographed by Mick Rock who previously worked with David Bowie and Iggy Pop. The band are in a Diamond formation, with heads tilted back against a black background. The genre of the album is hard rock and the dark colours help relate to the genre. The star image of the band is centred around them and the lighting is on their faces showing them as the stars as there is complete focus on them. This picture is mysterious with only the focus on their faces and the rest completely blacked out this attracts people to the album. The name of the album cover is on there and as it has the bands name in, it promotes and brings attention to both the album and the band.