Music Album cover research

1. Music album advertisement
research
I HAVE ANALYSED 3 DIFFERENT ALBUM POSTERS THAT SHOW COMMON
CONVENTIONS, CREATE MEANING AND ADVERTISE THE PRODUCT.

2. Kings of Leon – Only By The Night
Conventions used
• Album cover and Name (1)
• The Artists name and image (2)
• Some of the headline song tracks are displayed (3)
• Record company and other supporting businesses (4)
• When the album is accessible and where it can be accessed (5)
• Rule of thirds is used (6)
• Website/ social media of the artists them selves (7)
Analysis
In this advert the artists are mixed in with the face of an owl/ eagle which links to the title of the
album as owls are comfortable in the night time and can see in the night. It could also represent
their animalistic ways in this album or show a slightly darker side as owls are an underestimated
predator.
Mise-en-scene – The use of a green wash over the whole album cover links to the green font of
the title which could be symbolic showing how even in this picture they are in darkness as
photos taken in the dark often turn out this way. Additionally, their blank facial expressions show
how they show little to no emotion they have and that this album is for them and they have a
‘don’t care’ attitude.
Design – The Album cover includes all of the band members but they are barley recognisable
and the use of the repetitive underscore shows a digital hacking/ matrix vibe which implies a
deviance once again showing a slightly rebellious/ getting up to no good persona.
Camerawork – the camera is directly centred and the men are all staring deeply into it showing
a fearless attitude. It however is also quite simplistic but along with the mise-en-scene being
scruffy with the hair they has a impactful effect.
Design –In the text at the bottom they include some of the most recognisable tunes so that to
people that have heard their songs on the radio are intrigued. The contrasting bold red ‘out now’
shows how hyped and must have this album is. Finally the use of bold capitials throughout make
it eye catching and due to the interesting font being an old school hacking computer vibe it can
link to the clover being like a wanted poster once again reflecting their bad guy and off the radar
characters.
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3. Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3Conventions used
• Album cover and Name (1)
• The Artists name and image (2)
• Some of the headline song tracks are displayed (3)
• Record company and other supporting businesses (4)
• When the album is accessible and where it can be accessed (5)
• Website/ social media of the artists them selves (6)
The album cover for The Blueprint 3 is very obscure and abstract with
there being lots of clutter in the middle of the frame but at the same time
it is neat and tidy as it is musical instruments.
Mise-en-scene – there is a white theme running with the whole cover which is contrasted
by the 3 red streaks which should show blood or scars showing his journey. The fact there is
3 stripes shows how this is the third of something either part of the album or his 3rd album.
There is also lots of different instruments which could show his creativity or range in talent
within the album.
Design – There is no artist themselves on the cover showing how well know he is but also
could represent how this album isn't about him but rather he wanted to produce good music.
The font used is very interesting as it has a ghetto feel through the use of big bold and
stretched look used by rappers however there is then a thin and curly tips making it slightly
fancy like a fountain pen.
Additionally, the use of it all being white makes it like a piece of artwork in an art gallery and
this is what he views his work to be, a work of art. The simplicity of it all even with the release
date is just stated rather then introduced shows it is to the point, no messing around and all
about the music rather than showing off and ‘flexing’
Camerawork – The framing of the camera is dead straight making everything equal and
centered. This is quite satisfying and shows how crammed and close together all the
instruments are tucked away in a corner which could represent Jay-Z being quite shy or
tucked away and his only expression is though music.

4. Nelly – Nellyville Conventions used
• Album cover and Name (1)
• The Artists name and image (2)
• Some of the headline song tracks are displayed (3)
• Record company and other supporting businesses (4)
• When the album is accessible and where it can be accessed (5)
• Website/ social media of the artists them selves (6)
This album cover portrays a gritty urban vibe through the distressed
look and brown and off white colors. It also looks very serious and
street.
Mise-en-scene – The main focus on the album cover is of course Nelly’s face and upper body which
due to his facial expressions looks like he means business and also trying to get across his strength. The
colors have a contrasting black and white theme except it has a dirty edge to it as the background is a
grunge and rusty wall.
Design – The artist Nelly is the only real thing on the cover and is positioned towards the right of the
cover cutting of part of his face. This makes him appear bad and sinister. Because his head is tilted there
is a space for the album name and other additions to be displayed. However the Album name itself is at
the bottom and over the top of Nelly this shows how he protects and represents his home town.
Alternatively, it could show how he is kind of in a fantasy or has the power/ money to create his own town
he calls ‘Nellyville’
Camerawork - Nelly is staring straight into the camera showing no fear or and also allows him to
connect with the viewer. Although he does not seem happy this shows how he has gone through a lot to
get to this stage and has possibly a guard up before he can trust people or allow them to be ‘friends’ rather
than a pop album which would be more inviting and open.
Performance – Nelly appears very strong and defensive like he is ready to square up. This can be seen
through the close up on his face and his glare looks like a stare and he is taking anything from anyone.
This can link to his personality and his previous life being rough and full of fights. Additionally, the white
tape on his face might seem unusual but actually is there as recognition of his family member who is in
prison once again allowing him to connect with the viewer.