Analyzing album covers

1. ALBUM COVER
ANALYSIS
Leah mountain

2. The text is in capital letters which
suggest that the viewer is supposed
to view this title, it is an important part
of the album cover. This reveals that
you’re supposed to look at her name,
bringing the idea forward that you
should already know who she is. The
accent on the ‘E’ is very exaggerated,
this implies that she wants everyone
to be aware that her name is not
‘Beyonce’ but emphasise that it’s
‘Beyoncé’. This could be because
Beyoncé sounds more unique and
African American, suggesting she’s
proud of her heritage and wishes this
to be highlighted among her fans.
The text is in a solid black
colour which contrasts with
the light background. This is
so it stands out and is easily
read and you’re drawn to it
when looking at the album
cover. A block colour was
chosen, instead of a faded,
gradient effect, because its
making the statement that
she is bold and in your face.
Its so contrasted against the
background, and to choose
black (which is a harsh
colour) it sets the message
that it’s a very important part
of the album.
The font is quite regal, this links very
closely to a nick name associated
with Beyoncé, Queen B. Connecting
herself with royalty by using this font
creates the impression that she is
highly admired by a wide variety of
people and is looked up to by her
audience as being almost majestic.
The font style is in-between modern
and an older font style, this could
represent her transitioning between
her older R&B style into a more
modern and contemporary style of
music. The fact that you could link the
font to a similar style to what you
could imagine to be a font used on
the front of a newspaper suggest that
her album should be treated as big
news and everyone should invest in.
The font is known as Bodoni after its
Italian designer in the 19th century.
This can be associated with designer
labels, prestige and higher class; this
may be what Beyoncé intends to
portray. As if she is above you and
The fact that her name is placed at the top of the album cover
denotes that is it meant to be one of the first things you notice, it
been proven that the first place you look it the top left, therefore
‘Beyoncé’ has been placed there so that your glance is attracted
to this initially. This is because she is such a well-known artist
that her name is universally recognised, which would lead to an
immediate interest amongst her fan base.
The size of the text is very relevant. It takes up the entire top
of the cover and at least goes down as far as a quarter of the
way of the album. This is done purposely to make sure that
people know who the artist of the album is and she is putting
her name out there as a form of publicity, as it so large its
memorable and will stay in your mind. Whenever you see
this style of writing again, because it was so big, you will
associate it with Beyoncé and her work.
The name of the album is ‘4’, this is because it is her forth
album. As its only one number, not even a word, it makes it
a very memorable title and something that you wont easily
forget. It’s in the same style as the title, this is to make a
clear connection between the artist and her album and
shows that it links. This suggests that her work in somewhat
collectable, and that a purchase should be made in order to
own something that will be worth a lot in the future. This is
The title ‘4’ is placed in the bottom right hand corner of the
album. This reveals that it is not the first thing that you’re
intended to see. Its almost out of the way of the whole album
cover, this shows that its not seen as the most important
thing on the cover and brings forward the idea that Beyoncé
wants to be firstly seen by her image, then by her name and
finally the album name is last. This may suggest that she
puts her image before her music, and she may of become
too image obsessed and lost the musical side of her
persona.
The size of the ‘4’ is also very relevant, this is because of the
size of the other text on the album. It is significantly smaller
than the ‘Beyoncé’ title. This may represent the fact that her
albums will never be as big as her celebrity personality, and
that she is now more famous for her image and attitude as
apposed to her music.

3. The colours on the album cover are very cool and non
offensive. They create the connotation to relaxation and
serenity, this fit in perfectly with the tracks on the album.
They’re centred around love and sexuality which are
represented in the cover by these calm colours of blues.
The background is completely blank, with nothing but a solid colour this is to centre the attention else
where. It has been decided that the least important thing on the whole album is the background, therefore
a block colour with no detail, changes or exciting features was used. The colour is very subtle and does
not draw any attention. However, it nicely compliments the colour scheme and all of the other things on
the album. It’s a very light grey colour, maybe it is supposed to make you think of clouds which gives the
impression that Beyoncé wishes to be seen as angelic or even relate to her calming and perfect sounding
singing voice. It is so light that it makes a clear contrast with the objects put on top of it, you are very
easily able to see the text and image because the background is a light shade. It’s simplicity may also
resemble Beyoncé’s genuineness and how down to earth she is to not want to over crowd the album
cover.
The most obvious and compelling part of the whole cover is the
image of the artist herself, Beyoncé. The photo takes up the majority
of the entire album, this is a intentional sizing because she wants to
be the main focus and the initial thing your attention is drawn to. As
she is very attractive, it is appropriate to place such a large image of
herself on the front as it will be the first thing people see when
looking at it and incising them into buying it. Her head is thrown back
and her mouth is open in a way that could be associated with
sexuality and pleasure. This not only attracts the attention of her fans
but also links precisely to her style of music: very sexualised and has
a romantic feel to it. Her hair is almost windswept which implies that
she has been in a physical scenario and is quite energised, which
also connects with the erotic feel to her facial expression. The fact
that her arms are placed behind her head gives a submissive and
again sensual feel to her posture, its also a very open pose which
states her confidence and poise to not be intimidated. Her clothes are
a balance of sexy and appropriate. There isn't an excessive amount
of skin on show and there could be a lot more revealing items of
clothing that could’ve been picked. However, in no way would her
clothing be seen as conservative or prudish, this would again appeal
to her audience as it shows off her curvaceous figure and is
aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Her neck dress has an African feel
to it and almost emits a tribal sense, this suggests that Beyoncé is
proud of her heritage of African American and wants this to be
universally known. Her top is a mixture of electric blue and black, this
colours connote a powerful and energetic side to the album that
stands out from the pale grey background.
From the album cover, you’re able to depict what type of
people are the targeted audience. I believe that the album
is targeted at young adults and teenagers of both genders.
I came to this conclusion as the image is very appealing to
males, due to how attractive and sexual she appears on
the album. I achieved this age group for males as Beyoncé,
although slightly older, appears youthful and appeals to the
modern ideal ‘perfect woman’ images of having an hour-
glass figure and being curvaceous. I also think that young
women and teenage girls will be attracted to this album due
to the fact that they will aspire to be like Beyoncé, both in
her confidence, edgey attitude and beauty .
The image of Beyonce had been
put in front of the text, this
symbolises that her image is
more important than her name,
she is better known for her good
looks as apposed to maybe her
musical persona.

4. The font of ‘FIFTY SHADES
OF GREY’ is very formal. It
looks classic and timeless,
and connotes to something
you would associate with
being on the front of a
newspaper. This may of been
intentional because it wishes
to convey the message that
this album is ‘big news’ and is
important to been seen by all.
It may also relate to how much
of a sensation and the extent
to how popular it was when it
first came out not only as an
album but as a film and a book
as well. It’s sophisticated
which infers that it would be
directed at an adult audience
as apposed to children.
The text is in a solid white
colour. White can signify a lot
of things, these being: pure,
angelic and innocence. This is
in complete contradiction to
the film and the music
associated with this on the
album, this may of been
purposely done to provoke
questioning to why this colour
was chosen for such a ‘dark’
soundtrack. This colour choice
could also represent
Anastasia’s (the main
character’s) cleanliness being
put out there and the softness
of the music. This could also
be interpreted as getting an
insight to the type of music on
the album, this complies well
as the tracks are slow and
relaxing which could be
associated with white.
I believed a bold and block colour was
chosen for the text because it is
supposed to be seen as strong,
powerful and unmovable. As apposed
to a gradient styled text, which would
give the impression of weakness
which does not comply with the music
genre on he album or any of the
artists.
The size of the text is not at all over powering in any sense. It would possibly be
described as subtle. This implies that it is inferior to other aspects of the album, that
there may be more important things which should be prioritised in for the viewer to
look at first. It is not small enough that you need to bring it close to be able to read it,
you would still be able to read this album as a passing glance. The sizing may also
infer that the image on the front is so recognisable that the title is irrelevant as you
would already know what the album is without having to read it’s name.
The font of ‘original motion picture soundtrack’ slightly differs from the font used for
the ‘fifty shades of grey’ title. This implies they have different purposes and different
meanings to convey. The font used is a lot more modern yet still formal. It’s simple
and easy to read which suggests that its there for information purposes, purely to
give you more detail into its the movie’s soundtrack, as apposed to attracting a buyer.
It is in capital letters which makes it definite, so along with its simple and understated
font this comes into contrast with it capitalisation of the lettering. It makes you think
that it wished to be seen but not immediately the first thing you look at.
The colour of this font is a light grey,
as it placed underneath the plain white
text is brings forward the suggestion
that is if not as important as the title.
Although the grey colour is still light
enough to stand out on the dark black
background, it’s contrast isn't quite as
noticeable as the ‘fifty shades of grey’
text.
The placement of the text should not
be over looked, it has been
intentionally placed at the bottom of
the cover for the reason of it’s value is
lower in comparison to other
components on the album cover. It has
been placed at the bottom underneath
a large image suggesting you’re
supposed to look at the image then
down to the text underneath. This
could mean that the text would make
more sense or mean more after the
image has been viewed.

5. The image shows a man,
Christian Grey, holding a
woman, Anastasia Steele,
face. His hands are delicately
placed touching her hair close
to her cheek. His face is
pressed against hers which
infers a sexual and sensual
feel to the album cover, this
links to the music as it it very
romance orientated. Her arms
are up behind her head in a
submissive manor, this could
imply that the music conveys a
relaxed and laid back feel to it.
This relaxed feel can also be
interpreted by their eyes being
closed. Alternatively this can
be perceived to be passionate,
which is also appropriate to
the music genre displayed
though the tracks.
The background is a solid
colour which creates the idea
that it wishes to be seen as a
definite object. If they were to
choose an image or a gradient
background this could imply
that the album should be
viewed as powerful and not in
any way whimsical. The use of
a solid colour also confirms
that the attention will be else
where on the cover, if it were
to be a busy background this
would imply that this is where
the audience should view.
This being a block colour,
gives us the impression that
the background is inferior to
other components on the
piece, for example the image
or the text.
The background is black all over. I believe the use of black here gives us an insight into what
type of music and what type of audience is likely to enjoy the album. A lot of people connote
black to signify evil, darkness and mystery; this allows the targeted audience to create an
image to how the music is going to sound. The black may also irradiate the attention of young
people, as they would discard it as a boring colour. Black may also represent rebellion, which
connects to music in the sense that the songs are being sung about irregular topics which
allows you to make a design to whether this album will be to your taste.
The fact that there is no colour on the
album is crucial. They greyscale effect
would of been added to create the
intended theme of sophistication and
an adult orientated album. It’s been
proven that younger people, especial
young children, are highly attracted to
bright colours. The black and white
colour scheme displays that the album
is not intended for a young audience,
but more so adults. This link to some of
the topics to the song, which could be
deemed inappropriate for the younger
generation. This can also be to signify
a connection to old movies, which were
broadcasted in black and white. These
films were most commonly referred to
as classics and classy show cases; this
could be the intention of the album
cover. They could be implying that this
album will soon be universally
recognised as a ‘classic’ and it is a
must have.
This album cover could be to represent passion. Its purpose may be
to infuse romance and inform a passionate relationship and hint at the
style of music you will be able to find on the album. The target
audience would be adults as the image is quite sexual which would
be more appealing for the 18plus generation.