The cover features a close-up photo of Steve Jobs looking directly at the viewer, with the main headlines about his story and the 2011 music playlists. The simple black, white, and red color scheme and classic font create a sophisticated but eye-catching design. Additional lines advertise a story on current events protests and establish the magazine's focus on both music and broader cultural topics.

1. Cover Analysis… By Nicole Antonio

2. Firstly, on the cover of this magazine there are two main cover lines which show the main man Steve Jobs and his story of how he changed the world and the other main cover line is the 2011 Playlist Special and the top ten artists and also there is a by-line of President Obama. The text is appropriate for a music magazine as there is a main story on the music playlists of 2011 and it shows the biggest names in the music industry. The language is quite simple as the front cover is mainly of Steve Jobs and it covers the entire front cover, however, the language is basic but effective as it is simple and intrigues the readers to read about it and as the language is simple it makes its stand out to other music magazines. The modes of address is quite formal as there are no slang words or abbreviated short words, also there is no direct address to the audience as there are no rhetorical questions to involve the reader so it might not attract customers to buy the product. However, people who regularly buy the magazine will know what to expect and as “Rolling Stone” is a well known magazine, it shows that people will brand loyalty to the magazine.

3. The colour scheme is quite classic and sophisticated, this is because the black and white goes well together and the red title breaks the main colour scheme and makes it bright and makes it break away from the quite boring black and white and it is quite eye-catching. The white colour scheme is quite noticeable and different to other magazines and people may say that the colour scheme is “Rolling Stone” unique selling point. The font in the title is serif font however it is script like as the writing joins up and makes it look quite sophisticated and the white coloured fonts is normal serif fonts which is simple but eye-catching and makes the audience want to read more. Also, as the colours are simple it makes the cover look effortless and makes it look timeless and original which is a comparison to other music magazines.

4. The layout of this magazine is also quite simple as the cover is mainly focused on Steve Jobs and then it has the main cover line of his story and then there is “The 2011 Playlist Special” so the cover is quite empty context wise, however, the big picture of Steve Jobs makes the layout effortless but captivating to look at. The eye-flow is like an ‘S’ shape as it starts at the top right and makes it go down to an ‘S’ shape while going through the different cover lines as well. Also, the use of the white space goes with the colour scheme of black and white and makes it look simple and old fashioned but also original. Finally the white space also goes with the theme of the magazine which is rock and the white contrasts to the theme of rock as they might use heavy colours such as red or black.

5. Steve Jobs who is the model on the front cover is looking directly at the ‘audience’ and has eye contact with the camera which can indicate that the magazine wanted to have a connection with the audience so that the audience are involved and apart of the magazine itself as they are the ones buying it and have the control if the magazine is successful or not. The barcode position is quite normal and that is where most magazines place the barcode. Also, it doesn’t grab away the attention of the reader as it is not covering the cover lines or near the main image of Steve Jobs. On top of the barcode is the price line which is a suitable place to put it as doesn’t attract the reader away from the main cover lines or the image as well. Finally, there is a Strapline across the top of the magazine which shows the current implications of the world around us to do with the ‘Wall Street Protests’ which can entice readers to buy the magazine as it also involves current affairs and not just music news and updates which can differentiate this magazine from its competitors.