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

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 us 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 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.

This album by Nirvana 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.                   

                

This was the album cover of their 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.