As a group we decided to analyse some
album covers from different music genres. We did the first two covers in class as a group. When analysing the covers, I focused on the
Mise-En-Scene,
camera angles,
framing,
text and
costume.
We analysed the album cover
Mumford and Sons-Babel
Folk Rock
2011
We also analysed the back of an album cover.
Red Hot Chili Pepper- Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Funk Rock
1991
Rihanna- Russian Roulette
R&B and Hip Hop
2009
Colours:
The colours
used in this album are black and white. This is quit abstract and different
compared to her other album covers. The thick eyeliner and black lipstick shows
that they might be a twist in the album’s original connotation of dark and a
morbid element which is seen in the lead single "Russian Roulette" of the album cover.
Lighting:
The lighting on the album looks very natural apart of the
extra brightness on Rihanna’s face which brings out the thick painting of her eyeliner.
The lighting in the songs on the Rated R album are just as dark and dim as the
cover; with the use of red lighting which is usually connoted as danger.
Writing and Costume:
Rihanna covering the side of her face might show that she
doesn’t wants to be revealed fully to her audience which emphasis the mystery
and darkness of the songs in the album. Closing her face might also show that
she doesn’t wants to be exposed like other artist in the R&B genre. Rihanna also
wears a lot of heavy jewellery which increases the intensity and darkness of
albums as she looks like someone who cannot be push around easily. She is also
wearing a black leather top which continuous the connotation of wildness.
The album's name is witten at the bottom of the album in very small letters which
does not stand out as the rest of the text, and so might so that she was not emphasising the title.
The R on the cover is sharp shape which is the
representation of her name and is usually use as her logo. The sharpness of the R looks like something
that has been carved by a sharp object. This emphasis the dimness of the album
but it might also be showing her determination and strength from her comeback after
being affected by some aspect of her personal life.
Camera angle/shot
size/framing:
The picture is a close up and she is on the centre of the cover which is
usually the case for the R&B genre. This reflects the mainstream of this genre
unlike other genres such as metal-core which might usually use an object
on their album cover. Rihanna is looking
directly into the camera which could be showing the aim of the album by trying
to intimidate her audiences.
These are usual album covers of R&B and Hip Hop genre.
Paramore- Riot
Rock
2007
Lighting/
colour:
There are three colours used on this album cover; whit,
black and red. The use of graffiti and the the use of red makes the album stands out compared to other
covers that uses a lot of colour. The album title “Riot” is written in red
which immediately allows the audience to put the two together. Red might be used to show the after effect of rioting.
Style pattern/ writing:
Riot is a very busy album cover with a lot of graffiti/writing.
All the words in black on the cover is “riot” which emphasis the name of the
album and their intention. The writing on the cover is handwritten/ graphitised
and the connotation of this might be anger towards something. The different style
of graffiti writing shows creativeness behind Paramore which might be represented
in the songs on the album. The name of the band is written in a formal style
compared to the way the name of the album is written. This might mean that this
particular album is sending out a message or aiming for something different to
their other albums.
Eminem: Recover
Rapper
2010
Colour:
Very few colours are used in this cover. The main colours
are white and red even though the audience is able to see other colours in the
background. The colours used on the cover are meant to make it looks simple and
easy to look at. This is usually the case with rap album covers. The colour
Eminem is also wearing blends in with the background colour. The colours could
also represent the journey of the album, the connotation of red could be danger, and
white, purity which together connotes his journey to Recovery.
They album recovery is also written in plain colours apart
of the “o” which is written in red with a cross in the middle. This sign could
be a representation of hospital and the audience immediately questions whether
Eminem is recovering of drugs or alcohol addiction due to his personal life.
Lighting:
The lighting used for the cover is very natural fitting with
the understanding of the album. This lighting is continuously used in the songs
on the album especially the first track on the album “Not Afraid”. The connotation
of the light is new beginnings and moving on which is emphasis on the songs in
the album. Even though the lighting looks natural at first glance, it looks like the
light has been dimmed to make it look like at the time it was taken, it was
getting dark and so draws out the lyrics of some of the songs on the cover.
Costume and writing:
Eminem is dressed in normal clothing which is pretty usual
to see with rap artist. They are usually dressed in clothing that they could
use on stage to perform.
The album does
not reveal anything about the artist. However, the “E” turn backwards could be
easily recognised as Eminem’s album even though his name is not printed on it. This
is because Eminem, trademark is having a backward “E” and is usually
used on some of his album covers.
The “parents advisory” is
also used to warn parents of whether the album is appropriate for their
children. This shows that even though this genre is usually seen as a bad influence
on young people, there is a sign of maturity to the fact that it has been
printed on the cover.
Camera angle/ shot/framing:
The camera angle is almost a low angle. This might show the
slight vulnerability of the artist/ person on the cover of the album. The shot
used is a long shot, but the subject on the cover is a mid-close up. This might
represent the journey to his recovery and how much he still has to go to get
there. He is also framed to the left
angle of the camera and making the audience focus less on him and almost more
on the road.
From analysing these covers, I have learned that the genre of music has a big influence on how the album covers should look like, for example, R&B and Hip Hop artist are likely than any other genre to have picture of themself on the cover. Facial/bodily album covers usually helps promote the album because the audience immediately knows which artist it is without reading any other information on the the cover.
