NOTE: In no way are these album artworks the greatest (I am no expert or authority in deciding the greatest album artworks for I am just a mere blogger. Also I have not seen all of the album artworks released in the 20th century so there are probably some incredible ones that I have missed.), but this list was complied on the terms in which I personally found these album artworks to be particularly great. I hope you can forgive me.
+ - Ed Sheeran (2011)
Not a great album cover you say? Well, for a start, he's ginger and he's made his debut album orange, which is something in itself too fantastic for words. For another, this image is actually a chalk drawing of Ed and things like that actually amaze me.
Total Life Forever - Foals (2010)
Foals always pull it out of the bag in terms of artwork, but this from their critically acclaimed second release is my favourite. I think it really captures the essence of the album.
Neon Bible - Arcade Fire (2007)
Probably one of the more literal album covers (it is, in fact, a bible made from neon lights) but that doesn't make it any less great. Though, it is an actual photograph of a specially-crafted sign rather than a digitally edited image, which resulted in it being awarded the Juno award for CD/DVD Artwork Design of the Year.
Tourist History - Two Door Cinema Club (2010)
It's like the eyes of the cat hypnotise you into purchasing this album. Maybe they've hypontised me into including them in this post, who knows.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Arctic Monkeys (2006)
One of British indie rock's most iconic album covers features Chris McClure, a friend of the band and lead singer of The Violet May. This artwork recieved criticism from the NHS and other such health organisations. Maybe the lads should've dedicated (my favourite track) 'Mardy Bum' to the backlash.
Contra - Vampire Weekend (2010)
No great artwork list would be complete without Ms Ann Kirsten Kennis. If you don't know the story, the band found a scan of this Polaroid from the 1980s of the then-model and were drawn to how striking it was. Later that year, Kennis sued the band and the label for using the photo without her permission. If I were on a Vampire Weekend album cover, I certainly wouldn't complain...
All Of Us, Together - Teen Daze (2012)
Simply breathtaking.
Count Your Blessings - Bring Me The Horizon (2006)
I'm not particularly a fan of their music (but that's kinda clear isn't it, apologies for the stereotype (but it's so true)) but I find everything about this album cover to be beautiful. The colours are stunning and it's stylistically impressive. Plus I love fish.
Once Upon A Time In The West - Hard-Fi (2007)
What I love about this cover is absolutely no one could ever do it again and it stands head and shoulders above the rest.
It's Blitz! - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
If this cover wouldn't catch your eye whilst browsing through a record store, I don't know what would. It's very appetising.
Era Vulgaris - Queens Of The Stone Age (2007)
While their other album artworks are much more plain, this one is much more interesting. It features two characters, Bulby and Stumpy, from the album's promo video which, according to lead vocalist Josh Homme, represent "what you perceive to be a great idea that really is not that great of an idea". (Yes I copied that from their Wikipedia page.) And also the tail of the Q is a sperm and I find that hilarious (!!!).
Hospice - The Antlers (2009)
The album itself is full of heart, based on frontman Peter Silberman's own emotional torment and feelings of intense isolation that went on to inspire the songs.. The story is of a hospice worker (believed to be Silberman) and a female cancer patient as they crumble together. And that's if the artwork wasn't touching enough.
American IV: The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash (2002)
The Man's 87th (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and final album released before his death in the following year. This artwork is simple and remarkable and I cannot fault it in one way.
Olympia - Bryan Ferry (2010)
Yes, I chose this simply because I adore Kate Moss and to say she looks stunningly-breathtakingly-beautifully-fabulous would be the understatement of the century.
Teenage Dream - Katy Perry (2010)
Oh Katy, only you would have someone paint you naked on a pink cloud. Strangely, I really love this artwork even though she is butt naked and that makes me slightly uncomfortable. Plus, the booklet smells of candy floss. Did I mention the booklet smells of candy floss? (CANDY FLOSS!!!!!!!)
Wall Of Arms - The Maccabees (2009)
The band were literally painted over by artist Boo Ritson and they just look so cool.
Kill The Moonlight - Spoon (2002)
(no download available)
I love the typography I love the way the hands reach out I love the shape of her/his fingers I love the way this photo is taken I love the colour scheme I love this artwork
Kala - M.I.A. (2007)
With an album named after her mother, Sri Lanka born, South London raised singer/rapper M.I.A. channels some serious tribal vibes. Plus she went to my high school, ultimate claim 2 fame.
808s and Heartbreak - Kanye West (2008)
There are about a million version of this album cover, so I chose this one at random even though they're all practically the same. I love the deflated balloon heart, and apparently so does Justin Bieber who has evidently copied it for his latest single 'Heartbreaker'.
good kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar (2012)
The artwork features an old picture from when Kendrick was a young child. It is unclear why his uncle and grandfather's eyes are censored but his eyes aren't because the album is told through his eyes of growing up in gang circles.
Reign Of Terror - Sleigh Bells (2012)
During a 2011 performance, guitarist Derek Miller accidentally hit vocalist Alexis Krauss over the head with his guitar whilst she was wearing these Keds. The blood shown on the shoes is a resultant of actual head injury that projected itself onto her footwear. According to Derek Miller, "Keds are a symbol of youth and purity, having them tainted can be seen as a loss of innocence." Pretty spooky that Alexis Krauss only wears white Keds (white is also a symbol of purity and innocence, weird). Their album 'Treats' also has really awesomely cool artwork.
Slam Dunk'n Hoes - Top Dog (2007)
(no download available) (are you really surprised though)
Save the best til last...
He is literally slam dunking a hoe. HE IS LITERALLY. SLAM DUNKING. A HOE.
What are your favourite artworks of the 21st century? Are there any I've missed? Comment below if you wish :-)
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