Album Cover Analysis

SAM SMITH - IN THE LONELY HOUR

- Image and plain colours could suggest a solemn theme/genre of music

- Expression reflects the tone of the music

- Looks as though he is praying- troubled/worried/hopeful

- Not looking at the audience - doesn’t want to connect with them, private

- Centered on album cover - he is the main focus, he is recognised

- Lighting is created so that singer is highlighted

- Text entirely capitalised to add to “sharpness” of the image

- Greys and blacks link to the theme of loneliness

- Clothing is sleek and simple to portray a “classic cool” image/style

IMAGINE DRAGONS - NIGHT VISIONS

- Dark colours could be suggestive of the mood and genre of the artist and music itself

- Figure in distance could represent isolation and loneliness

- Has a futuristic look, almost Dystopian atmosphere

- Lack of visual of artist themselves could suggest that they are not the central focus, the music and theme is more important

- Text is also not the central focus but contrasts the dark image it is placed over to make it stand out

- Lack of lighting seems to add to the mystery and unknowing.

- Alternatively, it could be used for aesthetic purposes: the image is striking and breathtaking for some; the futuristic look to it and the colourful sky is unique, which could attract an audience.

JAYMES YOUNG - HABITS OF MY HEART

- Use of black and white makes for a gloomier, darker atmosphere

- Use of superimposition is obvious and eye-catching

- Leaves the audience with a lot of questions as to what the photo means and how it will reflect the music

- Text is small and not centrally focused, suggesting that it isn't the most important part of the cover

- Creative, leaves more to the audience's imagination

- His face is covered by an image of the sky, suggesting how his head is in the clouds

- Lighting is natural and doesn't drag attention to any particular place

- Costume of shirt and tie could have implications to weddings