Album Cover Research



A range of album covers, which differ depending on
genre and target audience

 After researching different album covers, I have noticed that they all have similar features. These are:

• Images (either of the artist/band or something more symbolic)
• Band name
• Album name
• A unique element which differs them from the rest
• Institutional information, track names etc.

However, I have also realised that the album covers differ depending on the target audience for the band or the genre of music. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Barry Manilow - The Greatest Songs of the Seventies

Primary Target Audience: Middle-aged females
Genre: Classic Pop/Rock

Example 2: Glee Cast - Songs of Glee Volume 1

Primary Target Audience: Young females / males who watch the show
Genre: Pop

Example 3: Westlife - Back Home

Primary Target Audience: Young adult females
Genre: Boyband

As you can see, these three album covers have the same conventions, but are all different in their style. For example, the Glee album has very bright colours and shows all of the cast members as they would in the show. This appeals to the target audience as fans of the show can see that the album is directly related to the programme and they will buy it.
The Barry Manilow album, however, is more bland and the colours are duller. The font is more formal and easy to read, as it is aimed at an older audience. The central focus is the artist, unlike with the Glee album where the central focus is the TV programme.
Similarly, the Westlife album is also centred on the band. However, as the genre is different to that of Barry Manilow, the pictures are different. The artist and album names are central and the band are in a conventional 'boyband' pose.