CD Cover Analysis…

1. CD Cover Analysis… Alex Helsby, Molly Clifton and Rachel Helsby

2. Front Cover… Album 1 The dull colours of the album cover match his sad facial expression. Lower case ‘e’ shows that the artist is informal and doesn’t take himself too seriously. The title of the album could be linked with the idea that it is their first album and ‘this is what they’ve made’ The albums name is in capitals this catches the audiences attention, also the fact it is bold, black writing on a white background. The artist is in the centre of the cover and in focus, this will catch the audiences eye. We can see by the lighting that the artist is behind some sort of frame or piece of glass, maybe even in a bubble. The album cover itself is quite simple, this was the bands first album so it could have been them trying to give the audience the impression that they are a ‘laid-back’ band. The Mise en scene isn’t what we would expect. We would expect to see images and a set from the artists generation however the Mise en scene here is old fashioned; this is shown through the props and effect over the image, sepia? The Mise en scene might be used to promote the album to not only the younger generation but also the older one too.

3. Back and side Cover… Album 1 An image of a bottle is shown relating to the idea that it is a recipe or ingredient list. The spine of the cover has the album and artists’ name; this is for when the album is on the shelf people can read what CD it is (practical reasons) The back cover also has the grey effect of the image like the front cover does. The back cover is set out as a sort of recipe/menu. The track list is under ‘contains’ and then is listed like ingredients. The Band’s web address is shown for the fans to access. A social networking site is also given and can be used for marketing reasons. Small print at the bottom, “prepared entirely from British ethnic alcohol” – the relation to alcohol confirms to us that the CD may be aimed at the teenage/young adult generation. The production details are shown in small print as this isn't so important to the fans but does say all the necessary information such as copy write and record labels. Conventions shown on the back of the CD cover: track names, running order of the tracks, amount of tracks, image, title and production details. The barcode is present for selling purposes.

4. Front Cover… Album 2 Lower case ‘e’ show that the artist is informal and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Recognisable logo for fans to associate with. Bright, fun colours to show the entertaining side of the artist. Artist name, in the signature font for the artist used on all posters and advertisement for the artist. Representation of a female audience. Representation of a male audience. Different images to represent the different genres/audiences the artist can reach out to. Album name, to match the font of the artist, recognisable again to the audience. Fits with genre of music. Different poses/faces from the artist something you’d expect to see. Not so serious, all about having a good time. To fit the genre of dance/hip-hop. Dressed up in a costume shows his fun-loving personality.

5. Back and side Cover… Album 2 Conventions shown on the back of the CD cover: track names, running order of the tracks, amount of tracks, image, title and production details. The spine of the cover has the album and artists’ name; this is for when the album is on the shelf people can read what CD it is (practical reasons) A recognised logo of a well-known production company. Recognisable font used for the title. Fan pages and social networking site addresses used for fan purposes also as a form of marketing. Bright, fun colours to show the entertaining side of the artist. The artist is shown again. The image matches the front cover. Its like he is exhausted after the photo shoot. The production details are shown in small print as this isn't so important to the fans but does say all the necessary information such as copy write and record labels. The dressing up costume from the photo shoot on the front cover. Barcode for sale purposes.

6. The artist is passionate about his music, headphones represent listening to music on your own, this may show that the music is easy listening and can be enjoyed individual. Represents the target audience who often are seen wearing headphones when listening to the artist. Continuous use of title font to represent the artist. Lower case ‘e’ again to represent the informality of the artist and music. Cartoon style image and mise en scene, holding gun may represent how he hopes his music can ‘take over the world’. Blazer, contrast with loud t-shirt again shows less informality of the artist, but can also represent a serious side to his music. An explosion may represent a ‘big’ song and how it may have a bigger impact than other songs on his audience. Colours are bright and obvious to the audience. Makes the cover stand out from selling shelf. Flying objects may represent how care free you may feel when listening to the music. Single title, in the same font as the artist’s name. Represents genre of music and iconic to the audience. Artist is the main image and at the centre of the cover. To show the audience the identity of the artist and style to match the genre of the music.

7. Again, recognisable font for the artist’s fans. Font fits with overall lively mise en scene. The image represents both a male and a female audience as both sexes are able to be in love. There’s ‘girly’ side to the image with the pink heart but also a ‘male’ representation with the chain saw. Artist is again on the front cover – this shows his style . He’s dressed in casual clothing which shows his ‘cool’ side as he is not dressed formally. Explosion – possibly showing that the artist’s music is ‘explosive’. Central image represents the song and what the lyrics are about. ‘Kickstarts’ is about love and people being in love so the heart image links to this. Artist is shown to be sawing a heart in half – this represents his music for this particular song. Also, it’s a fun image to show his humorous side. The artist has a joking worried expression which may show that it’s all light hearted . Single title, in the same font as the artist’s name. Represents genre of music and iconic to the audience. The colours are again bright like the previous two front covers. This makes the CD stand out from others on a shelf and also makes links between the covers and in turn the artist’s music.

8. Continuous use of title font to represent the artist. Lower case ‘e’ again to represent the informality of the artist and music. All one tone of colour – makes the photos appear to be in a slight vintage style. A fashionable statement that would again appeal to his audience. Polaroid style photographs that appear in the cover as a collage: This makes links to the target audience as it is similar to the type of thing that a teenager/ young adult would have on their walls at home. Overall image fits with what would appeal to the consumer . Images on the front cover represent a party style lifestyle – this is a symbol for the genre of the song. Image of a girl sitting on the toilet, gives an insight into the teenage party life that the target audience would easily recognise. Single title, in the same font as the artist’s name. Represents genre of music and iconic to the audience. The artist ‘Example’ is in most of the images on the cover which represents how he likes to have a good time which links to the style and theme for the song.

9. Continuous use of title font to represent the artist. Lower case ‘e’ again to represent the informality of the artist and music. Makes the album recognisable to fans. The artist’s image doesn’t stand out as much on this cover which could show how he has become more popular so his image is no longer needed for the audience to make the link between the artist’s name and his face. The colours are extremely bright and connote a summery feel to the cover. The colours provide a fun representation. Cover stands out from others on a shelf. Aesthetically pleasing. Image of the Sunglasses links to the song title and makes it the title fit with the cover. Single title, in the same font as the artist’s name. Represents genre of music and iconic to the audience. Also on every cover the positioning of the title is always the same. The artist’s image on the cover in a ‘pop art’ style – fits with the mise en scene that the cover creates. Its a difference from previous covers where the artist’s photograph was present – could display a change in style of music?