2. I Am the Blues by Willie Dixon is A blues album
released in 1970, Willie Dixon is commonly known
for his blues sound and for his autobiography in
which he also named ‘I Am The Blues’ to express the
love of the sound he has for the blues, the sound of
stripped backed instrumentals with little sound
effects or gimmicks to attract a larger crowd. The key
image that dominates the whole of the artwork
connotes his dominance within the genre of blues
and its brown, sepia, earthy colours reflect his down
to earth and laid back personality as a person which
would appeal to his target audience of more mature
ages, men and women who just simply want to hear
‘real’ music . His posture and position of him sitting
down clapping helps to show his love for music and
also mirrors his sound; this is again reinforced by the
outfit he wears showing that the album will be
sophisticated and mature – which again would help
to attract his audience as a suit would be something
that are most likely to wear, this way the audience
to identify with him as a person along with his music
– this is used as a promotional device. He sits on a
backdrop that isn’t ‘perfect’ for example it has
creases and folds, this was don’t purposely to help
promote and reflect his ‘real’ atmosphere around
this album of blues. The font chosen for the album
name and artist name is very rounded, almost looks
like bubbles, this could help to show the playful side
to Willie Dixon .

3. I American rock band Kings Of Leons album Only by the Night is the bands
fourth studio album released in 2008. For the album they like a few other
artists have multiple artwork for the same album in which they have a US and
UK version, for this analysis I will be analysing the UK version. Starting with the
green coloured overlay across the whole image, this gives the impression of a
cameras night vision mode which reflects the album name 'Only by the Night'
this could connote a very mysterious and un-human sound that the band has
created, as they almost come alive at night; the opposite of a normal day for
someone, this could appeal to their target audience being a a fan base quite
known for being unique and owning of their own sound. This is again
reinforced by the key image where the effect they have used is a medium shot
of the bands faces mixed with an image of an owl, an animal also commonly
known to only be seen at night, this is used as a visual reminder of the album
name. The sharp piercing eyes from both animal and human that looks directly
at the customer can show the confidence and could also be used as an
method to entice and lead the audience into believing that the band has
written the album directly for them which is used as a promotional device.
Furthermore the 4 spilt screen is used to show that there are four individual
characters within band however they work as one shown through the merged
image of them and the owl and also the cross icons at the end of each split.
Lastly the text/font style they have used gives the impression of a cctv camera
which is supported by the red circle famously know when 'recording' although
the surrounded by a box which can been interpreted as a target focus, which
in this case could connote the band being the target of their fans - something
they want. The font used in cctv coding can reflect the consistent tracking of
the album the band wants, the uppercase letters can suggest a very intense
and strong image and rock sound the band produces. Overall i think the album
artwork was successful and would stand out from other album covers on the
shelf because of its CCTV theme however the album wouldn't appeal to me as
it does successfully display itself as a rock album although I do enjoy the music
of Kings of Leon; I think it may look too much like a alternative album cover.

4. White background- mug shot. "say what u want, no pretences" up against the media with their words
against the artist, stand off where the artist waves the white flag in the fight between the two emerging
victorious as the one who is able to be talked about, in effect hurt. With no problem.
Shot- face front, no hiding, face first no sexual distraction, shows the seriousness of the artist at this
time, the body is a distraction the facial features are what matters most in this confrontational shot.
Pose- hand on the head shows the artist is in charge of herself, reflects the phrase "hands up" after
someone has admitted their shortfalls and is ready to take on their retribution with no fear.
Red nails and lips- power, passion and sexuality, entices young people, reminding consumers the artist is
dominantly female Against this masculine cover, however the use of a deep maroon red has been used
strategically against the choice of the popular pink lips and nails to show the violent and tempered
nature of the artist, the choice of red is a reminder of the bloodshed between a battle with the
enemy, in this case, the media and those who have something negative to say against the artist.
Licking lips- sexual, flirty, risky, vulgar, all represent the singers personality and evolvement from her
music of the sun cover to now where she is not scared to be risky and controversial, the licking lips iconic
image is well known and associated with the rolling stones. This again reinforces the change in direction
of the artists music to a hard risky violent switch from calypso to rock.
Army print on the thirty is the only clothing seen, doesn't distract away from the obvious female strong
image, military army hard hitting prints. Which is worn when in war, ready for a fight, the artist is
armoured and prepared for the backlash of the media.
Arm with tattoo- acts as the name of the album, reinforces the re establishment and seriousness of the
artist, tattooing their music as a permanent legacy, This shows the permanent choice of the artist and
dismisses any assumptions that this may of been a phase. The position of the tattoo is clear front in a
eye level position, a frontal position that leaves no room for hiding any insecurities.
Rings- gang culture, hip hop genre, known for violence, (knuckledusters) singer may be anticipating
trouble because of her risky nature, rings symbolise a portrayal of resilience and resistance to those who
what to 'talk'
Eyes are covered and painted black heavy make up- Grundy, army like camouflage, looking straight into
the camera as if in response to those that dear 'talk that talk' a direct confrontation and honest look into
their eyes.
Artists name is written as 'R' shows that they are established and able to be recognised regardless, it has
ore power and sharp dramatic effect with just the first letter. Similar to vandalising etching onto
something, making their mark known and marking territory. The artists name also is filled with what is
similar to newspaper headlines, this reinforces the nature of others and the media talking about the
artist. The words from the article are used to build the artists name, this shows the territorial
front, anything negative said is only boosting the artist to make her who she is. A role reversal to those
who 'talk' about her.

5. The Gorillaz are an musical band catering for the audiences interested in Alternative music, which is
reflected in there album artwork for there album "Demon Days". Firstly the key image(s) of the band
members in an animated effect shows the artist as 'different' from others; this could be their unique
selling point and used to attract both existing and new customers to buy there new album. Looking
at the images, they are almost portrayed as criminals with a visual link between there position and
the position of those who's mugshot picture is taken, this could be used reflect and almost market
the rebellious expletive lyrics that feature on there album, which is supported by the 'Parent
Advisory' marketing tool to not only be used as a warning but to also attract those of a younger age
group who think its 'cool' to listen to music that contains explicit lyrics - this could be from sexual
references, drugs and alcohol.
The album artwork also contains the conventional features like the artist/band name, which in
this case is Gorillaz, this allows the target audience and fans of the band to easily identify the bands
music. Similarly the album cover contains a puff/ tie-in highlighted with a bright orange circle to
bring attention to a new highly successful single 'Fell Good Inc'. The orange contrasts with the black
and white colour scheme that runs through the rest of the album artwork which helps the audience
that are not quite familiar with the band to relate to the album, which could help increase the sales
of their album. The simple colour scheme mirrors the simplicity of their music, and helps with the
album title 'Demon Days' to create a very dark and mystical atmosphere around the album intending
the fans to want to buy it. They also use the animations of themselves to portray the album name -
as they all look like demons for example there eyes have no pupils and they seem to be very poorly
lit - they almost hid away into a shadow which is very demonic.
Moving onto the back cover artwork of the album which has kept with the simple colour scheme to
show continually amongst the art work which is essential to the design, especially when it comes to
the track names - as this will allow the customer the easily read and identify each track so they can
navigate through the album easily and quickly. Again they show present the band in an animated
way as the key image. It also contains the important details like the barcode, record label they are
sign to, their band website and bang logo to help promote the bands music and products. Lastly the
institutional information has been placed in very small font along the bottom right hand corner
which legally had to be placed on the artwork to help protect/ copyright the bands music.
Throughout the album artwork I have noticed that the font used is upper case which could of been
used to represent the gaudy personality and overall theme of the albums sound.
Overall I think that the covers are quite effective and designed quite cleverly to attract the Gorillaz
fan base.