1. David Bowie- Aladdin Sane

2. Yes- Relayer Album

3. Prince- Purple Rain

Album Covers:

Back in the day album covers were a real display of art. I am not saying that CDs do not provide the same. However the real estate on LP album covers at 12.375 x 12.375 inches is framed art. Here are my three favorite designed album covers and why I like them:

1.Aladdin Sane – David Bowie
(David Bowie. (1973). Aladdin Sane [Record]. RCA Victor.

Design/Photography: Duffy Design Concepts

This poster was on my wall for many years. As much as I enjoyed Bowie’s music,  I love his theatrics and his different personas. This image shows Bowie is in full make up looking like an alien that is crying. He is a new character, “a lad insane” (Aladdin Sane). The lightning bolt painted on his face, is now a signature/emblem to Bowie. Years later, I found out that UK photographer Brian Duffy who shot the image was the father of one of my colleagues who I am friendly with. He gave me the real insight and context to his dad’s creative process with Bowie for this album and other projects.

2.Relayer – Yes
(Yes. (1974). Relayer [Record]. Atlantic.

Artwork: Roger Dean, Photography- Jean Ristori

Roger Dean designed many “Yes” albums, Relayer is one of my favorites in terms of artwork. He conjures up in his work mythical scenes and works real and fantastical imagery that can be quite detailed. Relayer album art is one of those examples. He used muted grey watercolor for cavernous rock landscape, using snakes and soldiers on horseback that blend into the background to tell a story.  He also created the ‘Yes’ logo, which I would copy by hand drawing over an over. I love how he made the letters balloon like and the way they flowed together.

3.Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
(Prince. (1984). Purple Rain [Record]. Warner Bros.

Art Direction: Prince, Design: Laura LiPuma

This album cover has a lot of drama to it, Prince posed on a motorcycle in a purple velvet outfit with billowing smoke around him on the dark wet street outside a dimly lit building that looks like a brothel with a woman standing outside the door. He is giving us that devious eye. Everything appears deep dark purple and black, except that it is framed by colorful wildflowers on a white background. I love the contrast on that, I also thinks it adds to his character, which tends to be androgynous and makes it even more dramatic.