Album covers have always played an important role in the way we perceive music. Before streaming services and digital downloads became the norm, the first interaction we had with an album was its cover. It set the tone, hinted at the music's narrative, and sometimes even influenced pop culture.
In the digital era, with the prominence of visual platforms, the best album covers of all time still remain relevant, offering fans a glimpse into the artist's vision and the album’s ethos. Today, when visuals are more potent than ever, looking back at these iconic album covers offers both nostalgia and inspiration.
Here, we explore the stories behind the covers that not only defined generations but also stood the test of time.
1. The Velvet Underground and Nico, ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’ (1967)
This famous Andy Warhol banana drawing instantly became a cultural symbol. The original CD had a sticker with the words "peel slowly and see" that, when removed, revealed a banana with flesh-colored skin. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest album covers of all time since it combines art, music, and wit.
2. The Beatles, ‘Abbey Road’ (1969)
The album cover so iconic it still stops traffic. Daily, fans emulate this famous street-crossing photo outside Abbey Road Studios. Uniquely, it's the band's first cover that omits their name, yet its legacy remains unrivaled.
3. Patti Smith, ‘Horses’ (1975)
Not only for Smith's literary words mixed with punk rock, the Horses album cover is praised for its visual brilliance. The image of Smith, captured by Robert Mapplethorpe, was deemed one of the best-ever photographs of a woman by critic Camille Paglia. All of these elements make this album cover one the best of all time.
4. The Notorious B.I.G., ‘Ready to Die’ (1994)
Contrasting the album's mature lyrical content, the cover portrays an innocent, baby-sized Biggie. This juxtaposition brilliantly traces his life's journey, emphasizing how a world rife with adversity can shape a young, impressionable mind.
5. Led Zeppelin, ‘Led Zeppelin’ (1969)
This black-and-white photo, which depicts the horrific Hindenburg crash, serves as the ideal introduction to Led Zeppelin's groundbreaking debut album. It continues to be an iconic picture in rock, whether viewed as a tribute to the album's explosive substance or a disputed capitalization on a true catastrophe.
6. Pink Floyd, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ (1973)
Simplicity at its finest. This iconic cover, featuring light passing through a prism to form a spectrum, was designed to depict both the band's stage lighting and lyrical themes. The prism has since become synonymous with Pink Floyd itself, making it one of the best album covers the world continues to celebrate. Also, this album is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
7. Cyndi Lauper, ‘She’s So Unusual’ (1983)
An album cover that accurately reflects its name. Lauper's odd posture and her interesting outfit, captured by the eminent Annie Leibovitz against the backdrop of Brooklyn's Coney Island, promote the saying, "Embrace your uniqueness, no matter how unusual."
8. Public Enemy, ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ (1990)
With its afrofuturistic design, this album cover, conceived by Chuck D, depicts a black planet overshadowing Earth. Entrusting NASA illustrator B.E. Johnson for the final design, this art reflects the album's profound themes and powerful messages.
9. Elvis Presley, ‘Elvis Presley’ (1956)
The King of Rock 'n' Roll made a thunderous entrance with this cover, predating The Clash's "London Calling" by decades with its vibrant green and neon pink. The raw energy in this mid-strum image captures the essence of rock n' roll, introducing it to the world in an unforgettable way.
10. N.W.A, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ (1988)
Brutality and raw power radiate from this cover. Featuring Eazy-E aiming a gun at the viewer, with the rest of the group staring coldly downward, it evokes the harsh realities of gangsta rap and remains a cornerstone in its history.
11. The Beatles, ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (1967)
Let's play the game of "spot the celebrity"! Fans are asked to name the many famous people on this silly, crowded cover, which features the Beatles in flashy military gear. The faces here include Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, Marlon Brando, and Sonny Liston. It's not only one of the best album covers ever, but it's also a little game of "Where's Waldo" for rock fans.
12. Nas, ‘Illmatic’ (1994)
Growing up is hard, especially in Queensbridge. Superimposing a young Nas over his neighborhood, this cover art metaphorically bridges his childhood innocence with the gritty realities of his lyrics. It's like peeking into a rapper's yearbook—plenty of ambition with a dash of nostalgia.
13. Hole, ‘Live Through This’ (1994)
When prom night meets punk rock. This iconic grunge cover, featuring a distraught beauty queen, mirrors the chaotic, raw energy of the 90s. It’s a beautiful mess, much like trying to use liquid eyeliner for the first time.
14. Nirvana, ‘Nevermind’ (1991)
Babies and dollar bills—an underwater chase that's as intriguing as it is metaphorical. This cover, featuring a baby swimming towards a dollar, could very well be the earliest commentary on student loans (pun intended). No wonder it remains one of the best album covers to date!
15. Kendrick Lamar, ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ (2015)
Party at the White House and everyone's invited! But wait... is that a judge at the bottom? A jubilant yet provocative image, capturing shirtless black men celebrating in front of the nation's iconic building, it stands as a modern-day masterpiece blending joy, controversy, and a dash of "what's going on?"
16. The Clash, ‘London Calling’ (1979)
The punk rockers did it with style when they chose to pay homage to Elvis Presley with bright colors and a hint of defiance. It is an exhilarating ode to rock n' roll's own king and features the smashing of a guitar. And even though it's unclear how many guitars were damaged during the photo shoot session, this legendary record cover is worth every splinter.
17. Santana, ‘Abraxas’ (1970)
Step into a psychedelic dreamscape with this vibrant painting. Drawing inspiration from the Biblical Annunciation, we get an Afrocentric Virgin Mary and a very intrigued angel. It's the kind of cover art you'd expect after attending a '70s art school – abstract, vivid, and pretty mystifying.
18. Judas Priest, ‘British Steel’ (1980)
Alright, who's trying to hold a razor blade without bleeding? This gripping, metal-as-heck cover showcases a hand clutching a razor blade, and it's enough to make anyone wince. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but then again, neither is heavy metal.
19. Joy Division, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ (1979)
Decades later, even Mickey Mouse decided to rock this pulsar radio wave design on a t-shirt. Showcasing a series of rhythmic oscillations, it's both a visual and auditory pleasure. This cover makes you want to dive deep into the beats, or perhaps into a physics book.
20. Duran Duran, ‘Rio’ (1982)
If ever there was a girl who embodied the 80s, it was this painted lady, dancing on the sand. This incredibly retro artwork immediately transports you to an era of neon, loud patterns, and synth-heavy beats. Truly, a visual representation of the "hair was big, and worries were small" period.
21. Miles Davis, ‘Bitches Brew’ (1969)
When you think of jazz fusing with experimental rock, you might imagine something surreal, and the album cover of 'Bitches Brew' doesn't disappoint. This mesmerizing, dream-like artwork captures the contrasts and nuances of Davis' revolutionary sound. Plus, it makes for a great conversation starter at artsy dinner parties.
22. Bob Marley & the Wailers, ‘Rastaman Vibration’ (1976)
Marley, with a meditative look, hand raised to his chin, is placed against a rustic burlap sack background. The earthy watercolor tones echo his grounded, soulful tunes. If ever an album cover made you want to kick back and let the music flow over you while pondering the universe, then this is it.
23. Ramones, ‘Ramones’ (1976)
Emerging from Queens and looking like they've just survived a few scuffles, the Ramones defined punk attitude. Ripped jeans, leather jackets, and an aura that screams, "We don't care, but also, buy our album, maybe?" If you ever wondered how to master the "I woke up like this, and it wasn't great" look, here's your muse.
24. The Rolling Stones, ‘Sticky Fingers’ (1971)
Only the Stones could make a literal zipper work on an album cover, with a hint of intrigue. It's provocative, it's in-your-face, and it's one of the best album covers of all time. Also, the practical side of you might wonder if the zipper's functional. Does it go up and down? Does it lead to another dimension of rock?
25. David Bowie, ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973)
Behold, the lightning face! When you think of Bowie, it's hard not to visualize this electrifying makeup look. The striking bolt represents Bowie's otherworldly persona, and it's possibly the only time someone made facial electrocution look chic. If aliens tried to rock, this would be their vibe.
Next time you're creating a Spotify playlist cover, maybe throw in a little Bowie-inspired artwork, yeah? The universe will thank you.
26. Funkadelic, ‘One Nation Under a Groove’ (1978)
This psychedelic funk masterpiece is what happens when you drop Salvador Dali in the middle of a 70s funk concert. The dripping Earth, the alien musicians, and the Afro-futuristic vibes—it's a lot to take in. Still, it perfectly encapsulates the trippy journey the album takes you on. And let's be honest, it also reminds us that in the 70s, anything went, including questionable fashion choices.
27. Grace Jones, ‘Island Life’ (1985)
Is Grace Jones doing yoga? Gymnastics? Defying the laws of physics? This unforgettable, almost superhuman pose is the work of none other than Jean-Paul Goude. It's a masterclass in how to merge elegance with, "I can do cool poses you can't, and I look fabulous doing it."
28. A Tribe Called Quest, ‘The Low End Theory’ (1991)
If your neon paint has been collecting dust, here's your sign to use it. This iconic image of a woman drenched in vibrant paint is both powerful and captivating. It's not just an album cover; it's a nod to Afrocentric colors, identity, and the power of neon to make everything pop.
29. Iron Maiden, ‘Killers’ (1981)
Derek Riggs' "Eddie" is not here to help you cross the street. He's here to ensure you never sleep peacefully again. Combining horror, urban legend vibes, and the undeniable truth that alleyways at night are never a good idea, this album cover is peak heavy metal. It's like Halloween, but for your ears and eyes.
30. Janis Joplin, ‘Pearl’ (1971)
Janis, with her radiant smile, looks like the cool aunt you always wanted. Lounging on a vintage loveseat, draped in hippie attire, she's the embodiment of 70s boho-chic. And while the drink in her hand offers a sad reminder of her tragic fate, her luminous aura is immortalized forever.
31. Bruce Springsteen, ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ (1984)
Bruce, or as most know him, "The Boss," gives us denim, a white tee, and the quintessential American flag in the backdrop. If ever there was a guide on how to rock jeans with the elegance of a runway model while exuding blue-collar vibes, this cover is it. It's Americana, it's rock, it's... is that a red cap peeking from his back pocket? Talk about attention to detail.
32. Aretha Franklin, ‘I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You’ (1967)
This cover is Aretha telling the world, "I woke up like this." No flashy props, no over-the-top aesthetics, just pure, unadulterated confidence. The tilted angle, her regal demeanor—it's all so effortlessly chic. Who knew that gauzy old Hollywood haze could look so good?
33. Rosalía, ‘El Mal Querer’ (2018)
When you mix medieval religious iconography with a modern twist, you get this masterful cover. It’s like “The Birth of Venus” met Spanish pop culture and they had a brainchild. Rosalía, in her white robe, looks ready to either perform a divine miracle or drop the hottest track of the year. Spoiler: She did the latter.
34. Blondie, ‘Parallel Lines’ (1978)
Is it a zebra crossing? Is it a barcode? No, it's Blondie giving us monochrome magic! The perfect blend of New Wave aesthetics and the ever-fashionable Debbie Harry standing with an attitude that says, "I'm cooler than you, and I know it." And honestly, who could argue with that?
35. SOPHIE, ‘Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides’ (2018)
Check out SOPHIE on this cover, looking like a futuristic mash-up of a Blade Runner character and a siren from ancient myths. Rocking a bold choker, some quirky gloves, and a sparkly leg, she gives us a stare from a dreamy lavender sea. This cover is as unique as the album's vibe!
36. Sex Pistols, ‘Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ (1977)
When the Sex Pistols slapped "Bollocks" on their cover, the British bigwigs lost their cool. But guess what? That rebellious vibe made the artwork legendary. Fun fact: Some ads cheekily said, "The album's here to stay, but the cover? Maybe not."
37. Kenny Rogers, ‘The Gambler’ (1978)
Channeling his inner riverboat gambler, Kenny Rogers hit the jackpot with 'The Gambler.' Fans couldn't resist the album's catchy tunes and its nostalgically rich cover. With reference to the Old West, from a Mae West lookalike to cigar-smoking gents, this cover is a delightful blast from America's past!
38. Marvin Gaye, ‘What’s Going On’ (1971)
Marvin Gaye's striking album captures a time of deep reflection. The rain-slicked cover showcases Gaye, seemingly deep in thought, symbolizing a period when America grappled with war and societal challenges. It's a soulful glance into the past, inviting listeners to ponder with him.
39. Drake, ‘If You're Reading This It’s Too Late’ (2015)
Surprise! Drake dropped this mixtape, and fans went wild, not just for the tracks but for its doodly cover art. The scribbly style quickly turned into a trending meme, with fans putting their own spin on it. Drake surely knows how to catch attention both on and offline!
40. Bad Bunny, ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ (2022)
Enter the vivid world of Bad Bunny, even if you're not a Spanish speaker! This cover, with its playful dolphins and sunrise over a palm beach, sets the tone for the album's highs and lows. That lonely, one-eyed heart on the beach? It hints at the mix of introspection and energy within.
41. Kanye West, ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ (2010)
Kanye went all out with this one. Trading his Dropout Bear for grand artwork by George Condo, the cover is as intense as the tracks within. Controversial? Yes. But it captures the vast expanse of Kanye's intricate mind.
42. SZA, ‘SOS’ (2022)
SZA's lapse into reflection is evident in "SOS." The cover, which depicts her dangling on a diving board above the water, hints at a Princess Diana-inspired mood, conveying the sense of being on the brink.
43. Metallica, ‘Master of Puppets’ (1986)
Metallica's "Master of Puppets" speaks of the intensity of war. With ghostly red hands orchestrating crosses below, the cover captures the essence of the album’s potent themes. It’s a stark reminder of the costs of war.
44. The Slits, ‘Cut’ (1979)
The Slits weren't about seeking approval. Their "Cut" cover showcases three women, mud-smeared and fierce. As Viv Albertine (guitarist for the punk band) put it, their aim was not to be "inviting the male gaze" but to embody power and resilience. Mission accomplished.
45. Betty Davis, ‘They Say I’m Different’ (1974)
In the '70s, Betty Davis was the funk queen the world didn't know it needed. With her album, "They Say I’m Different," the cover says it all. Sporting an ensemble that’s part Egyptian goddess, part Barbarella, and wielding pool cues like oversized chopsticks, her unique confidence radiates.
46. The Roots, ‘Things Fall Apart’ (1999)
"The Roots" hit hard with "Things Fall Apart." The cover? Even harder. It showcases a gripping Civil Rights-era image from Brooklyn. It's raw and real and reflects the inequality the group's lyrics addressed. Powerful stuff!
47. Lana Del Rey, ‘Norman F–king Rockwell’ (2019)
Lana's on a sailboat wrapped in the American flag, chilling next to Jack Nicholson’s grandson. With a title popping like a comic book, "KAPOW," and her initials in that cool retro font, this album cover screams classic Americana. Just Lana being her epic self!
48. Joni Mitchell, ‘Hejira’ (1976)
Joni's 1976 album "Hejira" has her looking cozy against a frosty Wisconsin lake. Add a mysterious highway merging into her, and you get the sense of endless journeys in her songs. Simple, but deep!
49. Madonna, ‘True Blue’ (1986)
Madonna's "True Blue" album cover, taken by the famous Herb Ritts, is a head-turner. Not only did Ritts partner with Madonna on other covers, but he also directed her "Cherish" video. His camera skills even snagged him an MTV Video Music Award before he passed in 2002.
50. Taylor Swift, ‘1989’ (2014)
Taylor’s '89 album cover is a vibe! Rocking an '80s sweatshirt, the cover screams vintage with its polaroid style. Fans everywhere mimicked it, turning it into an online sensation. Taylor's music changes, but her iconicness is timeless.
Feel free to find out if any of her songs made it to the 50 iconic songs of all time, according to science.
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