Infographic

The Most Iconic Album Covers That Impacted the World

With this infographic, check out some of the greatest album covers that made an impact on the music industry and world!

Musicnotes

• 2 min read
The Most Iconic Album Covers That Impacted the World

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Music is a universal language that every culture and nation speaks. But the music itself isn’t the only thing that carries that weight. With great music always comes a great album cover that defined a generation. Here are the most iconic album covers that impacted the world: 

  1. Abbey Road (1969)
    1. Artist: The Beatles
    2. No album cover is more iconic, well-known, or replicated than this Beatles classic. The tracks and the cover itself have had a global impact since its release.
  2. Rumours (1977)
    1. Artist: Fleetwood Mac
    2. Not only is this known as their best album, but it’s one of the best rock albums of all time. Features Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks. 
  3. 1989 (2014)
    1. Artist: Taylor Swift
    2. One of the most influential artists, Taylor Swift shifted gears with this album and focused on a time long gone. 
  4. What’s Going On? (1971)
    1. Artist: Marvin Gaye
    2. Both the cover and the tracks go hand in hand - What is going on in America? The Vietnam War and racial injustice had the artist perplexed both in photo and lyric.
  5. Aladdin Sane (1973)
    1. Artist: David Bowie
    2. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, impacted the world in a big way and this cover encapsulates that persona intimately.
  6. Purple Rain (1984)
    1. Artist: Prince
    2. This album cover is definitive 1980s. Prince represents the decade in so many ways, including visual aesthetics.
  7. Lemonade (2016)
    1. Artist: Beyoncé
    2. Encapsulating confidence even in pain, Beyoncé’s posture shows her recomposing herself at a difficult point, but ready to come back harder than ever. 
  8. London Calling (1979)
    1. Artist: The Clash
    2. Using the same style as an iconic Elvis album titled Elvis Presley, The Clash came onto the scene to change rock and punk unapologetically with this album, stating they were the new rock legends.

Resources: 

  • https://www.billboard.com/photos/best-album-covers-of-all-time-6715351/ 
  • https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/25-iconic-album-covers/