The Iconic Classic Rock Album Covers That Left Lasting Impressions
Classic rock album covers are more than just eye-catching artwork; they often convey the essence of the music and its era. Some designs have become so iconic that they are almost as famous as the bands themselves. Let's delve into some of the most memorable examples.
1. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd is perhaps one of the most iconic album covers in rock history. The simple yet striking design, featuring a prism dispersing light into a spectrum of colors against a black background, has become synonymous with the album's themes of mental health, time, and existentialism. It has left a significant impact on music and popular culture, remaining relevant decades after its release.
2. Led Zeppelin - II (1969)
Led Zeppelin's second album, released in 1969, features the mysterious and intriguing painting of a rustic scene with a figure carrying a bundle of sticks. This otherworldly art adds a layer of mystique to the already enigmatic band, setting the stage for their legendary status in rock music.
3. The Beatles - Abbey Road (1969)
The Beatles' Abbey Road is a household name, known for its iconic photograph of the band crossing the street outside the famous studio. The cover not only became a symbol of Beatlemania but also provided endless amusement for fans and collectors alike, with detailed alterations to each photo.
4. The Rolling Stones - TSG: Their Satanic Majesties Request (1967)
The Rolling Stones' Tiger's Satanic Majesties Request is remembered for its unique zipper design. The cover, which includes a zipped-up band portrait with the band's name displayed on a sepia-toned banner, offers a glimpse into the band's playful, whimsical side.
5. Emerson, Lake Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
Emerson, Lake Palmer's Brain Salad Surgery is one of the band's most recognizable albums, thanks to the incredible artwork by Swiss surrealist painter, sculptor, film director, and set designer, H.R. Giger. The striking cover features a bi-mechanical design with a human skull within an industrial mechanism, and a circle depicting a flesh-and-blood face of actress Li Tobler with alien-like hair and various facial markings. The album reached number 2 on the UK album charts in December 1973 and stayed on the charts for an initial 17 weeks. Its artwork is considered one of the most recognizable emblems of progressive music, alongside other groundbreaking albums such as King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, and Yes' Fragile.
H.R. Giger's work went beyond just album covers. He was commissioned by film director Ridley Scott to create the artwork and designs for Alien in 1979, for which he won an Oscar in 1980. Some of his original artwork for Brain Salad Surgery, namely 'Work 217ELPI' and 'Work 218ELPII', were stolen in 2005. Two H.R. Giger paintings, 'ELP I' and 'ELP II', are still missing, and a reward of 10000 francs is offered for information leading to their recovery.
The album cover plays a significant role in music, often setting the tone for the listener's experience. From The Dark Side of the Moon to Abbey Road, these iconic covers have not only complemented the music but have also paved the way for new artistic directions in rock music, contributing to the rich tapestry of classic rock.