1. Nirvana – Nevermind
The cover of Nirvana’s 1991 album “Nevermind” is one of the most recognizable in music history, featuring a baby swimming towards a dollar bill on a fishhook. The baby, Spencer Elden, was just four months old when he was photographed in a swimming pool in Pasadena, California. The concept was Kurt Cobain’s idea after watching a documentary on water births. Spencer’s parents were paid $200 for the shoot, and the image has since become a symbol of the band’s breakthrough and the grunge movement.
2. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon
The iconic prism design for Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” doesn’t feature people, but its story is deeply connected to the band. The cover, designed by Hipgnosis and George Hardie, symbolizes the band’s innovative approach to music and their exploration of light and sound. The absence of people emphasizes the universality of the album’s themes, which include conflict, greed, and mental illness.
3. Metallica – Metallica (The Black Album)
Metallica’s self-titled 1991 album, commonly referred to as “The Black Album,” features a stark black cover with a barely visible snake and the band’s logo. The design was a significant departure from their previous album art, which often featured complex illustrations. The minimalist cover reflects the band’s desire for a more straightforward and impactful image, coinciding with their musical evolution.
4. The Beatles – Abbey Road
The cover of “Abbey Road” by The Beatles is one of the most famous images in music. It features the band members walking across a zebra crossing outside Abbey Road Studios in London. The photograph, taken by Iain Macmillan, became iconic not only for its simplicity but also for the conspiracy theories it sparked about Paul McCartney’s alleged death. The image has been imitated and parodied countless times, cementing its place in music history.
5. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” features the band’s mascot, Eddie, controlling a devil figure. The artwork was created by Derek Riggs and has become synonymous with the band. Eddie’s character has appeared on almost all of Iron Maiden’s album covers, evolving through various forms and themes. The cover’s vivid imagery and controversial themes helped propel the album to success and establish Iron Maiden as a leader in the heavy metal genre.
6. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin’s untitled fourth album, often referred to as “Led Zeppelin IV,” features a cover with an image of a man carrying sticks, symbolizing the band’s connection to nature and tradition. The cover was designed by the band and features no text, which was a bold choice at the time. The mysterious and rustic imagery complements the album’s mix of hard rock and folk influences, capturing the band’s eclectic style.
7. The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers
The cover of “Sticky Fingers” by The Rolling Stones features a close-up of a pair of jeans with a working zipper, designed by Andy Warhol. The model for the cover was Joe Dallesandro, though the identity was not widely known at the time. The bold and provocative design was groundbreaking and became an iconic representation of the band’s rebellious image and the era’s cultural shifts.
8. Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath
The cover of Black Sabbath’s debut album features an eerie photograph of a woman standing in front of a derelict building. The identity of the woman was unknown for many years, adding to the mystique of the album. The image, shot by photographer Keith Macmillan, sets the tone for the dark and heavy music that defined the birth of heavy metal.
9. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
The cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” features Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks in a stylized pose. The image reflects the tumultuous relationships and personal dramas within the band during the recording of the album. The cover’s ethereal and classic aesthetic complements the album’s introspective and emotional themes, contributing to its enduring popularity.
10. AC/DC – Highway to Hell
The cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” features a photograph of the band, with Bon Scott front and center. The image captures the band’s raw energy and rebellious spirit, elements that are prevalent throughout the album. This cover became iconic as it was the last album with Scott before his untimely death, marking the end of an era for the band.
11. Queen – Queen II
The cover of “Queen II” features a striking image of the band members arranged in a diamond formation, inspired by a photograph of actress Marlene Dietrich. Shot by Mick Rock, the cover became iconic, later being recreated in their “Bohemian Rhapsody” music video. The dramatic lighting and composition captured the band’s theatricality and ambition, setting the stage for their future successes.
12. David Bowie – Aladdin Sane
The cover of David Bowie’s “Aladdin Sane” features a photograph by Brian Duffy, depicting Bowie with his iconic lightning bolt makeup. The image represents Bowie’s alter ego, Aladdin Sane, a persona reflecting the artist’s experiences during his rise to fame. The cover’s bold and futuristic design captured the essence of Bowie’s music and his influence on fashion and culture.
13. Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction
The cover of “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses features a cross with skulls representing each band member. The original artwork, a controversial painting by Robert Williams, was replaced with the now-iconic cross design. The cover symbolizes the band’s hard-edged sound and rebellious image, becoming a defining visual for one of the best-selling debut albums in history.
14. U2 – The Joshua Tree
The cover of U2’s “The Joshua Tree” features a photograph of the band in the Mojave Desert, taken by Anton Corbijn. The stark and evocative imagery complements the album’s exploration of American landscapes and themes. The cover, combined with the band’s innovative sound, helped establish U2 as a major force in rock music and solidified their place in music history.