It is not uncommon for an album cover to be interpreted in more than one ways. Other times it has to get a very specific message across. Also, many times, a cover just depicts a close-up of the singer’s face for a number of reasons (to gain recognition, to appeal to the opposite sex, etc.).
In any case, for me the main purpose of an album cover is to stay (forever) on people’s mind while they can (easily) relate the album concept to its cover.
Regarding MJ’s album covers, I am not going to make an in-depth analysis, on the contrary, I will express my very first, few thoughts on that matter:
‘Off The Wall’ Cover:
MJ appeared on this cover in accordance with the characteristic lifestyle of that era, while his carefree pose added to the disco mood of that record.
In my opinion, a simple cover but really effective at the same time.
‘Thriller’ Cover:
In the same spirit, the ‘Thriller’ cover depicted MJ in a very natural pose but with an overly serious look.
Personally, I would have preferred that cover a little more complex, probably infused with some eerie, frightening visual elements.
‘Bad’ Cover:
MJ struck again a physical attitude, but this time with rather fierce (stylistically) intentions.
Personally, I did not like the extreme photo editing/retouching of his face that was in contrast with his tough, urban style of his clothes.
‘Dangerous’ Cover:
The creative peak of that period was reflected also on the cover of that album &, still today, it has not lost an inch of its appeal.
Unsurprisingly, this cover is highly praised also outside fan communities.
‘HIStory’ Cover:
Many people criticized that concept & attributed that cover to various reasons (vanity, ego, etc.).
Although it looked a little bit far-fetched, I believe that specific cover was fit for an emphatic comeback.
‘Blood On The Dance Floor’ Cover:
The dance feeling of that (mostly) remixed album was explicitly depicted on that cover.
Personally, I liked the concept of that cover, although I think that it should have been illustrated in a different, more realistic way.
‘Invincible’ Cover:
Unfortunately, his last studio album came with a very casual, totally uninspired cover.
It seems to me that MJ (during that period) was in a rather vulnerable position & was being manipulated (to some extent) by his record company. Sadly enough, all those unpleasant circumstances affected also the cover of his last album.
In any case, for me the main purpose of an album cover is to stay (forever) on people’s mind while they can (easily) relate the album concept to its cover.
Regarding MJ’s album covers, I am not going to make an in-depth analysis, on the contrary, I will express my very first, few thoughts on that matter:
‘Off The Wall’ Cover:
MJ appeared on this cover in accordance with the characteristic lifestyle of that era, while his carefree pose added to the disco mood of that record.
In my opinion, a simple cover but really effective at the same time.
‘Thriller’ Cover:
In the same spirit, the ‘Thriller’ cover depicted MJ in a very natural pose but with an overly serious look.
Personally, I would have preferred that cover a little more complex, probably infused with some eerie, frightening visual elements.
‘Bad’ Cover:
MJ struck again a physical attitude, but this time with rather fierce (stylistically) intentions.
Personally, I did not like the extreme photo editing/retouching of his face that was in contrast with his tough, urban style of his clothes.
‘Dangerous’ Cover:
The creative peak of that period was reflected also on the cover of that album &, still today, it has not lost an inch of its appeal.
Unsurprisingly, this cover is highly praised also outside fan communities.
‘HIStory’ Cover:
Many people criticized that concept & attributed that cover to various reasons (vanity, ego, etc.).
Although it looked a little bit far-fetched, I believe that specific cover was fit for an emphatic comeback.
‘Blood On The Dance Floor’ Cover:
The dance feeling of that (mostly) remixed album was explicitly depicted on that cover.
Personally, I liked the concept of that cover, although I think that it should have been illustrated in a different, more realistic way.
‘Invincible’ Cover:
Unfortunately, his last studio album came with a very casual, totally uninspired cover.
It seems to me that MJ (during that period) was in a rather vulnerable position & was being manipulated (to some extent) by his record company. Sadly enough, all those unpleasant circumstances affected also the cover of his last album.