Kings of leon magazine advert analysis

The print advertisement for Kings of Leon’s “Only by the Night” is likely to be printed around September 22 2008 as this is when the album was released. The magazine print has been specifically created an interesting art piece for its target audience. The Album title “ONLY BE THE NIGHT” is written in capitals – a very alarming and striking album title, drawing much importance to it, the way in which it is written is in a form of coding with dashes (-) in between each word as if finding out the meaning of their songs is like decoding. The typography of the album title is in neon green/ yellow, making sure that it sounds out from the picture emphasising its intended meaning which to fans by the artists would have important reference. The connotations of the words only by the night create a sense that the Kings of Leon, have slight adult references like the song “sex on fire” which is featured below the album title on the magazine print. The text below the album title, “The new album includes sex on fire. Crawl and use somebody” also are written in capitals as a marketing strategy giving  Kings of Leon’s target audience a taster of what they are going to receive in the album- what’s in store. It is also written in white which stands out against the black background. Below this is the text showing the release date of the album. This is written in the same font as the album title which shows continuity within their branding. This is written in red which is a common colour used for rock genre and it connotes anger and rebellion. The main image of the magazine print is a close up of the band member of Kings of Leon’s faces. This is sectioned off into four portraying them placed together as part man part bird. The creates a different and non being form about their physical appearance with may transcend into their music- showing their target audience that their music isn’t the usual type of rock and that they are setting up a new trend of music. The main image has been overlaid with a dull but sharp green colour making the artists look even stranger than they already do in the main image. This emphasised with the detail shown with the close up shot. There is in definite audience group however it does focus through representations of gender that they’re common audience group is 16+. The magazine advertisement is very successful creating a sense of newness and excitement but with a very different and unique twist, and although I usually listen the R&B genre, with the display of their magazine print I would buy the album.

Sade soldier of love- album cover analysis

Sade’s album cover ‘soldier of love’ truly captures the consistent genre rhythm of her previous album covers. The album title ‘soldier of love’ is written in small capitals along with the artists’ name ‘Sade’. The placement of the text- ‘Sade’ and ‘soldier of love’ being so close together portrays a title and definition look; Sade meaning soldier of love. The word soldier connotes a type of defence and so Sade meaning the defender/ protector of love shows continuity with her previous albums that follow the genre of R&B- relating to the word ‘love’ in  her album title. This is an instant sign for her target audience or large fan base as recognition that this album will consist of good, old fashioned R&B. Having a target audience of mid 20’s to 50+ this album cover provides a mature and image for her unique and mature sound. The main image depicts Sade in tribal jewellery resembling a tribal defender/ leader. This shows continuity with her album title as she is represented as some sort of warrior. The symmetry within the main image of Sade shows her to be very strong in character much like a warrior. The image appears to show her Sade naked, which does keep in line with the overall concept of R&B- with many sexual connotations. The background depicts a yellow tinted sky almost like a sunset, which provides the album cover with a form of romance but also the colours are not common in sunset and help to complete the concept of Sade being a soldier of love.

Goapele album cover- break of dawn analysis

The album cover ‘Break Of Dawn’ by Goapele is more of a sensual album cover specifically identifying with her genre of music- R&B intending to create for her target audience a sense of continuity; whilst leaving room to develop her music and change its intended meaning she still maintains a flow of amorousness. Goapele’s album title ‘break of dawn’ is written is a clean cut but also rounded and feminine white font, developing a sense of freshness; a new Goapele. The artists’ name is written in almost the same colour as the background which shows that her aim was to emphasise the album title, especially as they are both very close together. The significance of the positioning of both text are to symbolise a link between the close meaning of the album title and what it may personally mean to her; again a new star for Goapele- also as Goapele has been in the music industry for a long time, this album may be a way to re-invent herself, hence the album title. The background of the album cover imitates clouds in a romantic setting- with the overlay of lilacs and blush pinks; it remains to create a dream-like state and again relating to her album title, the clouds embody the time of day- break of dawn. The main image is of the artist Goapele in a powerful and strong position emphasising her bone structure as the light from dawn shines on it, posing as if an Egyptian queen- she personifies a very regel being. This majestic pose creates the effect as if she is naked, stripping her of everything- this album content may show her audience a new and bare Goapele. Finally her facial expression is as if she is looking into the distance, or even into a better future, creating an elegance sense of hope within her music.

Eminem's album cover- realpse analysis

The album cover of Eminem’s ‘Relapse’ is in indeed a statement piece of artwork intended to create a reaction or statement for it readers and also those who maybe oppose his music. The content of ‘relapse’ is self-explanatory in a way as by naming it this, it instantly shows his target audience and loyal music followers that Eminem opens up in this album divulging lyrics on his personal life and maybe even his own ‘relapse’. This also has a double meaning as within the new hip hop age, there is an evident sense of ego and bravado within the ‘rap game’, and so there is also an aspect of confidence and a new type of takeover with this album which helps to identify with his target audience being mid-teens and over; known for his powerful lyrics it provides his audience with sense of development within hip hop/rap. The main image consists of a range of pills in the tone and shape of Eminem’s face. The colours used are predominantly red which is a common representation of the hip/hop genre having connotation of supressed anger, violence and even the scattering of pills may also represent a spluttering of blood. Alongside this Eminem’s facial expression is one of sternness with a slight hint of pain but it also creates the effect that he has a story to tell his listeners. Against the black background, the main image effectively stands out, so on a shelf of many CD’s it would definitely stand out when making the red really pop. The album title is written in the left hand corner as if the name on a prescription label. The artist’s name is also placed as if his name is the patients name in need of the pills prescribed; this alongside the grams within the bottle and instructions to the pill intake. There is also a parental advisory label on the album cover- instantly creating its own target audience of 16+ but also is a unique selling point as it attracts a younger audience group of about 13 that are inquisitive and try to identify with that age group and music.