albumcover

An album cover, also known as cover art, is the visual artwork used on the packaging of a music album. It typically appears on the exterior sleeve or box and may include the front cover image, back cover, spine, and inner sleeves. The cover serves branding, marketing, and artistic expression, aiming to reflect the album's themes and help attract listeners.

Historically, album covers emerged with long-playing records in the mid-20th century, evolving from simple text-and-photo designs to elaborate photographic and illustration artwork. In the 1960s and 1970s, cover art became a primary medium for artistic experimentation. Iconic designs—such as The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, and the Nirvana album Nevermind—are widely cited for their cultural impact. Gatefolds, hype stickers, and inner sleeves were common features of physical formats.

Design elements include imagery, typography, color, and composition. The front cover often carries the most recognizable image and title typography, while the back cover provides track listings and credits. Packaging varies by format, with vinyl, CD, and cassette having different standard sizes and insert content such as liner notes and lyric sheets.

In the digital era, album art remains an important identifier, though streaming platforms display square thumbnail images and metadata rather than physical objects. Some releases feature alternative covers or digital-only artwork. Copyright and licensing govern the use of photography and artwork, and reissues may update or commemorate special editions.