TH: Deconstructing an album cover

Nirvana- Nevermind

Released: September 24, 1991
 

 

Barthes- Semiotics 

• On this album cover there are several very powerful images, the first being the biggest which is a naked baby. This baby seems to be drowning. This we as a viewer would assume this symbolises youth crashing down, and suffering.
• The second powerful image, is the single dollar bill. Automatically we make a link between the baby and the dollar, personally I would suggest it symbolises that youth (represented by the baby) has become incredibly materialistic.
• The result in an increasingly materialistic society ultimately results in the crashing down of youth. Nirvana could of thought that the values and morals of the current generations of youths solely revolved around materialistic ideologies and this could ultimately result in death.

Dyer- Stars

• On this album cover immediately we see that there is not a star present, this is to create the meaning behind the artwork.
• However we can see that in order to make this look glossy and professional, there has been enhancement on the visuals. This is very common amongst ‘Stars’, this is because it allows them to look their best, and have followers idolise them.
• Despite this, the lack of ‘Star’ means the public can empathise, as they feel comfortable with babies as they’re harmless and this could possibly sway the purchase.