Recently, the acclaimed American music and entertainment magazine, Rolling Stonepresented his top 50 most disastrous album covers in history. Thus, the international media, without mercy, reviewed all the masks of albums of different genres, among rock, pop, rap, country and more.
For example, the magazine explained: “As you’ll see, although they don’t meet the traditional criteria of be ‘good’ or ‘visually appealing’many of these album covers are at least memorable” (…) That is why we gather here to to celebrate the madness of those elections, not to shame the artists who are behind them.”
Another criterion to consider, apart from the ‘ugliness’was the influence and fame of the artist which should have been reflected in the resources for professional graphic designers who should have known more about the projection of his music. Besides, They didn’t add more than one album per artist.
The Worst Album Covers, According to Rolling Stone
“Arrogance, lack of taste, large amounts of drugs: hay many reasons “why an album cover can look horrible,” Rolling Stone noted.
In this way, leaving aside the musical quality of the content of each discwe leave you some examples that are found at the top of the listbefore reaching the precious but shameful top 10.
The Miracle (1989), Queen. Fuente: FanArt.
A little further down, in the number #44is HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995) of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. On the cover, you can see a sculpture created with special effects by the artist Diana Walczakwho, in principle, made the structure with clay before representing it digitally.
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), Michael Jackson. Fuente: FanArt.
On the other hand, in the position #37we found a legendary album of The Beatles: Revolver from the year 1966. “Klaus Voormann: a great guy, good friend of the Beatles (…) However, let’s be honest, This cover, which he designed, is a disaster”Rolling Stone commented.
Revolver (1966), The Beatles. Fuente: FanArt.
And closer to the top, surprisingly, is Cucumber Castle (1970) of Bee Geese (#15). First, we look at the absence of one of the brothers on the cover, Robin GibbThe singer retired in those years to pursue his solo career.
Consequently, what the magazine liked least in this image was the radical change of style of the bandaccustomed to bright colors to move on to metal armor and red feathers.
Cucumber Castle (1970), Bee Gees. Fuente: FanArt.
Top 10 worst covers according to Rolling Stone
10. ‘Black Tarrzann’ (2021), Cappadocia
Fuente: Apple Music.
9. ‘Bubbling Over’ (1973), Dolly Parton
Source: FanArt.
8. ‘Hard Labor’ (1974), Three Dog Night
Source: FanArt.
7. ‘The Life of Pablo’ (2016), Kanye West
Source: FanArt.
6. ‘Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky)’ (1973), Aretha Franklin
Fuente: Rolling Stone.
5. ‘Love Grenade’ (2007), Ted Nugent.
Fuente: Rolling Stone.
4. ‘Live it Up’ (1990), Crosby, Stills & Nash
Source: FanArt.
3. ‘Weathered’ (2001), Creed
Source: FanArt.
2. ‘Ride a Rock Horse’ (1975), Roger Daltrey
Source: FanArt.
1. ‘Present Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water’ (2000)Limp Bizkit
Source: FanArt.
