Critics Proclaim These 29 Album Covers as Contenders for the Title of the Worst Ever
In the world of music, an album's cover is often as iconic as the music it contains. However, some album covers have made headlines for reasons other than their artistic merit. Here are some of the most notorious album covers that caused a stir.
Billy Joel's "Piano Man" and "Attila"
Billy Joel's classic album "Piano Man" may be known for its title track, but the back cover is just as infamous, according to critics. Joel's previous band, Attila, also had an unusual album cover.
Naomi Campbell's "Babywoman"
Supermodel Naomi Campbell made waves in 1994 with her debut album "Babywoman," which featured an unusual concept on the album cover.
The Coup's "Party Music"
The original cover of "Party Music" by the Coup was considered awfully edgy and tacky. The poor Photoshop job and a detonator that looked like a guitar tuner were the main points of criticism.
The "Butcher Cover" of The Beatles' "Yesterday and Today"
The "Butcher Cover" of The Beatles' album "Yesterday and Today" is one of the most infamous album covers in history. The band is seen in white butcher coats, smiling gleefully while covered in raw meat and decapitated baby dolls. The cover was meant to be a surrealist protest against the way their American label was "butchering" their albums for release, but the public found it horrifying.
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl"
Taylor Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl" sparked a cultural debate due to its provocative imagery. Some deeming it inappropriate, while others found it not daring enough.
Corey Feldman's "Angelic 2 the Core"
Corey Feldman's 2016 album "Angelic 2 the Core" has a cover that is a Photoshop fever dream of Feldman in a messianic pose, flanked by his lingerie-clad "Angels" against a clip-art heaven.
Barbra Streisand's Album Cover
Barbra Streisand's album cover features a screen door. While it may seem simple, it's the little things that count, right?
Metallica's "Load" and "Semen and Blood III"
Metallica's album "Load" was originally a photograph titled "Semen and Blood III," which is a photograph of bovine blood and the artist's own semen pressed between two panes of glass. Andres Serrano's abstract painting for the album was created by mixing blood and his own semen.
Queen's Offensive Album Cover
Queen's album has a cover that was deemed offensive. While the details are not disclosed, it's clear that some things are best left to the imagination.
Crosby Stills and Nash's "Live It Up"
Crosby Stills and Nash's album "Live It Up" is considered weak, but the cover may have something to do with that.
Fergie's Mistake on "London Bridge"
Fergie's single "London Bridge" features a mistake where she stands in front of Tower Bridge instead of the London Bridge. While it may seem like a small error, it's the details that matter.
Three Dog Night's "Hard Labor"
Three Dog Night's album "Hard Labor" features a woman in labor, and it was deemed too explicit. Later editions have a big bandaid plastered over it.
Creed's Nu-Metal Self-Importance
Creed's albums Human Clay and Weathered are considered monuments to nu-metal self-importance. With dramatic poses, sepia tones, and angst, they are a study in excess.
Original "Butcher Covers" are now Priceless Collectors' Items
Despite the controversy, the original "Butcher Covers" are now priceless collector's items. So, it seems that even bad album covers can have a silver lining.
Anyone can write on Bored Panda
And finally, anyone can write on Bored Panda, where internet users have compiled a gallery of 45 legendary album covers that are considered disasters. So, if you have a favourite bad album cover, why not share it?
Internet users have spoken, and these album covers have made their mark on history, for better or for worse. Whether they were pulled by the label before release or deemed offensive, these covers have certainly caused a stir. So, the next time you're listening to your favourite album, take a moment to appreciate the cover art, good or bad.
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