10 Album Covers With an Air of Mystery

Roy Ayers, Elton John, Marvin Gaye and more

Album covers are important because they sell the record to the world. They are vital tool for discovery, branding and storytelling that can bridge the gap between a musician’s vision and the listener’s ears.

Pat Metheny Group

We Live Here (1995)

There is no picture of Pat on the front cover. But it shows the sleeve is representing him in a very artistic way.

Roy Ayers

Lots Of Love (1983)

A collage of various photos from different situations and events that gives you a sense of Roy as a person.

Mark Adams

This Is Neo-Soul (2026)

Another album cover without a photo of the artist, which is so very creative, and the design and the retro design really pops. This is my latest album and my eighth studio release.

Mark Adams

Asceticism (A Portrait Of Jazz) (2001)

This was my very first record and I didn’t want my face on the cover. I wanted things to be ambiguous as to who I am. The sleeve only shows my hands on the piano.

Marvin Gaye

I Want You (1976)

This cover shows folks dancing and having fun. Very creative and innovative. Has a lovely folk art look.

Herbie Hancock

Head Hunters (1973)

This is an innovative cover that had the band’s pictures and Herbie in an African mask. I love the colors.

Billy Joel

The Stranger (1977)

Everybody in the world one can be doing something because they have a mask. Love the song of the same name. One can pretend to be who they want to be and escape their reality. This is what impressed me.

Elton John

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

Painted art—he’s going into an imaginary world, or is it real? He was no longer afraid of being himself. The artwork shows that. He wore beautiful clothes, shiny boots and was not afraid to show this part of himself. He’s my hero. I listened to Elton all my life. An amazing pianist. He was classically trained and I was classically trained. We both are very animated while playing the piano.

Miles Davis

Kind of Blue (1959)

He showed his authenticity and was one of the first to play in all styles of music. He adapted to each genre as the world kept changing. The album cover is classic Miles with an intense and thoughtful look as he plays the trumpet.

The Beatles

Meet the Beatles! (1964)

The Beatles got me into John Lennon because of this record. I teach about the Beatles. The album cover shows the group— just their heads—but has a cool blueish tint to the photo.