10 Great Album Covers, Chosen by Musician Erin Gibney

I absolutely love every album on this list, and their artwork has truly resonated with me. The artwork has inspired that of my own and has encouraged me to be more creative when it comes to the visuals on my music. I am so excited to share my thoughts on each of these records and their covers!

Taylor Swift
reputation (2017)

I love how this album art represents Taylor Swift in the media and how she really reclaimed her image. Reputation is an all-time favorite of mine, and I think the cover art sends a really powerful message. It fits perfectly with the entire vibe of the album.

Rihanna
ANTI (2016)

I will admit that I do not know a whole lot about art, but this album cover has always stood out to me. Its design is so impressive and I have read that the little girl on the cover is meant to represent Rihanna. The artist also noted that the crown covering the child’s eyes represents how success clouds people’s morals and values.

Kelsea Ballerini
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) (2023)

I absolutely loved Kelsea Ballerini’s Rolling Up The Welcome Mat EP and love how this album art is its direct opposite. The original art is gray and cloudy and has a dark undertone. I love how the sister EP shows the sun rising, making it feel hopeful, like the original has been reborn.

Lana Del Ray
Norman Fucking Rockwell (2019)

This is such a beautiful album cover to me. The cover art is almost comically contrasting the underlying themes of this album.

Bruce Springsteen
Born to Run (1975)

This album holds so much nostalgia for me. My dad has always loved Bruce Springsteen, so growing up we heard a lot of him in our house. I remember when I first took an interest in music, my dad pointed me towards this album to learn about lyricism. Since then, it has always held a special place in my heart and its cover art reminds me of that time in my life.

Khalid
American Teen (2017)

This album really helped me through my first year of college and my first time living away from home. The songs on this album resonate so deeply with me that every time I see this cover art, I am reminded of how much this music helped me get through.

Plain White T’s
Wonders Of The Younger (2010)

This album was a huge part of my childhood and my early teenage years. I love their cover art because it depicts an abandoned amusement park with a bright, lit-up circus tent in the middle. I think it is a great representation of their album and all the awe you have for the world when you are young.

Taylor Swift
folklore (2020)

This album was released in the height of Covid and brought so much light into that time of my life. I love this cover art because it reminds me of the little bright spot that came within all the darkness of that year.

Maisie Peters
The Good Witch (2023)

This album is a recent favorite of mine. The photo of Maisie Peters feels powerful and assertive, a vibe I think really matches her newest album, The Good Witch. I love so many songs on that album, and she has really brought a lot of confidence into my own life with this music.

The Beatles
Abbey Road (1969)

There are few images that I can confidently say every person in my life would recognize, but the cover art of Abbey Road is certainly one of them. I love this art because it reminds me of how much music can bring people together. This album has been heard around the world and has created so many memories for so many people.