10 Great Album Covers That Stick With You, Long After the Music Fades

Misfits, Roy Orbison, Rainbow and more

Before the digital revolution—and long before the dog days of Spotify’s streaming controversies—music lived in the analog realm. You didn’t just listen to an album; you held it in your hands, considered it, felt drawn to it. The visual language of design transcended words and worked its magic before you savored a single note, leaving a first impression that colored how you experienced the music.

But great album covers rise above the noise of an oversaturated market and convey deeper meaning. They become cultural symbols of our collective consciousness, etched into the mythology of an era. Consider Joy Division’s pulse waves as an enduring legacy of the post-punk movement, a timeless visual representation. These colors and shapes linger like the echo of a feeling, long after the music ends.

Here are a few that stick for me:

Pavement
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)

I was introduced to Pavement by my therapist when I was a teenager. The fun, nonsensical lyrics spoke to me in a way nothing else did. The cover’s strange mix of surreal and mundane visuals encapsulates that notion of finding meaning in disorder. Its imagery represents how the band’s music embraced everything imperfect and offbeat.

Joy Division
Closer (1980)

As a teenager, I had this poster in my room and often found myself getting lost in its quiet, absorbing presence. The minimalist layout and muted tones create a haunting, meditative atmosphere that mirrors the album’s introspective themes.

Roy Orbison
Crying (1962)

I love this record. The simple design highlights the heartbreak and sorrow that permeate the songs. The dramatic contrast and minimalist approach draw the viewer’s attention to the emotion conveyed by the mask.

Misfits
Collection I (1986)

When Spotify did the 10-year roundup in 2020, it revealed something I never would have guessed about myself—Misfits was my most streamed band. When I’ve had a stressful day, I get in my car and scream along with “Where Eagles Dare.” Even if you’ve never played a single Misfits song, you’ve likely seen this skull logo, a testament to its lasting cultural impact. With its harsh yellow and black contrast, the cover captures the album’s raw energy and primal catharsis.

Black Sabbath
Paranoid (1970)

Paranoid was originally intended to be titled War Pigs. The iconic cover features the surreal image of a pink-clothed figure with a helmet and sword, representing a “war pig,” though the title was changed at the last minute. But Keith McMillan’s artwork remained, adding a bizarre, psychedelic touch that contrasted with the dark, heavy sound of the album.

Grimes
Visions (2012)

The artwork for Visions, drawn by Grimes with the layout by Jasper Baydala, reflects the chaotic energy of the album’s creation. I think everyone who knows about Grimes knows she made this album in about nine days, during which she locked herself away from the world. Everything about it is surreal and cryptic yet simple at its core.

The Drifters
All Time Greatest Hits (1959-1965)

When I was a teen, this CD got stuck in my car’s player. But I didn’t mind, because I loved the collection. Plus, I still had a cassette deck for my iPod. Inspired by mid-century commercial illustration, the style complements The Drifters’ soul and R&B hits, grounding the album in its era while celebrating its lasting appeal.

Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow (1975)

David Willardson’s artwork for Rainbow captures the energy and mysticism of the band’s sound. Known for his dynamic style, Willardson’s covers use striking colors and fluid lines, evoking a sense of movement and power that reflects the band’s POV. 

Dust
Hard Attack (1972)

This album is a perfect mash-up of two of my favorite things—proto-metal and the illustrations of Frank Frazetta. Dust was the first in a long line of metal bands that licensed Frazetta’s paintings. And since I could stare at those all day, this one makes the list.

Madness
One Step Beyond (1979)

One Step Beyond is visually striking and playful, capturing the band’s quirky and energetic nature. It’s a simple yet dynamic image that suits the lively tone of the music. When I was a kid, this was one of my favorite records. Now, when I see those guys on my playlists, I know things are about to pick up.