The Smiths – “The Queen Is Dead”

The best album covers of all time (77): The Smiths – “The Queen Is Dead”

The album is undoubtedly the best invention of the last century. But the music isn’t the whole story. The album cover has been a cultural obsession for as long as there have been albums. Since 12-inch vinyl records came out in cardboard sleeves in the 1950s, musicians and fans have been fascinated by the art featured on the covers. When The Beatles revolutionized the game with their cover of “Sgt. Pepper” in 1967, it became a way to make a visual statement about it. Where the music comes from and why it is important. But the art of the album cover is constantly evolving.

That’s why we celebrate this art. The 100 best album covers of all time. From Biggie to Beyoncé to Bad Bunny. Nirvana to Nas to Neil Young. SZA to Sabbath to the Sex Pistols. We have rap, country, jazz, prog, metal, reggae, flamenco, funk, gothic, hippie psychedelia and hardcore punk. But all of these albums have a unique look that fits their sound. The most memorable covers become a part of the music. How many Pink Floyd fans have scratched their heads at the sight of the prism on the cover of “Dark Side of the Moon” after rolling up their smokes with it?

What makes an album cover a classic?

What makes an album cover a classic? Sometimes it is a portrait of the artist. Think of the Beatles crossing the street. Or Carole King in Laurel Canyon with her cat. Others opt for iconic, semi-abstract images. Like Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis or My Bloody Valentine. Some artists show where they come from. Like REM, who represent the south with kudzu. Or Ol’ Dirty Bastard greeting the Brooklyn Zoo with his food stamp card.

Many of these covers are from legendary photographers, designers and artists. Like Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, Storm Thorgerson, Raymond Pettibon and Peter Saville. Some have cosmic symbolism that fans will have to decipher. Others rely on star power. But they are all classic images that have become an important part of music history. And they all show why the world’s love for albums will never end.

The best album covers of all time (77): The Smiths – “The Queen Is Dead”

The best album covers of all time (77): The Smiths – “The Queen Is Dead”

During the Smiths’ feverishly productive mid-1980s period, lead singer Morrissey selected photo stills depicting mid-century films and pop culture moments for their singles and albums.

The image he chose for the Smiths’ third album, The Queen Is Dead, is perhaps the most iconic: an image of French superstar Alain Delon in the film L’Insoumis. The concept of the good-looking but controversial macho star – the Brad Pitt the 1960s – as “Queen” is a reference to Morrissey’s subversive sense of humor.

The layout by Caryn Gough of Rough Trade bathes the photo in dark green tones and makes Delon appear like a doomed king in his death throes.