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  1. Artists
  2. Singles And Albums

The worst album covers ever #3: illustrated

News
By Chris Vinnicombe published 5 June 2009

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me

Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me

So far, our rundown of the most risible album artwork of all time has concentrated on musical genres, specifically heavy metal and hip-hop. This time around, we lampoon the pen and paintbrush-wielding illustrators whose crimes transcend genre boundaries.

When the LP was in its infancy, we can't imagine that discussions about the cover art were particularly fraught. Simply photograph the talent – first making sure they've dressed nicely and combed their hair – add easily-legible typography denoting artist name and album title, possibly augment with record label logo… job done.

However, as the rock album became a weightier artistic statement, so its sleeve art took on new levels of gravitas. A simple photograph of the band was no longer enough, something more ambitious was required…

This collection celebrates those moments when the artist behind the painting or illustration destined for the album cover has had a serious taste meltdown or imploded under the weight of their own pretension. And somehow the band, their management and everyone at their record label has either gone along for the ride, or been too wasted to care.

Page 1 of 20
Page 1 of 20
Aberfeldy - Young Forever

Aberfeldy - Young Forever

Page 2 of 20
Page 2 of 20
The Kinks - Schoolboys In Disgrace

The Kinks - Schoolboys In Disgrace

Page 3 of 20
Page 3 of 20
Various Artists - Uncontrolled Laxative Abuse

Various Artists - Uncontrolled Laxative Abuse

Page 4 of 20
Page 4 of 20
Queen - A Kind Of Magic

Queen - A Kind Of Magic

Page 5 of 20
Page 5 of 20
May Blitz - May Blitz

May Blitz - May Blitz

Page 6 of 20
Page 6 of 20
Crosby, Stills & Nash - Live It Up

Crosby, Stills & Nash - Live It Up

Page 7 of 20
Page 7 of 20
Nantucket - Nantucket

Nantucket - Nantucket

Page 8 of 20
Page 8 of 20
Dethkorpz - Metal Tit

Dethkorpz - Metal Tit

Page 9 of 20
Page 9 of 20
Frank Black - The Cult Of Ray

Frank Black - The Cult Of Ray

Page 10 of 20
Page 10 of 20
George Jones - I Wanta Sing

George Jones - I Wanta Sing

Page 11 of 20
Page 11 of 20
Scorpions - Fly To The Rainbow

Scorpions - Fly To The Rainbow

Page 12 of 20
Page 12 of 20
Bonnie Raitt - Home Plate

Bonnie Raitt - Home Plate

Page 13 of 20
Page 13 of 20
Limp Bizkit - Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water

Limp Bizkit - Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water

Page 14 of 20
Page 14 of 20
Pantera - Metal Magic

Pantera - Metal Magic

Page 15 of 20
Page 15 of 20
Johnny Otis - Snatch And The Poontangs

Johnny Otis - Snatch And The Poontangs

Page 16 of 20
Page 16 of 20
The Human Instinct - Stoned Guitar

The Human Instinct - Stoned Guitar

Page 17 of 20
Page 17 of 20
XTC - Drums And Wires

XTC - Drums And Wires

Page 18 of 20
Page 18 of 20
Moby Grape - Wow

Moby Grape - Wow

Page 19 of 20
Page 19 of 20
Whore - Unfinished Business

Whore - Unfinished Business

Liked this? Now read: The worst album covers ever #1: heavy metal

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Page 20 of 20
Page 20 of 20
Chris Vinnicombe

Chris Vinnicombe worked with us here on the MusicRadar team from the site's initial launch way back in 2007, and also contributed to Guitarist magazine as Features Editor until 2014, as well as Total Guitar magazine, amongst others. These days he can be found at Gibson Guitars, where he is editor-in-chief.

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Drunk performances
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Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson backstage at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Field on April 17, 2009 in Palm Desert, California
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Lorde CD
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