super cool read, noticed this too lately, makes you really think about what an album cover is trying to portray when its a head on portrait of the artist right? def something more personal, so when its the back of their head, ya it just feels less personal and closed off, but in the case of ariana, it feels like she’s actually trying to keep us away because of all the speculation of her private life etc etc
We can't forget Harry Styles' debut solo album in 2017 – deep, symbolic lore in the fandom about turning his back, sonically, on his One Direction work.
Thank you, Rachel, for your insights. You're spot on, the trend of album covers featuring the back of an artist's head can seem a tad overdone. Your newsletter reminded me of Brad Mehldau's "Largo", a stellar representation of this trend that blends art with mystery. Mehldau's music, much like the cover, is deep, contemplative, and full of surprises. Keep sharing such fascinating nuggets!
super cool read, noticed this too lately, makes you really think about what an album cover is trying to portray when its a head on portrait of the artist right? def something more personal, so when its the back of their head, ya it just feels less personal and closed off, but in the case of ariana, it feels like she’s actually trying to keep us away because of all the speculation of her private life etc etc
Have you ever seen "Not to be reproduced" by Rene Magritte?
That's a perfect art history connection. Totally see Robert Daltrey's inspiration here!
Am reminded of the bizarrely specific Cumberback trend in movie poster design: https://x.com/gray/status/1249726492185165824?s=46&t=JQRFXNU7GxZQ4CAwIQms7A
We can't forget Harry Styles' debut solo album in 2017 – deep, symbolic lore in the fandom about turning his back, sonically, on his One Direction work.
Great addition!!
Ha! Related: https://www.flakphoto.news/p/todays-flakphoto-colin-pantall
Another amazing post!
never noticed this pattern before and now will never be able to un-notice it ahaha
Thank you, Rachel, for your insights. You're spot on, the trend of album covers featuring the back of an artist's head can seem a tad overdone. Your newsletter reminded me of Brad Mehldau's "Largo", a stellar representation of this trend that blends art with mystery. Mehldau's music, much like the cover, is deep, contemplative, and full of surprises. Keep sharing such fascinating nuggets!
such good observations! really clever connections