CD Cover Analysis 2

This CD cover is by the band fall out Boy. This is a successful pop punk band. On first looking at the cover, I wouldn’t automaticity associate it with this. It is quiet a concept idea, and very abstract. This image could relate to the idea of the band, instead of being straightforward and simplistic, it shows they’re more concept approach and style to music.
The artist is a successful American band called Fall Out Boy, and this is their fourth album. There is no image of the band on the front; instead it is an abstract image. The fact that this is their fourth album may be the reason why there is no image of the band. Because they are already established and well known, so they are not needed to be shown on the cover.
The name of the band is across the top of the CD, and is presented in a handwriting font. This supports the image of dreamlike, as it is a soft and gentle writing. Then the title of the album is in a slightly more bold and neat writing. It is slightly smaller, so more focus is intended for the band, so it is obvious who this CD is by as they are not on the front cover themselves. It is called ‘infinity on high’.
The title is taken from a letter written by Vincent van Gogh to his brother. Van Gogh's exact wording was "Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all". So the whole theme of this CD seems to be magical, mysterious and dream like. Also, it could be referring to infinity, so the sky and all the images are related to as being high. The sky is high, the birds can fly high, and wings can reach very high. Then, the idea with high could be related with drug use, explaining the unreal and dreamlike atmosphere as it is hallucinating
. The cover relates to this very well, firstly with the fact it is a set in a bedroom. This is the place where you sleep, so heavily relates to dreams and unreal. The background behind the title is very effective I think. It is shown as the wallpaper of the bedroom, however it is showing the nights sky. There are stars and a large moon, which again associates to dream like worlds and unreal aspects. The main object in this cover is a large fake sheep. This is clearly a fake shape, looking like a large toy sheep. It also has wings, which I think brings back the magical aspect, and also the unreal because sheep’s do not have wings. The fact that a sheep has been positioned at the front of the image shows that it wants to pull attention to it. I think it is quiet a random idea, and it represents the uniqueness and how random that the band is. Also, pumpkins and crows can been seen in the back of the image. This links with Halloween, which is a time of unreal and mysterious day. The bedroom also has a closet door wide open, I think this is to imply a feeling of mystery as you don’t know what is inside the closest. Also it is a wide open door, so it is showing that it is open and free, and that there are a lot of possibilities through open doors. This again links with the idea being open and infinity.
I think this cover is very effective in putting across the feeling of enchanted, as it’s not a usual scene that you would normally see, with the sheep with wings, it is something impossible. The idea of wings again links with mythical and unreal. Also, the idea of the title being ‘infinity on high’. High could be representing being high on drugs, so therefore hallucinating which are why the cover would have the very different images on it.
By adding in the night sky, it brings that effectively the idea of infinity, as you can’t see where it stops and you can’t see beyond the sky and the stars. The representation of the sky brings in a strong atmosphere of relaxing and also dreams and a positive sense.
The colors used are all quiet dark and subtle, all again working towards this mysterious, calm mood. The lighting is again dark, with the lightest parts being the moon and stars, representing a true night sky and environment. Also the writing is used with the same light shining color, so the title is included in the sky environment, and shining. There is also an effective effect with light used. Some light is shown in a light and faded swirl, again relating to dream like and unreal. It also relates to the universe, as planets are often imagined like this.
I think this cover is very effective. I think that is shows clearly the band and what they are about, you can see straight away that they are quiet random and maybe part of the alternative music. You get a very good sense of the style and music, and it is represented in a very positive and unique way. I think by not having the band on the front, it has allowed for a totally abstract approach, which can reach very deep. The band are not needed on the front cover, because people are already aware of whom they are so it is not necessary. I really like this CD and I think it much more unique than many others in the market which would make it stand out.