Graphic and Music: An Analysis of Album Cover Design

Abstract

The album cover has a variety of functions in a musical artwork. Attractive album cover design is able to attract customers to make a choice when buying a product. This study aims to analyze the relationship of graphics and music in Zainal Abidin's album cover designs of four of his albums: Hijau, Gamal, Orak Arek and Terangsang. It is undeniable that album cover designs have evolved from various aspects in accordance with the development of the music industry. Various design techniques are used to convey messages related to the genre of the album. This case study utilises qualitative methods that use observation and photography techniques on the four album covers of Zainal Abidin, who is a famous pop artist, known for his unique songs in Malaysia. The collected data were analyzed and evaluated graphically based on three elements namely colours, visuals and typography while, in the terms of music, the study looks at the rhythm, sound and lyrics of the songs in the album. Analysis of the album cover is also made based social semiotic approach to visual communication by Van Leeuwen in explaining the meaning behind the album cover designs submitted. In conclusion, the relationship between graphics and music can be seen in all four album covers this case study. As such, the relationship between graphic design and music cannot be separated to produce album covers of high quality while communicating effectively.