In the 1950s, at the dawn of rock ’n’ roll and the apex of hipster jazz music, album covers were functional and intended as a pure marketing tool. To wit,
But as the 1960s rolled on and as The Beatles led a revolution in pop music, albums and their covers would be looked upon as works of art in their own right. From the mid-60s onwards with the advent of psychedelic rock which would develop into progressive rock, album covers would reflect the artiness of the music contained within. Here are some distinctive examples.
ASIA – ASIA (1982)
Created by Roger Dean.
CREAM – DISRAELI GEARS (1967)
Created by Martin Sharp
KING CRIMSON – IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING (1969)
Created by Barry Godber
MOODY BLUES – EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR (1971)
Created by Phil Travers
SANTANA – ABRAXAS (1970)
Created by Mati Klarwein
YES – FRAGILE (1971)
Created by Roger Dean
… still there’s more …