To say that the past twelve months have been utterly bizarre and incredibly challenging would be a massive understatement, but in a few days time we’ll finally be able to put 2020 behind us. There’s no better time then to look back at all the golden moments of joy and beauty that have kept us sane throughout it all. Once again we’ll be kicking things off by looking at the most striking album artwork to have caught our eye this past year.
10. Ailbhe Reddy – Personal History
Such a gorgeous concept, with wildflowers growing from her very veins. Love the hand-drawn sketch style too. All the little details in the shading and the fold lines of the paper adds so much character and humanity.
9. Woodes – Crystal Ball
Fierce and feminine, the perfect union of strength and elegance. The piercing gaze, the long flowing hair, the light glinting on the armour. It’s like an inspiring portrait of Joan of Arc painted by some great master of the Renaissance.
8. Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
Always a safe bet when it comes to great artwork, and this release is no different. I love the way the light floods in through the windows, and the longer I look at it the more I want to know just how the picture was taken.
7. Distant Dream – Point of View
Just a volcano at a passing glance, but look again and you see the inverted mountain disguised in the ash cloud. Such a simple and genius design, and I love the dichotomy between the lush natural paradise and the charred wasteland reflected below.
6. Lunatic Soul – Through Shaded Woods
Sometimes the best art says a lot using very little. With little more than a few dark streaks you have a dark dense forest, ancient and menacing, beckoning you to come and hear what stories it has to tell.
5. Nana Adjoa – Big Dreaming Ants
I love artwork where you can spend hours just pouring over all the tiny details. I could look at this again years from now and still find things I missed. Moreover, all the people confined in their little apartments seems very fitting for 2020…
4. Margo Price – That’s How Rumors Get Started
My favourite use of colour this year. I just love the gorgeous golden glow that envelops her. The perfect posing and the way the flowery lace falls around her is just the cherry on top.
3. Bright Eyes – Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was
It’s the kind of intriguing cover that immediately sparks your curiosity. The kind that you’ll find yourself staring at on the record store shelf each time you visit, until you inevitably give in and buy it.
2. Nubya Garcia – Source
I found myself starting to explore the London jazz scene a little this past year. While I don’t feel knowledgeable enough to comment on the music just yet, it should be obvious to anyone with functioning eyes that this cover is simply magnificent.
1. Pocket Vinyl – Winter Person
As soon as I saw it, I knew it was my number one. I adore the art style of these fantastical creatures and the depth contained within the enchanting and otherworldly forest. It appeals to your sense of child-like wonder by offering a whole other world to escape to.
Belwood Music 