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An iconic album cover can evoke intrigue while giving listeners an idea of what to expect. Some top-of-mind examples include "Led Zeppelin I" and the Hindenburg disaster, The Velvet Underground and Nico with the banana and Andy Warhol's name, and the afro baby on The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut record "Ready to Die."
On the other side of the spectrum is album art that induces head scratches and awkward laughs. It involves images and texts that make no sense, which, unfortunately, gives a shaky first impression of the record.
Describing them won't do enough justice, so go ahead and see them for yourself. You'll mostly see artwork from unknown artists, but one of these is from the world's most famous band.
These images are from the Bad Album Cover Collective Facebook page, and we've compiled some of the standouts for you.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Wild Thing (1969) So Much Product In Their Hair They Couldn't Stand Closer Than 20 Feet From A Naked Flame
RELATED:
#3
I Would've Gone With A Different Album Title
Artists express themselves through the cover art of their records and the songs they create. Parma Recordings describes this as a “symbiotic relationship” between the music and artwork.
Album art is no longer as prominent in this day and age of streaming. However, according to Parma art director Ryan Harrison, it still pays to have a cover that grabs attention.
“Having an awesome-looking cover definitely helps you stand out in a sea of tiny squares.”
#4
Here's A Woman Who Wants To Be Split Open
Miss Tinker 1 year ago
Seriously, does nobody proof-read these covers before they are released? 😅
#5
Stop Granny, I Think It's Too Late!
#6
Small Dolphin
François Carré 1 year ago
Carlos was a quite popular singer in France back in the 1980's. Oddly enough, his mother was Françoise Dolto, a very famous and influential pediatrician and psychoanalyst.
That begs the question: “What makes an album cover bad?” British album cover connoisseur Simon Robinson has a simple criterion. As he explained in an interview with Exclaim, it’s “any cover design which sets out to achieve a particular end result — and misses.”
Robinson used Tony Orlando and Dawn’s 1973 record “Tuneweaving” as an example. The cover featured an embroidered photo of the three band members.
“Any sane record label executive (is there such a thing?) would have swapped it over for the nice photo on the back,” Robinson said of the album art.
#7
Um, No Thanks
#8
No, Staying Away From You
WindySwede 1 year ago
I can see where Jeff Goldbloom got this posning from!? (Jurassic Park) mv5bogfhnm...62_al_.jpg 
#9
No, I Don’t Think We Will
Suck it Trebek 1 year ago
Ooooo....yeah.....Russ, you seem like a nice dude but it's not happening for you.
Beth Wheeler 1 year ago
NO we will NOT now get the hell away from me before you meet your maker!
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I'm not giving odds on if he's yet had the experience.
Some experts believe the streaming era hurts the music industry and impacts listeners’ appreciation of album art. Syndey-based record dealer Mark Lumley said music fans “lost something” when new technology took over.
“The digital age has removed the tactile experience of looking at the cover, reading the cover notes, that type of thing,” Lumley told ABC Australia.
#10
"Squirt Does Its Thing"
#11
When Nobody Else Is Competing?
#12
Just A Reminder That Someone, Somewhere, At Sometime Thought This Was A Good Idea
However, current-day artists see it differently, especially since vinyl records have returned over the past few years. For award-winning songwriter Kate Lucas (a.k.a. Coda Chroma), creating album art is part of the creative process.
“You want to have a visual component of that. It is a complete body of work,” Lucas said to ABC Australia, adding that she earns more by selling physical copies of her music.
#13
I’m Gonna Bet The Answer Is No
#14
I Should Hope Not
#15
All Together Now! ''yes I Found Jesus At A Walmart While Pushing On A Shopping Cart By The Fruit Loops And The Sweet-Tarts I Found Forgiveness And A Brand New Start About The Cheetos And The Mountain Dew That's Where I Break Through I Got Low Prices And A Brand New Heart And Now I've Found Jesus At A Walmart''
''Yes I found Jesus at a Walmart while pushing on a shopping cart by the fruit loops and the sweet-tarts I found forgiveness and a brand new start about the cheetos and the mountain dew that's where I break through I got low prices and a brand new heart and now I've found Jesus at a Walmart''
So, what makes a good album cover? Sometimes, it’s the simplicity of the artwork that may literally encapsulate the music’s spirit. For this, Lumley used AC/DC’s 1975 record “TNT” as an example.
“It’s an explosive album, and it’s an explosive cover. Perfect,” he said.
#16
Bad Album Cover! "Stoop Down Baby ... Let Your Daddy See"
#17
I'm Glad We're Not Friends
#18
Hmm John.. Not Sure If That’s Legal In Most States?
Little Wonder 1 year ago
Omg, so I looked it up. It's not about a man hitting on a teenager, it's about a dad killing his daughter by driving drunk. That does not make this cover better. "Sorry I killed you sweetie" *sigh* "It's fine dad"
Let’s hear from you, readers. Which of these album covers ranks the worst for you? Are there any honorable mentions that should be on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
#19
I Have Questions
#20
Nice Haircut Style
#21
Found In Narva
#22
Badiscs! "Smack My Crack"
#23
I’d Be Careful To Shake His Hand…
#24
No..........just No
#25
Something Tells Me Payback Is Coming
#26
Someone Doesn't Count
#27
Turns Out They Do Make Size Massive Diapers
#28
From My Home Country Italy, I Now Present Cicciolina. Being Bored With Releasing Albums, She Later Became An Italian Politician. Released In Italy - 1981
BoredPossum 1 year ago
Anything that one touches is by definition dirty. She was an Italian adult entertainment woman doing the dirtiest of the dirtiest acts on camera, things that are and probably were illegal, according to rumor. Then she was given a political position by a very suspect president who has also been involved in reproductive celebrations with not too old people. She's quite infamous in Italy. But of course, these are rumors that people disagree with, at least she does herself.
#29
Um, No Thanks
#30
Cerrone 3...as The Singer Descended Into Madness, He Hired An All Swine Backup Band. The Tour Was A Mess
#31
The Eggs-Traordinary Edith Massey
#33
What We Have Here Are Costume Experts. Released In Sweden - 1975
#35
Hypnotized By Corndog
#36
Woman Needs Her Beef
#37
If These Two Are Husband & Wife I Feel Sorry For Both Of Them......and Their Children
#38
Found In Narva, Estonia
#41
I Never Heard This Guy Music And Judging By This Cover I Never Will Do
#42
This Is A Portuguese Misprint, It Meant To Say English Boys, Not Bogs
#43
No, You Dont
#44
Karate Guy Snuck Into The Photo? Hammer Guy Is About To Take Him Out!
#46
A Giant Baguette Wearing A Beret And Smoking A Cigarette?
Ovata Acronicta 1 year ago
I think a lot of people would find this relatable. After all, what else do you need in life?
#47
Here's A Trio That Were Into Bondage. Released In America - 1967
#48
Check Out This Bad Boy! "Plays For Youth"
#49
No, That's Actually All Wrong
#50
I Am Pretty Damn Sure There Was A Third Brother
Little Wonder 1 year ago
"You guys wanna maybe take those jackets off for the photo?" "mom said we can't, it's cold out"
#51
More ? This Woman Has Previously Destroyed Other AC-Dc Classics
#52
I've Never Seen So Much Happiness Before.....not
#53
This Is All The Puppet You Get On A McDonald's Salary
#54
Great 1974 Album; Not So Great Album Cover
#56
I Get By With A Little Help From My Little Friends
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 1 year ago
Think the word "midget" is no longer PC. Think it's "little person" now isn't it?
#59
I Don’t Know What To Say
#60
Peggy Caught Him On A Cold Day
#61
"She Told Me To Take Off My Sweater."
Dorothea Stovall 1 year ago
I actually remember this guy, he had one ding, I think, from the 80's.
#62
Just For Me Huh? You Shouldn’t Have
#64
"Excuse Me Sir, There's A Dude In My... Oh Well, Nevermind."
#65
As Opposed To All Those Fake Pat Ropers. Accept Only The Authentic Red Pants Seal Of Quality
#66
5 Steps Closer To Heaven
#67
Great Band, Horrible Album Cover
cecilia kilian 1 year ago
They are great, especially in concert. They do not take themselves seriously. I would guess that this cover art is meant to be horrible.
#68
I Don’t Even Want To Know
#70
I Can See Why He Has All The Women Swooning Over Him
#71
From Hungary With Love
#72
Lover Boy Polka - Get A Horse
#73
Hey Ladies!
#74
Bad Long Plays: "Dance Little Bird"
#75
#76
They Seem Quite Normal
#77
I’m A Little Uncomfortable
#79
Ok. Calm Down Peter
#80
I Would Ask For My 25c Refund After Purchasing And Playing This Cr*p
#81
That Guy On The Left Looks Like He’s Planning Something
#82
You Could Land A Drone On Top Of Those Haircuts
#83
Suffering From Success…ohhh The Suffering
#86
Words Escape Me
#87
Hey Ladies!
#88
Hell On Earth
#89
This Is Truly Amazing, I Can See The Rose. Released In America - 1981
#90
Words Escape Me
#92
Koalafied to komment 1 year ago
Doesn't belong here! It's unsettling on purpose. And still one of my all time favorites!
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What do you think ?
Gingersnap In Iowa 1 year ago
Maybe it's late at night, maybe it's just me but this really creeped me out.😳
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
I cannot comprehend the juxtaposition of terrible hair, terrible band/album names, and religion that happened in the 60s/70s XD R-5662662-...3f3052.jpg 
Rick Seiden 1 year ago
Bonus points if you can identify which famous musician is pictured in this awful album cover. OTktMjYzNS...qcGVn.jpeg 
The Bearded Viking 1 year ago
That's Billy Joel...obviously making a bona-fide regret LOL! 🤣
Load More Replies...
G. Armbrister 1 year ago
You should listen to George Jones. He was one of the all-time country music greats. One of the greatest singers who ever lived.
Julian S. 1 year ago (edited)
I mean that's kinda why genre exists. If I say I like, idk, melodic hyper-deathcore, then you can say "oh your should listen to Post- human:Nex Gen by Bring The Horizons, and I can say "yeah that's mostly what I was talking about there the only band in the subgenre rn"
Load More Replies...
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
During the 1980s, a LOT of Heavy Metal bands used contracted artists on their album covers. Some had great artwork (e.g. Mercyful Fate, "Don't Break The Oath", many Judas Priest and Iron Maiden covers) but sadly, a LOT of it was terrible. Black Sabbath's "Born Again" was inexcusable for a band of that calibre and resources. [ https://loudwire.com/awful-metal-album-covers/ ] Low cost art doesn't have to mean low quality. Venom's "Welcome To Hell" and "Black Metal" album covers are iconic.
Richard Graham 1 year ago
Polyester - Hair Spray - Ugly Men Trying to Look Like Studs - Unintentional Double-Entendres - Yikes!!!
Kari Panda 1 year ago
Conclusion: People back then didn‘t have access to porn so they made everything as ambiguously kinky as possible at that time.
The Doom Song 1 year ago
Oh dear. I laughed way too hard at the comments. It's 5am and I woke my partner up
C Sean Montgomery 1 year ago
Goes with the times probably not much money to put a album out easy times
G. Armbrister 1 year ago
You should listen to George Jones. He was one of the all-time country music greats.
Douglas Tucker 1 year ago
Time passing and the constant changes of styles are only a few of the reasons for these terrible covers. Most were horrible the moment they were created by the artists and/or their record companies. The religious albums definitely dated themselves quickly with their simple azz photos, clothing and hair styles. And of course, no one with a bit of sense took a few minutes to read the propose abum cover captions before going forward with production.
Papa 1 year ago
There are a lot of ugly people here. Why did you find it necessary to zero in on the Christians?
Load More Replies...
Gingersnap In Iowa 1 year ago
Maybe it's late at night, maybe it's just me but this really creeped me out.😳
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 year ago
I cannot comprehend the juxtaposition of terrible hair, terrible band/album names, and religion that happened in the 60s/70s XD R-5662662-...3f3052.jpg
Rick Seiden 1 year ago
Bonus points if you can identify which famous musician is pictured in this awful album cover. OTktMjYzNS...qcGVn.jpeg
The Bearded Viking 1 year ago
That's Billy Joel...obviously making a bona-fide regret LOL! 🤣
Load More Replies... G. Armbrister 1 year ago
You should listen to George Jones. He was one of the all-time country music greats. One of the greatest singers who ever lived.
Julian S. 1 year ago (edited)
I mean that's kinda why genre exists. If I say I like, idk, melodic hyper-deathcore, then you can say "oh your should listen to Post- human:Nex Gen by Bring The Horizons, and I can say "yeah that's mostly what I was talking about there the only band in the subgenre rn"
Load More Replies... Guess Undheit 1 year ago
During the 1980s, a LOT of Heavy Metal bands used contracted artists on their album covers. Some had great artwork (e.g. Mercyful Fate, "Don't Break The Oath", many Judas Priest and Iron Maiden covers) but sadly, a LOT of it was terrible. Black Sabbath's "Born Again" was inexcusable for a band of that calibre and resources. [ https://loudwire.com/awful-metal-album-covers/ ] Low cost art doesn't have to mean low quality. Venom's "Welcome To Hell" and "Black Metal" album covers are iconic.
Richard Graham 1 year ago
Polyester - Hair Spray - Ugly Men Trying to Look Like Studs - Unintentional Double-Entendres - Yikes!!!
Kari Panda 1 year ago
Conclusion: People back then didn‘t have access to porn so they made everything as ambiguously kinky as possible at that time.
The Doom Song 1 year ago
Oh dear. I laughed way too hard at the comments. It's 5am and I woke my partner up
C Sean Montgomery 1 year ago
Goes with the times probably not much money to put a album out easy times
G. Armbrister 1 year ago
You should listen to George Jones. He was one of the all-time country music greats.
Douglas Tucker 1 year ago
Time passing and the constant changes of styles are only a few of the reasons for these terrible covers. Most were horrible the moment they were created by the artists and/or their record companies. The religious albums definitely dated themselves quickly with their simple azz photos, clothing and hair styles. And of course, no one with a bit of sense took a few minutes to read the propose abum cover captions before going forward with production.
Papa 1 year ago
There are a lot of ugly people here. Why did you find it necessary to zero in on the Christians?
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