10 Rock Album Covers That Deserves More Recognition

Unique designs from a variety of rock genres are featured on our list of the top ten most underappreciated rock album covers from the 1970s. Covers have to fulfill two important requirements to be selected. First and foremost, we had to be unique; even if they were amusing, we avoided parodies of 1960s designs. Secondly, the covers needed to be unique and impactful without resorting to tricks. These were the record store covers that drew your attention, stopped you cold, and frequently left you wanting to hear what was on them.

Hasten Down The Wind – Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s amazing cover of Hasten Down the Wind is the first item on our list of the ‘70s underrated covers.” With a harmony of light and dark that conjures either sunrise or sunset, this cover conveys a sense of romance and adventure. Similar to the album’s title, the backdrop shadow of the horse and rider suggests a tale of leaving. Hasten Down the Wind, which was released in the summer of 1976, became a Grammy winner and solidified Ronstadt’s legacy in music.

Plastic Letters – Blondie
Blondie released Plastic Letters just one year prior to their meteoric rise to popularity with Parallel Lines and their famous song “Heart of Glass.” The band is seated atop a police cruiser in New York City on the album cover, which is oozing with a strong question mark and punk new wave disobedience. Debbie Harry looks amazing as always. In February 1978, Blondie’s second studio album was released, paving the way for their eventual ascent to fame.

Ghost Writer – Garland Jeffreys
Although Garland Jeffreys may not be well-known, his music is probably familiar to any listener of classic rock who looks beyond the popular hits. Many people are drawn to this album in the record store; the cover alone convinces them to purchase it before listening to a single song. Nobody could have predicted that he would end up being one of the greatest musicians of all time. Jeffreys is unique in the way that he combines reggae, rock, and soul. It’s a great CD to start with if you haven’t heard his music yet.

Germfree Adolescents – X-Ray Spex
When you see this album cover and the name of the band, you may ask yourself, “Who? You’re right, but this piece honors underappreciated rock album covers, which frequently include ones you’ve never seen or heard of. The cover of the 1978 first album by the UK punk band X-Ray Spex is incredibly intriguing. One of the main reasons it made our list is that the idea of teenagers imprisoned in research tubes while wearing colorful clothes feels really unique. Appreciating covers like this one is both entertaining and historical.

Brain Salad Surgery – Emerson Lake & Palmer
Emerson, Lake & Palmer looked for an album cover that complemented their audacious progressive rock sound in the early 1970s. Keith Emerson and their manager, Peter Zumsteg, paid a visit to avant-garde artist H.R. during a 1973 tour stop in Zurich. Giger, who showed them Work 216: Landscape XIX, his ominous triptych with a skull motif. Captivated right away, Emerson selected the song for their next album, which was originally called “Whip Some Skull on Ya” before being changed to Brain Salad Surgery.

In his biomechanical style, Giger combined human and mechanical forms in two new pieces, ELP I and ELP II. Another eerie painting was discovered within the inventive sleeve, which was created by Fabio Nicoli. This famous cover continues to be a defining symbol of ELP’s visionary music despite the controversy and subsequent mystery surrounding the missing original artwork.

Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here is halfway through our selection. This cover’s striking symbolism makes it stand out, even though Dark Side of the Moon receives the most of the focus. The artwork, which was first covered in black shrink wrap to symbolize the album’s subject of absence, showed two businessmen with trembling hands, one of whom was on fire. The picture, which was taken by Hipgnosis’ Aubrey “Po” Powell, illustrates the dangers of concealing genuine feelings in a competitive field. It is a memorable chapter in rock history because of its powerful metaphor and dramatic execution.

Quadrophenia – The Who
The cover of Quadrophenia is The Who’s most interesting design, even though Who’s Next frequently garners the most attention. In contrast to their other well-known covers, this one flawlessly conveys the spirit of the original song. It’s difficult to overlook the intimate, reflective touch that the man’s reflection in the rearview mirror adds. Quadrophenia, the 1973 follow-up to Who’s Next, demonstrated that Pete Townshend and the band were still at the forefront of their creative abilities.

Goodnight Vienna – Ringo Starr
Although the purpose of this record cover may be debatable, its impact is indisputable. It immediately draws attention, especially from viewers of the original series, as it appears to be Ringo Starr exiting the Jupiter 2 from Lost in Space. But in reality, the design is influenced by the sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still from the 1950s. A depth of nostalgia is added to the cover’s appeal by this deft homage to vintage sci-fi, which also makes it visually arresting and unforgettable.

Nether Lands – Dan Fogelberg
Bold colors and intricate details aren’t necessarily necessary for an album cover to be great. Dan Fogelberg’s Nether Lands is a perfect example of how simplicity can be just as potent. Fogelberg’s artistic profundity is exquisitely captured by the cover’s predominant green tone and the contemplative image of him thinking deeply. Together with subtle typography and well-considered font arrangement, the design creates a powerful impact. The cover, which was released in 1977, is a remarkable example of less being more because of its understated elegance, which perfectly matches the music within.

Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy – Elton John
Although Elton John’s album covers for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road frequently garner the most attention, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is also worthy of praise. In contrast to other covers’ simplicity, this one is jam-packed with minute details that reflect the lyrics and narratives of the album and go deeper into its topics. In addition to its eye-catching artwork, the record came in a gorgeous gatefold design, posters, and booklets. It is a visual and musical masterpiece that was released in 1975 and is a genuine gem in Elton John’s discography.