The 10 Best Album Covers of 2018
December 18, 2018 | by James Greene, Jr.
Leonard Baskin once said, “Pop art is the inedible raised to the unspeakable.” With that in mind, let’s take a look at this year’s most unspeakably wonderful album covers, in no particular order.
The Wombats, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life
A vibrant cover which speaks a powerful truth — beautiful people will ruin your life because they all secretly harbor a deadly rattlesnake in their chest, which is poised and ready to strike at all times. The flowers it wears are meant to lull you into a false sense of security.
The Voidz, Virtue
A stirring tribute to the stock market crash of 1987. Looking at this cover, one can almost hear the impassioned cries of Edward J. Markey, a banshee wail against program trading we all glibly ignored.
Ace Frehley, Spaceman
Where does the chair end? Where does Ace begin? The cosmic warrior wishes you no concern over this. He merely wants you to partake of his magical six string talisman, the object granting him such power and influence.
Death Grips, Year of the Snitch
Captured for the first time on film, the mating ritual of Mick Jagger.
Aborted, TerrorVision
The mammoth hell beasts on this album cover represent Hollywood’s never-ending reboot culture, jamming its sharp claws into audience nostalgia for Ralph Macchio and slap bracelets. There is no escape from entertainment cannibalizing itself while simultaneously ripping apart your mind, so just sit back and enjoy Ghoulies Reborn before you lose all your blood.
Craig David, The Time Is Now
Not only did Craig David find the real life Stargate, he realized a way to monetize it. Truly, the time is now.
Stryper, God Damn Evil
By taking the most literal interpretive route for their album title, Stryper also creates the most comical. God is so angry at humankind’s malfeasance he can’t even bear to look at us during His smiting. What filthy pigs we are.
Jon Hopkins, Singularity
This feels like the ASMR of 2018 album covers but it could also be imagery from a lifestyle brand. Either way, we’re relaxed and ready to learn more.
Amine, Onepointfive
This is a serious 2018 mood. It is, perhaps, the top mood after living through a truly maddening carnival year. Thank you, Amine, for holding the mirror up to society.
Ghost, Prequelle
Finally, Skeletor gets the Renaissance-flavored re-imagining he deserves, though the cardinal’s cloak does nothing to accentuate his gorgeous musculature. Of course, he doesn’t really need anything beyond that “Surprise, bitch!” expression on his face. Look closely and you’ll find the desiccated corpse of Orko, punished for his crimes against Hordak.
