Artists and Albums

 Why are album artworks still important? 

Albums are still important as they tell us more about the multiple different songs that one artist has done compared to music videos that only represent one particular song. Album covers show us the tracklist, the title of the album, the artist and or band name, which studio it was made in, the legal information, and warnings if necessary.

The first album cover of Stormzy was...

 Gang signs and prayers.

This album cover represents the genre of music is rap through the darkness of the image and that gangland culture represented by the balaclavas being worn in the background. This album cover represents where Stormzy came from and where he is today as he is present in the center of the image. By the name of the album, we can see that the label has tried to make Stormzy into more of a man of God, comparing his past to how grateful he is to be where he is. Giving Stormzy the image of a man of God also makes him more relatable to the audience as when he initially started he did not need a certain reliability because all he was trying to do was take his first steps in his musical carrier, however now that he has made it as a successful artist he needed a relatable point of interest for his audience. 

His music video and album come together as they show different elements that create the artist's image. His music is now more varied which match a wider audience and also shows that he has aged with the time and his music videos represent this as they show him under different lights and example of those would be own it and his performance of 'Blinded by your Grace'.

   

So why are albums still relevant?

Albums are still relevant due to the fact they tell the unique story of what and who the band were in a specific era and or moment of time. This is something that music videos don't portray. Albums also don't need to create some deep meaning or political view in order for people to like it or notice it, it gives the artist a chance just to represent themselves. Albums also make it easier for artists to get bookings, as it shows that an artist is willing to invest in their carrier as creating an album can be time-consuming and a financial strain.