Analysis of existing digipacks
- 1. Analysis of existing digipacks Taylor Swift and Oasis
- 2. Taylor Swift - 1989 This digipack has been created to imitate something else, a polaroid picture. An effect has then been used on top of the picture to make it seem dated, something which a polaroid picture from the 1980’s (as is stated through the album title) may be. I have selected the deluxe version of the album, and this is stated in exactly the same way as the artists name is on the front – through abbreviation: ‘T.S’, ‘D.L.X’. Again, this may have been done to imitate exactly the way a polaroid from the 1980’s may look, with abbreviations as there is limited space to write on. The album title itself, ‘1989’, looks as though it has been drawn over the top in permanent marker. This all comes together effectively as it makes to present a very homemade, authentic album cover. The actual graphics used throughout the digipack must be commented on. A theme is established throughout the digipack revolving around handwritten, homely and time worn element. The main image incorporated on the front of the album is that of a mid shot of the artist, Taylor Swift. A clever framing technique is used, in that the top of Swift’s head is deliberately cut off just below her eyes. This is then opposed on the back of the album, which shows from her nose upward. This almost makes one picture seem like a continuation of the other. By using a medium close up of the artist, the audience is forced to focus on Taylor’s beauty and simplicity. The simplistic design also contributes to the vintage theme running throughout the album cover. Taylor Swift is recognised globally for her brightly coloured lip stick, a key focus of her previous albums such as ‘RED’ as well. The focus falls on the stark red colour of her lips on this cover as it is one of the brightest colours featured on the album, allowing her audience to instantly recognise her branding.
- 3. Oasis – Definitely Maybe ‘Definitely Maybe’ by the Mancunian band Oasis is the fastest selling debut album of all time recorded in the UK. The picture n the front of the album shows all 5 members of the group in different locations around a room. Inspiration for the album cover was taken from ‘A Collection of Beatles Oldies’, which was released in 1966. Within the photo, many things may be comment on which contribute to the album and give away small references to each of the songs featured on the album. The mise-en-scene has been purposefully set up in order to do this. For example, the large hanging globe in the top right hand corner may represent the song title ‘Up in the Sky’, as it is physically hanging from up in the sky. On the floor by Liam is a glass of wine and some cigarettes, what may be a purposeful reference to the hit single ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’. It may be noted that the album art is particularly busy in opposition to similar popular bands of the genre at the time, such as Blur. It is clear that Oasis wanted to make a statement with their album art. The back of the album is very similar to the front in that it is a picture taken in exactly the same location as the front. However, the fourth wall is broken between the band and their audience with this, as Liam is pictured staring straight into the camera. The rest of the band members seem to all be just as nonchalant to the situation as they were before, however Liam is holding the hanging globe and staring straight into the camera, almost sending a message that Oasis have the world in the palm of their hands, they are taking the world by storm.