Clio Music 2026 Final Deadline

Art of the Album

Art of the Album is a weekly feature every Thursday looking at the craft of album-cover design. If you’d like to write for the series, or learn more about our Clio Music program email us at editorial@clioawards.com.

10 Classic Album Covers That Heighten the Story of the Music Inside
Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Tom Waits and more
by Jack Barksdale
10 Sleeves That Deliver All the Vibes for Your Many Moods
Madison McFerrin, Magdalena Bay, Supertramp and more
by Maggie Norsworthy
All That Jazz: Us3 Leader Picks 10 Album Covers to Enhance Your Summer Playlists
Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner and more
by Geoff Wilkinson
Classic, Innovative Album Covers From Design-Savvy Record Labels
With Beck, Tempest Storm, Herb Alpert, The Breeders, The White Stripes and more
by Matthew Jacobson
Clio Music 2026 Final Deadline
Dolly Parton, Kelis, Troye Sivan Rock All the Feels
Some of these images are darn sexy, too
by Emma Westenberg
Odd Album Covers You Hate to Love From Queen, Aerosmith, Creed and More
Pierced udders, a 'Frizzle' fry, literate apes and berserk Americana
by Ronny Young
Clio Music 2026 Final Deadline
These 10 Gritty Album Covers Are Subtly Compelling
Paul Lolax, Jesse Fuller, Arlo Guthrie and more
by Chris Walz
Last Licks: Rolling Stones Album Art That Missed the Mark
Emotional Rescue, Dirty Work, Undercover and more
by Charlie and Adam Yoe 
Five Album Covers That Rank as Works of Pop Art
Germs, Descendents, Wu-Tang Clan and more
by Ryan Prows
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