The British indie rock band Wet Leg embarked on a creative journey to select the cover image for their second album. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with guitarist Hester Chambers and collaborators Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, curated a blend of girly and repulsive elements at an Airbnb. The resulting Grammy-nominated cover for “Moisturizer” captures this unique juxtaposition.
Competing with Wet Leg for the best album cover Grammy are works by artists like Bad Bunny, Tyler, the Creator, Perfume Genius, and Djo. This year, the Recording Academy revamped the awards to emphasize the significance of cover art in the digital era and honor the artists shaping the music industry.
Each album cover tells a story of its own. For instance, Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia” features a striking monochrome portrait, while Perfume Genius’s “Glory” showcases a complex interplay of comfort and confidence. The cover for Djo’s “The Crux” creates a surreal scene set in a fictional hotel, complete with intricate details and intentional design choices.
The essence of these album covers lies in capturing a specific energy or vibe rather than a literal representation. The artists behind the covers, like photographer Neil Krug and art director Cody Critcheloe, aim to create visual worlds that complement and enhance the music they represent.
The Grammy nomination for best album cover recognizes the creative teams behind these visual masterpieces. The rules acknowledge that physical existence is not a prerequisite for consideration, highlighting the enduring impact of vinyl and CD presentations in showcasing album art.
In this evolving category, artists and designers are celebrated for their creativity and innovation in crafting memorable cover art. Despite some changes in the list of nominees, the recognition of these visual storytellers underscores the importance of album covers in the broader music landscape.