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An iconic album cover can evoke intrigue while giving listeners an idea of what to expect. Some top-of-mind examples include "Led Zeppelin I" and the Hindenburg disaster, The Velvet Underground and Nico with the banana and Andy Warhol's name, and the afro baby on The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut record "Ready to Die."

On the other side of the spectrum is album art that induces head scratches and awkward laughs. It involves images and texts that make no sense, which, unfortunately, gives a shaky first impression of the record. 

Describing them won't do enough justice, so go ahead and see them for yourself. You'll mostly see artwork from unknown artists, but one of these is from the world's most famous band.

These images are from the Bad Album Cover Collective Facebook page, and we've compiled some of the standouts for you.

#1

Wild Thing (1969) So Much Product In Their Hair They Couldn't Stand Closer Than 20 Feet From A Naked Flame

Wild Thing (1969) So Much Product In Their Hair They Couldn't Stand Closer Than 20 Feet From A Naked Flame

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Artists express themselves through the cover art of their records and the songs they create. Parma Recordings describes this as a “symbiotic relationship” between the music and artwork.

Album art is no longer as prominent in this day and age of streaming. However, according to Parma art director Ryan Harrison, it still pays to have a cover that grabs attention. 

“Having an awesome-looking cover definitely helps you stand out in a sea of tiny squares.”

#4

Here's A Woman Who Wants To Be Split Open

Here's A Woman Who Wants To Be Split Open

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Miss Tinker
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously, does nobody proof-read these covers before they are released? 😅

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#5

Stop Granny, I Think It's Too Late!

Stop Granny, I Think It's Too Late!

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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That begs the question: “What makes an album cover bad?” British album cover connoisseur Simon Robinson has a simple criterion. As he explained in an interview with Exclaim, it’s “any cover design which sets out to achieve a particular end result — and misses.” 

Robinson used Tony Orlando and Dawn’s 1973 record “Tuneweaving” as an example. The cover featured an embroidered photo of the three band members.

“Any sane record label executive (is there such a thing?) would have swapped it over for the nice photo on the back,” Robinson said of the album art.

#8

No, Staying Away From You

No, Staying Away From You

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Some experts believe the streaming era hurts the music industry and impacts listeners’ appreciation of album art. Syndey-based record dealer Mark Lumley said music fans “lost something” when new technology took over. 

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“The digital age has removed the tactile experience of looking at the cover, reading the cover notes, that type of thing,” Lumley told ABC Australia.

#11

When Nobody Else Is Competing?

When Nobody Else Is Competing?

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#12

Just A Reminder That Someone, Somewhere, At Sometime Thought This Was A Good Idea

Just A Reminder That Someone, Somewhere, At Sometime Thought This Was A Good Idea

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

However, current-day artists see it differently, especially since vinyl records have returned over the past few years. For award-winning songwriter Kate Lucas (a.k.a. Coda Chroma), creating album art is part of the creative process. 

“You want to have a visual component of that. It is a complete body of work,” Lucas said to ABC Australia, adding that she earns more by selling physical copies of her music.

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#15

All Together Now! ''yes I Found Jesus At A Walmart While Pushing On A Shopping Cart By The Fruit Loops And The Sweet-Tarts I Found Forgiveness And A Brand New Start About The Cheetos And The Mountain Dew That's Where I Break Through I Got Low Prices And A Brand New Heart And Now I've Found Jesus At A Walmart''

All Together Now! ''yes I Found Jesus At A Walmart While Pushing On A Shopping Cart By The Fruit Loops And The Sweet-Tarts I Found Forgiveness And A Brand New Start About The Cheetos And The Mountain Dew That's Where I Break Through I Got Low Prices And A Brand New Heart And Now I've Found Jesus At A Walmart''

''Yes I found Jesus at a Walmart while pushing on a shopping cart by the fruit loops and the sweet-tarts I found forgiveness and a brand new start about the cheetos and the mountain dew that's where I break through I got low prices and a brand new heart and now I've found Jesus at a Walmart''

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

So, what makes a good album cover? Sometimes, it’s the simplicity of the artwork that may literally encapsulate the music’s spirit. For this, Lumley used AC/DC’s 1975 record “TNT” as an example. 

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“It’s an explosive album, and it’s an explosive cover. Perfect,” he said.

#16

Bad Album Cover! "Stoop Down Baby ... Let Your Daddy See"

Bad Album Cover! "Stoop Down Baby ... Let Your Daddy See"

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#18

Hmm John.. Not Sure If That’s Legal In Most States?

Hmm John.. Not Sure If That’s Legal In Most States?

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Little Wonder
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg, so I looked it up. It's not about a man hitting on a teenager, it's about a dad killing his daughter by driving drunk. That does not make this cover better. "Sorry I killed you sweetie" *sigh* "It's fine dad"

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Let’s hear from you, readers. Which of these album covers ranks the worst for you? Are there any honorable mentions that should be on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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#23

I’d Be Careful To Shake His Hand…

I’d Be Careful To Shake His Hand…

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#27

Turns Out They Do Make Size Massive Diapers

Turns Out They Do Make Size Massive Diapers

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you know, just adult diapers, for people with incontinence...? 🤷‍♂️

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#28

From My Home Country Italy, I Now Present Cicciolina. Being Bored With Releasing Albums, She Later Became An Italian Politician. Released In Italy - 1981

From My Home Country Italy, I Now Present Cicciolina. Being Bored With Releasing Albums, She Later Became An Italian Politician. Released In Italy - 1981

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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BoredPossum
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything that one touches is by definition dirty. She was an Italian adult entertainment woman doing the dirtiest of the dirtiest acts on camera, things that are and probably were illegal, according to rumor. Then she was given a political position by a very suspect president who has also been involved in reproductive celebrations with not too old people. She's quite infamous in Italy. But of course, these are rumors that people disagree with, at least she does herself.

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#30

Cerrone 3...as The Singer Descended Into Madness, He Hired An All Swine Backup Band. The Tour Was A Mess

Cerrone 3...as The Singer Descended Into Madness, He Hired An All Swine Backup Band. The Tour Was A Mess

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm hoping this is not another episode from 'Black Mirror!!

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#33

What We Have Here Are Costume Experts. Released In Sweden - 1975

What We Have Here Are Costume Experts. Released In Sweden - 1975

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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#37

If These Two Are Husband & Wife I Feel Sorry For Both Of Them......and Their Children

If These Two Are Husband & Wife I Feel Sorry For Both Of Them......and Their Children

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#41

I Never Heard This Guy Music And Judging By This Cover I Never Will Do

I Never Heard This Guy Music And Judging By This Cover I Never Will Do

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#42

This Is A Portuguese Misprint, It Meant To Say English Boys, Not Bogs

This Is A Portuguese Misprint, It Meant To Say English Boys, Not Bogs

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#44

Karate Guy Snuck Into The Photo? Hammer Guy Is About To Take Him Out!

Karate Guy Snuck Into The Photo? Hammer Guy Is About To Take Him Out!

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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#46

A Giant Baguette Wearing A Beret And Smoking A Cigarette?

A Giant Baguette Wearing A Beret And Smoking A Cigarette?

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Ovata Acronicta
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think a lot of people would find this relatable. After all, what else do you need in life?

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#47

Here's A Trio That Were Into Bondage. Released In America - 1967

Here's A Trio That Were Into Bondage. Released In America - 1967

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

#49

No, That's Actually All Wrong

No, That's Actually All Wrong

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor woman, make sure you see other artwork from the artist beforehand!

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#50

I Am Pretty Damn Sure There Was A Third Brother

I Am Pretty Damn Sure There Was A Third Brother

Bad Album Cover Collective Report

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Little Wonder
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"You guys wanna maybe take those jackets off for the photo?" "mom said we can't, it's cold out"

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Note: this post originally had 92 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.