CD Cover Analysis 1

Rockferry by Duffy

I am analysing the album cover for Duffy’s ‘Rockferry’ album that has been nominated for many awards and received a grammy. The genre of the album is difficult to identify but in my opinion I would say that it is pop but with a twist of blues creating authenticity for the Welsh singer’s distinctive voice. The typical pop cover is likely to be a medium close up of the artiste themselves. The blues twist has been reflected by the lack of Duffy’s eye contact with the camera as she is looking at the ground. This could resemble a more serious stance on her music compared to the upbeat and stereotypically superficial pop music. The title ‘Rockferry’ is based on the suburbs of Rock Ferry.

The photograph was taken at Ffestiniog railway station in Porthmadog. It was taken when Duffy was still relatively unknown and so would not intend to portray an arrogant or diva attitude as she is yet to gain the reputation that is required for this. There is a train in the background which I see as the representation of her journey towards becoming an established singer/songwriter. It could also be to add to the authenticity of the album as does the black and white illustration. The monochrome effect gives a sense of closure or a more serious attitude as it creates more of a bland image. The overall look of the cover is fairly old-fashioned which adds to the blues twist of the genre.

Duffy is wearing conservative clothing in the shot and her hair and make up are naturally styled to show her as a respectable person but also slightly laid back in her personality and possibly her music also. She is looking at the floor suggesting more depth to the image, allowing potential purchasers to read into the cover a lot more. The lack of eye contact emphasizes the idea of closure and sadness as does the positioning of her hand in the shot. The shot is a medium close up to stay with the pop genre slightly in order to broaden the fan base. She is positioned in the bottom right hand corner so that there is room for the headings and an appropriate amount of the setting evident.

The text for Duffy has been given prominent position in the top left hand corner and this therefore will be the first thing a potential buyer will see, after the image. The style of the writing looks handwritten, as if it is a signature. This creates a personal touch on the album. Contrasting to this the album title ‘Rockferry’ is at the bottom and is in a bold, stencil like style. This creates a sense of importance as the place means a lot to her.

The target audience for the album is very broad as the mix of genre makes it appealing to more people. Looking at this album cover alone I would make a judgement of a unisex audience aged between late twenties to forties. The twist on the pop genre makes it less appealing to young teenage girls who would prefer bright colours and make up, however means that it can be aimed at a more mature audience. There is no voyeurism for male listeners but the music could still be received by both genders.