Analysis of Album Advertisements

Conventions and meaning created.

Kings of Leon – Only by the Night

Conventions:• Artist name• Title of album• Image of artists• Songs from album• Record company• Rule of thirds used

Analysis:In this advertisement, Kings of Leon are conveying an idea of darkness.Design – The images of the artists doesn’t contain a lot of colour and is quite dull. This adds to the idea of darkness with the bird of prey being used in the combination with the artists faces along with giving it a fierce look.Mise en scene – The artists are shown with quite scruffy hair and costume. This may show how they are ordinary people however they are edgy and not as interested in appearance.Camerawork – The artists and bird is shown in a close up staring straight into the camera, this may connect them to their fans or emphasize their empty, fierce look.Design – The artists name is the biggest and most obvious piece of text on the page. It is in a white font against a dark brown background, so it is contrasted with the background making it jump out at the reader. Also, the image consists of a quarter of each of the band members faces to make one big loose face, which are then merged with the image of an eagle. An eagle is usually symbolic of greatness, stealth and power. The faces of the band all seem to be stern and strong, so when these two images of power are superimposed together, it forms a type of allegiance between man and bird.

Nelly - Nellyville

Conventions:• Artist name• Title of album• Image of artist

• Songs from album• Release date

• Rule of thirds used• Website

Analysis:In this advertisement, Nelly is showing his stylish personal album.Camerawork – This is a close up of Nelly, he is staring straight into the camera as if he is looking at the audience. This helps connect him to the audience.Performance – Nelly has his head slightly tilted with a mostly expressionless face. Although he is glaring at the viewer and appears somewhat intimidating and like a strong, important figure.Mise en scene (costume) – Nelly is wearing a plain black t-shirt and a black sweat band. This may show his athletic, sporty nature or how he is physically fit and strong. This may be used to hint at his strong and powerful personality, which adds to why he might be intimidating.Design – The image consists of dark yellow, white and black. We can see we aren't flooded with lots of bright colours so it keeps a serious tone, but at the same time it is not completely dull like rock/metal poster might be. Also, the fonts are strong and bold which are very fitting with the Hip-Hop image as they are clear and stand out with out being to showy.

Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown

Conventions:• Artist name• Title of album• Release date

• Song from album• Website

Analysis:In this advertisement, Green Day are showing their urban, rebellious album, aiming it at young people. The bright colours used capture the audience’s attention. When matched with the image of the young couple, it gives a warm, grungy vibe with a tinge of rebellion and angst. Also, the font used to design the name of the band is edgy and made to look like it’s been graffti-ed onto the brick wall and the other text on the poster are bold and look very abstract .Additionally, the use of, “The wait is finally over..” adds to a sense of excitement and mystery of the this long awaited new album from the pop punk giants.The band were already well recognised at the time of this album release, and therefore didn’t need to have their faces plastered across the advertisement to get the audience’s attention.