Wet Leg, a British indie rock band, embarked on a creative journey to choose the cover image for their second album. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, orchestrated the artwork for “Moisturizer” by gathering various items like velvet worms, an oversized hair head, and lizard-like gloves at an Airbnb. The resulting cover image, a mix of girly and repulsive elements, earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Album Cover.
Competing with Wet Leg for the award are Bad Bunny’s “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia,” Perfume Genius’s “Glory,” and Djo’s “The Crux.” The Grammy nomination for Best Album Cover now includes recording artists as nominees, except for “Glory.”
The Recording Academy’s decision to have a separate category for album covers reflects the significance of visual art in the digital era. The award recognizes the artists behind the visual representation of music, shedding light on the creative process that shapes the visual identity of an album.
Each album cover tells a unique story, capturing the essence of the music it represents. From the surreal aesthetic of “Chromakopia” to the introspective vibe of “Glory” and the fictional world of “The Crux,” the covers reflect the diverse themes explored in the albums.
The creativity and design of the album covers play a crucial role in determining the winner. The nominees’ artwork, whether through illustration, photography, or graphic elements, is evaluated for its ingenuity and visual impact. The winning art directors receive trophies, while designers, illustrators, or photographers are awarded certificates for their contributions.
As the Grammy Awards evolve to embrace the changing landscape of music production, the recognition of album cover art highlights the collaborative effort between musicians and visual artists in shaping the complete artistic experience for listeners.