Textual Analysis: CD Covers

Usher: Here I Stand

Black and white background with name of artsist and album in red font

• Artist in the forefront of the frame showing dominance and importance
• Medium close-up to highlight facial expressions, costume and gesture
• Casual, street costume complete with sunglasses to add mystery and enforce celebrity status
• Image of a vintage sports car in background to show power, wealth and style
• Usher is symbolic of the title of the album as he is standing before the prop of a car, referring to the album being about him as a more mature artist; connoting the transition from young R 'n' B star complete with gimmicks and dance moves.

Keri Hilson: In a Perfect World

Keri Hilson's album, 'In a Perfect World,' again features a sexy and striking image of the artist. Keri is pictured in a big, vintage style chair that reflects her style and takes up the majority of the frame connoting power and importance. She is dressed in a short, provocative costume along with leopard print tights, showing a wild, animalistic side. The title of the album indicates that the world is imperfect and

her music can change that. Instead of the sky and sea being blue they are purple and pink with the sun breaking through to create a colourful, abstract and beautiful image. The name of the artist and album are in a large and bright font capturing the audiences' attention. The font is made up of lights indicating that Keri Hilson is a true star and deserves attention and celebrity status.

Chris Brown: Exclusive

The forever edition of Chris Brown's album 'Exclusive' shows the star posing as if he's a Hollywood action hero, surrounded

by carnage and city buildings. The realistic surroundings are in black and white, with Chris Brown and the albums title are in colour, drawing attention towards them both. He is dressed in red and black, which connote danger, passion and most importantly power. His suit jacket is flung over his shoulder to create a more casual look and the representation of being a superhero. The font is young and street, which is geared towards the target audience. The 'X' in 'Exclusive' is in a larger font to connote that Chris Brown has the X Factor and this album represents the star he has become.

Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad

The cover for 'Good Girl one Bad'

by Rihanna again features a striking image of the artist, who is shot in the centre of the frame. The cover is also in black and white, creating an image of old Hollywood glamour, which is ironic considering the title of the album. Rihanna is in a figure hugging dress and seen posing provocatively towards the camera. In R 'n ' B image and celebrity status sells the album and this is all about Rihanna! Her name covers the width of the cover and is in a large, masculine and colourful point to attract immediate attention. At the time this album was released Rihanna was already a household name and her name alone will sell records.

Mariah Carey: E=MC2

The latest album by starlet Ma

riah Carey depicts a typically sexy image of the star, reinforcing her fame and diva like status.

The background is black and represents a school

chalk board with the scientific equation of E=MC2 in a large font as the name of the album.

Mariah's name is again the focus of the album and covers the whole width of it in a large, bold and pink font. The colour represents Mariah's femininity, girlie nature and who the target audience of her album is. Having a dark, plain background makes the font stand out even more, just like Mariah does in the music industry. As well as the other album covers in the R 'n' B genre, E=MC2 is simple and contains an image of the artist and their name as the focus and main selling point.

Ne-Yo: Perfect Gentleman

This is the cover for Ne-Yo's album 'Year of the Gentleman.' The artist is depicted in the frame as a gentleman-like figure through costume and props, such as his trilby hat. He is dressed in a smart and expensive looking pin-striped suit to connote wealth, power and his classic style. His trademark hat is placed over his eyes to create an air of mystery and a clear view of his infamous prop. His name is in a large and bold font, as it's his album and his name, not entirely the image, will sell it. The surroundings are simple and quite rustic, which again reinforce an old school gentlemanly image and Ne-Yo's musical stylings.