Album cover 5. The Libertines - 'The Libertines'

This was the cover for the Libertines second and final album. It was released in 2007 and topped the U.K album charts not to mention various other recognitions around the world.

The first thing to notice about this cover is the title in the center. This is unusual compared to other album covers in the genre as most have the title on the top. The fact its in the center connotes it's importance it also reinforces the bands name. The colours used are a contrast to each other, The black on white effect enables the title to stand out further, It also creates an enigma surrounded by mystery.

The characters on the cover tell us alot about the album and the genre. Firstly they are the two front men and founders of the band 'Carl Borat' and 'Pete Doherty' each of them are two strong characters who have had well known feuds, so the fact they're together signifies the strength that music has to bring people together.

The importance of the band is reinforced through the fact both Pete and Carl have 'Libertine' tattooed on their arms. The tattoo reinforces the key ingredient to the genre of individuality.

The clothes worn by the two band members are typical to the genre, one being the unmistakable two stripe of a Fred Perry polo top and one being a white vest. The polo top is typical of the genre as its well known for an indie band to be wearing branded clothing, usually polo tops. The vest however shows simplicity and openness. This is the desired affect and is reinforced through the fact that Carl is looking out to the audience, this creates an enigma and draws the consumer in to the album.

The target audience of this album is both male and female and aims for the younger generation, however not necessarily teenagers. We know this because of the two band members on the cover, the effect this has is that it draws different sets of people in. For example the two members are icons for many young boys, they have a strong and well known reputation for causing trouble and having problems with drugs. This rock and roll lifestyle that they portray draws younger males in as it looks like the perfect life for many. Woman can also be drawn in by this cover as for a female there is always the attraction to a sweaty male.