Wet Leg, a British indie rock band, embarked on a creative journey to select the cover image for their second album, “Moisturizer.” Lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, directed the cover art, aiming for a blend of ultra-feminine and repulsive elements. The resulting image, inspired by a weekend photo, secured the trio a Grammy nomination for best album cover — a category reintroduced after more than 50 years.
Competing 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.” This year, recording artists are included as nominees in all cases except for “Glory,” with the award recognizing the project’s art directors.
The revived award acknowledges the significance of cover art in the digital era, aligning with the Recording Academy’s mission to honor the diverse artists shaping the music industry. For creative teams, this recognition highlights the meticulous process of crafting visual narratives that complement musical works.
“Chromakopia” features a striking monochrome portrait of Tyler, the Creator, with a concealed face, capturing a unique energy in the final shot. Perfume Genius’s “Glory” cover, directed by Cody Critcheloe and Andrew J.S., depicts a complex interplay between private introspection and public persona through vivid imagery.
“The Crux,” Djo’s third album, unfolds in a fictional hotel setting meticulously crafted by photographer Neil Krug and collaborators. The cover showcases a bustling street scene, with each element intentionally contributing to the album’s visual narrative.
“Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” curated by Bad Bunny himself, features a simplistic yet nostalgic image, symbolizing island culture and storytelling. Both “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” and “Chromakopia” are also in the running for Album of the Year.
In the Grammy-eligible album cover category, digital releases are considered alongside physical formats like vinyl. The award recognizes creativity, design, and artistic elements, with art directors receiving trophies and contributing designers, illustrators, or photographers receiving certificates.
As the album art category evolves, nominees undergo adjustments before the final voting phase, reflecting the dynamic nature of the recognition process. Nominees like Critcheloe embrace the opportunity to create unconventional and impactful visual narratives for a broader audience.
