Why do record labels and musicians put so much thought into the art work that will grace the covers of new releases to the public? If we were to consider the recent "friendly" album sales feud between the releases of Kanye West's Graduation and 50 Cent's Curtis, perhaps for example, it may have been that West's contemporary and animated cover edged out 50's dark harder edged self portrait cover art. Though there's no given concrete evidence that the purchases of music is motivated by cover art, but there's nothing like getting your most favorite music release with a great designed cover.. From our list below, some of today's chart busters have some of the hottest cover art around. Let us know what you think about cover art!

1. Jonas Brothers/ A Little Bit Longer

The cover art for The Jonas Brothers' A Little Bit Longer has a antique feel to it. It is a photograph of the band walking through New York City's Times Square on a rainy night. As the members are holding their umbrellas, Joe Jonas has his left leg is swayed out in a way as if he's about to do some classic Gene Kelly dance move at any moment. The greatest part is the antiquated Broadway look of the huge emanating lighted marquees, against the night sky, that surrounds the band with the name of songs off band's latest release. The band even made real life Times Square appearance to coincide with the very evening the album was released.

2. Coldplay/ Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends

No other cover art could've have been more appropriate, for Coldplay's Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends, than the image of a renowned painting by 19th century French painter Eugene Delacroix called "Liberty Leading The People." This particular masterpiece, which betrays the band's fondness of Romantic art, may not have been a sole inspiration. "Viva La Vida," a painting by famed artist Frida Kahlo painted in the 1950's, serves partially in the title of Coldplay's new release.




3. Kid Rock/ Rock N' Roll Jesus

Readily, the most famed black album in the world is the one made famous by The Beatles in the 60's which bears the same name. Kid Rock's Rock N Roll Jesus however, which also carries the classic all black cover art look, is well on it's way to becoming a classic in it's own right. Successful since it's release in 2007, Kid Rock's Rock N Roll Jesus has had quite an extended shelf life.





4. Lil Wayne/ Tha Carter III

Adorable is not a word that is used to describe most cover art. But, the release of Lil Wayne's current release adorably features a baby picture of the artist, with symbols of the same tattoos that the entertainer now sports as an adult , super imposed on the baby's face. You just can't pass by Wayne's Tha Carter lll without a second look.




5. Ne-Yo / Year Of The Gentleman

The cover art for Ne-Yo's third release, Year Of The Gentleman, appropriately features this classy soul balladeer donned in the finest millinery and apparel. It will certainly be the year of this gentleman.

6. Katy Perry / One Of The Boys

In the sunny photographic image displayed for her cover art, Perry is seen lounging on a chaise in her sun hat, basking in the sun in front of a white picket fence, dressed head to toe in a classic girly pinup outfit, while leisurely striking a pose of an era long gone. We know that newcomer Katy Perry is definitely not just One Of The Boys.

7. Sugarland / Love On The Inside

The third time was a charm for Sugarland's third release, Love On The Inside, which has been their most successful album to date. For this number one debuting release, the cover art displayed on this particular album is their brightest. It warmly features a white winged heart spouting a flame. The use of red, white, pink, yellow and orange tones, evokes a sense of warmness.




8. New Kids On The Block / The Block

For their comeback release The Block, the cover art used of New Kids On The Block are sliced facial images of band members all seen peering in different directions. The effective image is very reminiscent of the images that of the famed Mount Rushmore plus one.

9. Kanye West / Graduation

West's Graduation, down to the cover art, is a graduation in and of itself. As his each of album covers seem to represent some form of personal progression, the cover art for his latest release here combines West's passion for animated fine arts and music. The colorful art work featured is by renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. It also incorporates the theme of the teddy bear, which is found on all his releases to date.

10. Duffy / Rockferry

For Duffy's 60's inspired debut, Rockferry, simplicity is best.. Duffy's simple black and white photographed cover makes the Rockferry cover fever a classic.

Story by Claudine Paul
Starpulse contributing writer