Cover Analysis

One of the differences between these two covers is the genre of these magazines. Q is known to be very sophisticated and has a reputation of being more up market. The genre of Q is very general, it mainly consists of pop bands and icons but also contains the next best thing in the music business. Whilst NME is more down class, the use of thin paper used for the magazine compared to gloss in Q. NME is known for mainstream indie music and always consists of upcoming bands.

            One of the similarities of these two covers is the colours used. The use of red, white and black are used in both of these covers. This could be because of how both artists are viewed as very aggressive and powerful. On both of these magazine you have two of the biggest artists in the world in 2010 which shows power and importance.

On the NME cover the use of the colours is to show the darker side of Eminem. This could be because of his persona in the music business. His songs have always been quite dark and serious, especially in his new album, this is important as it could be a way in which to promote the new album or show what is new album is like seeing as this is his return to music after many years.

The use of the colours in Q magazine is because of the power lady gaga has in the music business and the influence she now has. One of the things that I thought was clever on the front of the cover is one of the coverlines used. Right next to Lady Gaga’s head is the “100 most shocking moments in music” the use of this coverline is very clever as lady gaga has been known to have done many shocking things in the music business. This shows the reflection from the cover to whats inside.

The same thing happens in the NME cover too. Right next to eminem’s head is a T in the park review special. This reflects back into the front cover as Eminem was a headliner of this years T in the Park which shows what you will expect inside the magazine.

Another thing in both covers which I thought was interesting was the use of the fonts on the cover. Both magazines use fonts that match the artist on what fonts they use on their album covers. For example on both of the main coverlines they use the fonts used on their albums. This is to help make the reader notice who the main cover is on better.

            The images are interesting on both covers. The use of direct eye contact on the Q magazine shows power and importance of lady gaga.  Whilst Eminem is looking away from the camera, this is because of the use of the image. It makes it clear that the image is of Eminem onstage performing as it shows he is looking out into the crowd. The use of this image shows the power Eminem has at a concert and shows his power and yet also his darkside.