Often, all that’s needed to create a killer album cover is unique and inspired typographical elements. There are various examples of both great classic and modern album covers already released by music producers.

However, since most people have already viewed these album covers at some point during their lives, it’s often much more interesting to view the unique approaches up and coming graphic designers have taken with redesign projects of top album covers. As such, here are 12 inspiring examples of typography-based album covers – some are redesigns, some are the originals.

The Wretched Habit

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

The combination of grunge-inspired typography and great texturing are what make this such a great album cover design. The unique textures help to draw in viewers and the bright colors are what hold their attention.

The Legends

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Unique typography and other graphic design elements are what make this album cover an inspiring example. It’s a simple, yet extremely effective design.

311: Sound System

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

This 311 album cover is definitely not minimalist in nature with its in-your-face elements. The typography usage complements the design perfectly and matches 311′s style.

The Cinematic Orchestra

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Those designers who aren’t afraid to take typographical and illustrative risks are the ones most likely to experience success, as shown with this album cover. This design makes great use of white space and features unique text placement.

Stateless: Exit

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

A playful combination of typography and messy artwork make this a design worth viewing. Who said a design must be neat and orderly to be inspiring?

Szavak Ereje (Power of Words)

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Powerful 3D typography, great use of color and original illustrations – this album cover has it all. It’s both an impactful and inspiring piece of art.

The White Stripes

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

When used appropriately, 3D typography can transform a mediocre album cover into an eye-pleasing one. The creative transformation of a microphone cord into text makes this a truly inspiring example.

The Remixer Remixed Again

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

This album cover not only makes great use of typography, but also incorporates textures and awesome colors for an out-of-the-park design. The design also makes great use of transparency.

Patti Smith

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

A current popular typography trend is the handwritten design. This cover not only fully capitalizes on this trend but also creatively uses typography to build images. It’s splendidly messy and inviting.

Murmur

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

This album cover sets typography into motion in a dark and mysterious setting. The perfect uses of black and white elements are what make this design so inspiring.

Sven Weisemann

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

As this example demonstrates, combining bright typographical elements and dark images is a great way to catch viewer attention.

John Zorn: Naked City

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Jagged typography and various messy elements comprise this album cover. This design is another example proving neat and orderly isn’t often the path to choose when designing effective album covers.

Album artwork has come to be an element that sets great albums apart from the subpar ones. Various elements are often used when making great album covers such as unique photos and off-the-wall ideas. However, the only element often needed to make an inspiring cover is a unique approach to typography.

Typography Based Designs of Music Album Covers – Inspiring Examples

Tom Chu

Tom Chu is the SEO manager at PsPrint, a company specializing in online printing. PsPrint offers an array of free tools, for example it lets you make your own business cards online.