Another month has passed and while April brought us some truly fine music that very well could end up on year-end lists, here we want to highlight some cover art that also deserves some love.
So check below to find our list of the best album covers of April.
Saba – Care For Me
Saba’s second studio album was nothing short of great, with 10 solid tracks produced by Daoud, Dae Dae, and Saba himself. His latest offering resonated heavily with listeners, while also giving him a way to convey some of his thoughts on his recent trials and tribulations. With the cover featuring the kitchen of Saba’s grandma, it’s the perfect cover for an album that is so personal and heartfelt. Be sure to catch Saba on his Care For Me Tour through North America.
J. Cole – KOD
Cole dropped KOD in a fashion that we expect from the NC rapper and his label, Dreamville. KOD’s cover has some very creative illustrated art that is pretty refreshing. The cover reads, “This album is in no way meant to glorify addiction,” as it features multiple cartoon kids with a few of the most popular drugs out there. These kids are featured inside of Cole’s coat and may symbolize how he is somewhat of a father figure in the rap game.
Flatbush Zombies – Vacation In Hell
The Brooklyn-based trio dropped a fantastic album in April with Vacation in Hell. Flatbush Zombies’ 19-track project keeps listeners locked-in throughout its duration, so it was important the album cover would be just as captivating. The cover art features two glittered-out women in bold colors that definitely catches the eye. The three talented artists are posing in between the shiny figures.
Qari – No Time To Explain
Chicago-based rapper Qari dropped a joint project with producers Mulatto and Cangelosi which shows off his talents and proves he’s on the ascent. This cover is one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. It is a collage of information about the album and it is presented with an old-school vibe and a DIY aesthetic. With No Time To Explain being such a solid piece of work, I couldn’t think of a better cover to complement the music. Look out for Qari to pop out on the scene soon.
Kali Uchis – Isolation
Kali Uchis dropped her debut album, which boasts a collaboration with Tyler, the Creator on “See You Again” and the Colombian singer seemed poised to exceed expectations. Kali’s album art gives off a vintage feel, with Kali posing in sheets like a contemporary take on R&B records of a previous era.
Post Malone – Beerbongs and Bentleys
Post Malone’s highly anticipated sophomore album blew up, going platinum in 3 days. The presentation for this new project deserves some praise as well. The artwork features a Yeezus-like physical CD in the digital cover, and it displays the barbed wire that was also featured on the static visual for his hit single, “Rockstar.” B&B is written vertically across the side of the CD. If you grew up in the CD era, this is something you’d want to have in your collection.
Island – Feels Like Air
Island, an alternative rock band from the UK, dropped their debut album Feels Like Air this month and has received some great feedback from it. But it’s not the only thing that caught our attention. The cover features their lead singer, Rollo Doherty, falling through air clothed but barefoot. It may be simplistic, but that’s part of the charm.
Smoke DZA – Not For Sale
Harlem rapper Smoke DZA dropped Not For Sale this month and it was a great follow-up to his 2016 collaborative album with Pete Rock. The cover almost looks like a propaganda poster, with Smoke DZA posing as its central figure, and even though the font brings to mind the plastic grocery bags, DZA is here for your consumption.
Daniel Avery – Song for Alpha
Electronic artist Daniel Avery dropped Song for Alpha and the artwork impressed me immensely. With a gradient sunset colored wash covering the whole canvas. It is simplistic, yet beautiful. With tunes that can bring to mind Brian Eno and other psychedelic music, it is definitely worth a listen. While you’re at it, you can stare off into the artwork.
Article by Jack Dombro – @jackdombro
