The 80s were a golden era for R&B music, with artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Whitney Houston taking the world by storm. But behind every great album lies a great album cover. In this article, we’ll take a look back at some of the most iconic album covers from the 80s R&B scene.
New Edition – New Edition
The debut album from New Edition was released in 1984 and featured the hit singles “Cool It Now” and “Mr. Telephone Man”. The album cover features the group standing in front of a blue background, with each member positioned differently, showcasing their unique personalities. The iconic album cover perfectly captures the youthful energy and fresh sound of the group.
Zapp – Zapp II
Zapp II, the second album from Ohio funk band Zapp, was released in 1982 and featured the hit single “Dance Floor”. The album cover features a portrait of the band members wearing futuristic space suits, holding their trademark talk boxes. The electric blue background, neon lettering, and sci-fi theme perfectly capture the fun and futuristic sound of the album.
Prince – Purple Rain
Purple Rain is the sixth studio album from Prince and the soundtrack to the film of the same name. Released in 1984, the album features some of Prince’s most iconic songs, including “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy”. The album cover features Prince in his now-iconic purple outfit, standing in front of a purple background. The simplicity of the cover perfectly captures the album’s raw and emotional sound.
