Album covers designed by Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Storm Thorgerson: A Visual Alchemist Behind Iconic Album Covers

Description:

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - Eve 12" Vinyl LP

 Arista 1C 064-063 063 , 1979 , Germany

The 12" vinyl LP album "Eve" by the Alan Parsons Project features an iconic cover design by Hipgnosis that features Debbie and Lisa Dean, two models who posed in identical black dresses and white gloves, creating a striking and mysterious image that has become a defining part of the album's legacy.

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT - Eye in the Sky (Pop-Rock)

Arista 204 666 (204666)   , 1981 , EEC

The 1982 release of the "Eye in the Sky" 12" Vinyl LP by the Alan Parsons Project stands as a sonic masterpiece. Beyond its musical brilliance, the album's visual allure is crafted by the renowned design firm Hipgnosis. The cover art, a striking pyramid eye motif, reflects the era's fascination with mysticism. Hipgnosis's artistic touch enhances the album's overall impact, encapsulating the spirit of the time.

BAD COMPANY - Burning Sky (Blues-Rock, Prog Rock)

Island 28 521 XOT (28521) , 1977 , Germany

  "Burnin' Sky" was recorded in France at Chateau d'Herouville (a/k/a Honky Chateau) in July and August of 1976 with future Rolling Stones engineer Chris Kimsey but its release was delayed until March of 1977 as to not compete with the band's then-current album "Run With the Pack".

BAD COMPANY - Straight Shooter (Blues-Rock, Prog Rock)

Swan Song SS 8413 , 1975 , Made in USA

Bad Company's second album, Straight Shooter, was released in 1975 and is considered to be one of their best works. It was recorded at Gloucestershire Castle, a castle turned hotel, and features a number of hit singles, including "Feel Like Making Love" and "Good Lovin' Gone Bad."

BRAND X - Livestock 12" Vinyl LP

Charisma – 9124 017 , 1977 , West-Germany

"Livestock," Brand X's 1977 live album featuring Phil Collins, epitomizes the progressive rock era's creative zenith. Recorded at iconic venues, its fusion of jazz and rock reflects the avant-garde spirit of the time. Helmed by design virtuosos Hipgnosis, the album's cover art is a visual masterpiece, adding an extra layer to its allure. A sonic journey, "Livestock" stands as a testament to musical innovation and Hipgnosis' indelible contribution.

DAVID GILMOUR - Self-Titled (Brit Rock)

HARVEST 1C 064-60 774 , 1978 , Germany

David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut, released in Germany with a distinctive gatefold cover, marked a pivotal moment in music history. As the guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd, Gilmour's decision to explore solo ventures showcased his artistic versatility. The album's production, featuring collaboration with HIPGNOSIS and recording at Super Bear Studios, France, reflects meticulous attention to both musical and visual elements. This release remains a testament to Gilmour's ability to shape a unique artistic identity.

DEEP PURPLE - Nobody's Perfect (Hard Rock, 2LP)

Polydor 835 898 , 1988 , Made in West-Germany

"Nobody's Perfect" is a live double LP album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released in 1988. This album captures the band's electrifying live performances and showcases their enduring musical prowess. Featuring classic tracks, it stands as a testament to Deep Purple's status as rock legends and serves as a must-have for fans of their iconic sound.

DEF LEPPARD - High 'n' Dry (NWOBHM)

Vertigo 6359 045 , 1981 , Made in West-Germany

"High 'n' Dry" is a classic hard rock album by English band Def Leppard, released in 1981. With powerful guitar riffs and soaring vocals, the album showcases the band's signature sound, blending heavy metal with pop hooks. Songs like "Let It Go" and "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" became instant hits.

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Trilogy (Prog Rock)

Manticore 85 227 XOT , 1972 , Made in Germany

Released in 1972, Trilogy, the third studio album by British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), marked a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution. The German release on 12" LP vinyl showcased ELP's virtuosity, blending classical influences with rock innovation. With timeless tracks like "From the Beginning" and "Hoedown," Trilogy remains a testament to the band's musical prowess and enduring impact on the progressive rock landscape.

GOLDEN EARRING - To The Hilt (Nederbeat)

MCA Records MCA-2183 , 1976 , USA

Golden Earring's 1976 album, "To The Hilt," is a sonic masterpiece featuring a fusion of rock, prog, and hard rock. Produced by the band and Fred Haayen, it showcases meticulous sound engineering by John Kriek and Robert Ash. The iconic album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, reflects the surreal and hypnotic spirit of the music.

HELLOWEEN - Pink Bubbles Go Ape (Speed / Power Metal)

EMI EMC 3588   , 1991 , Made in UK ( United Kingdom )

Helloween's "Pink Bubbles Go Ape" Gatefold + Lyrics Sleeve 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in 1991, signifies a pivotal moment in the band's history as guitarist Kai Hansen departs and Roland Grapow assumes the role. This collector's edition, featuring a gatefold and lyrics sleeve, encapsulates the evolution of Helloween's sound, making it a must-have for aficionados seeking a tangible piece of the band's transformative musical journey.

LED ZEPPELIN - Houses Of The Holy (Hard Rock, Blues-Rock)

Atlantic ATL 50 014 , 1973 , Made in France

  "Houses of the Holy" is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released by Atlantic Records on 28 March 1973. The album title is a dedication by the band to their fans who appeared at venues they dubbed "Houses of the Holy." It was the first Led Zeppelin album (apart from their fourth album) to not officially be titled after the band. It was also the first of the band's albums to be composed of completely original material. It represents a musical turning point for Led Zeppelin, as they began to use more layering and production techniques in recording their songs. 

LED ZEPPELIN - In Through The Out Door (Hard Rock, Blues-Rock)

Swan Song K 59 410 , 1979 ,   1979 Made in Germany by WEA Musik GMBH

The original LP version of this album featured an unusual gimmick: the album had an outer sleeve which was made to look like a plain brown paper bag, and the LP record sleeve proper featured black and white line artwork which, if washed with a wet brush, would become permanently fully coloured.

LED ZEPPELIN - Presence 12" Vinyl LP

Swan Song Records SSK 59 402 (59402) / ST-SS 763 559 (763559) , 1976 , Germany

The German release of Led Zeppelin's "Presence" in 1976, presented on a 12" Vinyl LP Album, holds a distinctive feature with the album title positioned near the top right corner of the front cover. This edition stands apart as the album title is not only pressed or embossed but is also visibly inked, setting it apart from other versions. A subtle design nuance capturing the essence of the time and the band's creative expression.

LED ZEPPELIN - Soundtrack From The Film The Song Remains The Same (Hard Rock, Blues-Rock)

 Swan Song - SS 89 402 / LC 3445 , 1976 , Belgium

Released in Belgium, "The Song Remains the Same" 12" Vinyl LP captures Led Zeppelin's iconic live performance showcased in the concert film. This album, a testament to the band's musical prowess, emerged during a significant period in the 1970s. Its contribution lies in preserving the essence of Led Zeppelin's unparalleled stage presence, serving as a timeless auditory experience within the cultural tapestry of that era.

PETER GABRIEL - 1 CAR Self-Titled with Robert Fripp (Prog Rock)

Virgin 206 927 , 1977 , Made in Germany / Netherlands

This is the first studio album by British singer, musician and songwriter Peter Gabriel and the first of four with the same eponymous title. it was produced by Bob Ezrin. Gabriel and Ezrin assembled a team of talented musicians, including Robert Fripp of King Crimson, to record the album.

PETER GABRIEL - 2 Scratch (Prog Rock)

The Famous Charisma Label 9124 025 , 1978 , Made in West Germany

Peter Gabriel is the second solo album by the British singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel, released in 1978. This album is the second of four with the same eponymous title. Guitarist Robert Fripp served as producer, whose influence on the album is evident in the use of Frippertronics on the track "Exposure."

PINK FLOYD - Atom Heart Mother (Acid/Psych, Prog Rock)

1970

"Atom Heart Mother" is the fifth studio album by English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, released in 1970 by Harvest and EMI Records in the United Kingdom and Harvest and Capitol in the United States. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, England, and reached number one in the United Kingdom, and number 55] in the United States charts, and went gold in the U.S. in March 1994.

PINK FLOYD - Collection of Great Dance Songs (Acid/Psych, Prog Rock)

1981

Pink Floyd's "A Collection of Great Dance Songs" on UK 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in the late 1970s, encapsulates the band's innovative blend of progressive rock and danceable rhythms. The album, within its historical context, showcases Pink Floyd's evolution and experimentation during a dynamic musical era. A testament to the band's prowess, the vinyl LP remains a cherished collector's item, embodying the spirit of musical exploration of its time.

PINK FLOYD - Dark Side of the Moon

1973

  "The Dark Side of the Moon" is the eighth studio album by English progressive rock group Pink Floyd, released in March 1973. The concept album built on ideas explored by the band in their live shows and earlier recordings, but it lacks the extended instrumental excursions that characterised their work following the departure in 1968 of founding member, principal composer and lyricist Syd Barrett. The Dark Side of the Moon's themes include conflict, greed, the passage of time and mental illness, the latter partly inspired by Barrett's deteriorating mental state.

PINK FLOYD - Meddle

1971

Released on 1971, Pink Floyd's "Meddle" 12" Vinyl LP marked a transformative period in progressive rock. This album, a departure from their earlier works, showcased the band's experimental prowess, notably in the 23-minute masterpiece, "Echoes." With its innovative soundscapes and conceptual depth, "Meddle" laid the foundation for Pink Floyd's future sonic explorations, making it a timeless contribution to the 1970s musical landscape.

PINK FLOYD - More

1969

Pink Floyd's More movie soundtrack is a classic album that remains highly influential to this day. The album's unique blend of progressive rock, psychedelic, and experimental elements helped to establish Pink Floyd as one of the most important bands of the 20th century. The album is a must-have for any serious Pink Floyd fan, and its 12" vinyl LP release in Great Britain is a prized possession for collectors.

PINK FLOYD - Wish You Were Here

1975

"Wish You Were Here" is the ninth studio album by English progressive rock group Pink Floyd, released in September 1975. Inspired by material they composed while performing across Europe, it was recorded over numerous sessions at London's Abbey Road Studios. T

RAINBOW - Difficult to Cure

1981

Rainbow's fifth studio album, "Difficult to Cure" (1981), marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. Led by Ritchie Blackmore and featuring Joe Lynn Turner, the album blended hard rock with classical influences, notably incorporating Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony." The result was a musical masterpiece that showcased the band's virtuosity and left an indelible mark on the rock genre.

RENAISSANCE - Ashes are Burning

1973

"Ashes Are Burning" by Renaissance, a groundbreaking 12" LP vinyl under the Sovereign Capitol Records label, mesmerizes with progressive rock brilliance. Released in 1973, this album marked a pivotal moment for Renaissance, introducing orchestral accompaniment on select tracks. With ethereal melodies and intricate compositions, the band elevates the listening experience, solidifying their place in the world of progressive rock. A harmonious blend of innovation and artistry, "Ashes Are Burning" remains a testament to Renaissance's musical prowess.

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism

1980

The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve.

SCORPIONS - Lovedrive

1979

Lovedrive is the sixth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1979. Lovedrive was a major evolution of the band's sound, which exhibited their "classic style" that would be later developed over their next few albums.

TREES - On The Shore

1970

Trees was an English folk rock band that existed between 1969 and 1972. Although the group met with little commercial success in their time, the reputation of the band has grown over the years. Like other folk contemporaries, Trees' music was influenced by "Fairport Convention", but with a heavier and more psychedelic edge. The group's material was divided between adaptations of traditional songs and original compositions.

UFO - Phenomenon

1974

Phenomenon is the album by the British rock band UFO, released in May, 1974. Guitarist Michael Schenker joined UFO in June, 1973 arriving in the UK directly from his German band, Scorpions, and without speaking a word of English.

UFO - The Wild The Willing and the Innocent

1981

This album "UFO - The Wild The Willing and the Innocent" is the ninth studio album by British hard rock band UFO and the first to be entirely self-produced by the band. The controversial original cover was as usual designed by the art studio Hipgnosis. This is the first album featuring the former Wild Horses' keyboard player Neil Carter, replacing Paul Raymond, who had left to join the Michael Schenker Group.

WISHBONE ASH - Classic Ash 12" Vinyl LP

"Classic Ash" is a compilation album by the British rock band Wishbone Ash. It features a selection of songs from the band's early albums, including "Argus," "Wishbone Four," and "There's the Rub." The album was released in 1996 and is considered a retrospective of the band's work during the 1970s.

WISHBONE ASH - Pilgrimage

Wishbone Ash's "Pilgrimage" 12" LP Vinyl, a pivotal release in 1971, marked a departure from their blues rock roots. The album showcased a distinctive shift towards folk and acoustic elements, showcasing the band's evolving musicality. Within the context of the time, "Pilgrimage" contributed to the burgeoning progressive rock scene. A testament to artistic growth, this album remains a timeless piece in Wishbone Ash's discography.