Analysing a CD Cover: Usher

Image: The presentation of this CD cover, is of a mid shot of the main Artist but also character within the music video. We can see in the background, another image of possibly a female character yet the main focus is on the male Artist. Both characters that are being presented are of black ethnicities, this reflects the R&B genre and is a common element that is used when presenting this type of genre. The background is of a dark shade, again from researching through the music videos I have noticed that this is common when referring to this type of genre I believe this type of colour connotes the modern aspect of there lifestyle.

Copy: The font presented is quite small, however is directly underneath the face of the Artist. The title is significantly in the shade of a gold tone, this connotes again, the idea of money, and also the rich lifestyle the R&B videos connote. There seems to be an effect surrounding the face of the Artist this gives the cover a fresh look, making the image 'crisp'.

Genre: The use of black characters communicate the genre of R&B the use of this ethnicity is a common element within this type of genre, and is constantly presented. The fact that the genre use these type of artists also however, suggests the background of where the genre originated from. The use of dark tones reflects the genre also, as this again is repeatedly presented throughout the genre perhaps, reflecting the modernised lifestyle the genre wants to present.
Connotation: The secondary level of communication within this CD cover, could perhaps be the image of the character presented, through his serious facial expressions I feel as though the genre is representing the 'cool' image.

Target audience: Through this CD cover alone, I feel as though the target audience is aimed at people who are of the same ethnicity this is due to the fact that only black people are presented. However, in contrast to this the songs within the CD, can be related to young adults possibly maturer adults as the songs presented express deep emotions in which this type of target audience could relate to.

Mode of address: The mood is created through the dark colours that is presented on the CD cover, the dark colours suggests a serious theme to the album, and this is re-enforced with the facial expression of the Artist who is representing the genre. The mid shot and the direct eye contact made by the artist presents a serious tone to the CD, this perhaps connotes that the CD contains serious lyrics within the songs that are presented.

Tag line/title/name: The name presented is 'USHER', this is only the Artists name, and for me personally does not create a massive effect. However due to the R&B artist being so popular and can see why only his name is presented. As usually a popular artist like this needs little promotion on there CD covers. This in effect could suggest that the album is personally about himself and his experiences.

Representation: Through this CD cover we are presented with characters who are of a black ethnicity this could suggest the type of target audience the genre is aiming for. Personally for me I feel that the class that is being presented could possibly be upper class as the dark tones suggest a fresh modern looking image and the additional prop of a gold chain around the Artist's chest suggests the theme of money and an expensive lifestyle.

We don't really learn much about the Artist or character on the CD cover, however this could create an enigma, as if you want to learn more by listening to the CD itself. The specific use of the Artist included within the CD cover is significant as the artist is popular within the genre. This mean that the audience the CD is aimed for will recognize the character on the cover. These ingredients are common within the genre as this is commonly presented throughout the CD covers that I have researched. It also expresses that the  genre is generally aimed at a specific target audiences, people who are of a black ethnicity who are young or even matured.