Here’s a look at some of the best purple album covers and the exceptional records they represent.
Prince – Purple Rain
Prince’s “Purple Rain” is iconic not just for its groundbreaking blend of rock, R&B, and pop but also for its vivid purple cover, symbolizing royalty, creativity, and emotion. This soundtrack album to the film of the same name showcases Prince’s genius in tracks like “When Doves Cry” and the anthemic title track “Purple Rain.” The album’s fusion of genres and exploration of love, desire, and sorrow have made it a timeless classic, cementing Prince’s legacy as a musical innovator.
Featured in our top artists in the 1980s
Kanye West – Graduation
Kanye West’s “Graduation” boasts a cover art by Takashi Murakami, featuring a colorful, cartoonish depiction of West against a vibrant purple background. The album departs West’s earlier work, incorporating electronic and synth-pop elements. Hits like “Stronger” and “Good Life” showcase West’s ability to innovate and cross musical boundaries, making “Graduation” a pivotal album in his career and the evolution of hip-hop.
Black Sabbath – Master of Reality
“Master of Reality” by Black Sabbath features the band’s name and album title embossed in a deep purple hue against a black background, hinting at the heavy, doom-laden tracks within. This album solidified the heavy metal genre, with tracks like “Sweet Leaf” and “Children of the Grave” showcasing the band’s riff-heavy sound and dark lyrical themes, influencing countless metal bands to come.
Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap
Chance the Rapper’s “Acid Rap” features a cover awash in hues of purple, with the artist depicted against a backdrop of a psychedelic, acid-inspired sky. This mixtape blends jazz, gospel, and hip-hop elements, reflecting Chance’s introspective lyricism and his exploration of personal and social themes. Tracks like “Cocoa Butter Kisses” and “Acid Rain” highlight his unique flow and the mixtape’s cohesive, exploratory sound.
Tame Impala – Currents
Tame Impala’s “Currents” displays a swirling vortex of purple and pink, mirroring the album’s exploration of personal transformation and the fluid nature of relationships. This psych-pop masterpiece blends synthesizers, drum machines, and Kevin Parker’s introspective songwriting. Tracks like “Let It Happen” and “The Less I Know the Better” exemplify the album’s seamless mix of psychedelic rock and pop sensibilities.
Olivia Rodrigo – Sour
Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “Sour” features the artist against a backdrop of purple and stickers, capturing the album’s teenage angst, heartbreak, and self-discovery themes. With a blend of pop, rock, and ballads, Rodrigo’s tracks like “drivers license” and “good 4 u” offer a raw and relatable look into her emotions, resonating with a broad audience and marking a significant debut in pop music.
Prince and The Revolution – 1999
Prince and The Revolution’s “1999,” with its iconic purple font against a backdrop of party scenes, encapsulates the album’s celebration of life and music. This groundbreaking album blends funk, rock, and new wave, featuring hits like the title track “1999” and “Little Red Corvette,” showcasing Prince’s versatile musicianship and innovative sound that defined the early ’80s music scene.
Flume – Skin
Flume’s “Skin” uses a minimalist cover with a purple and metallic sheen, reflecting the album’s intricate blend of electronic music with pop and R&B elements. This sophomore album, featuring collaborations with artists like Kai and Tove Lo, showcases Flume’s skill in crafting textured, atmospheric beats in tracks like “Never Be Like You” and “Say It,” pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon III: The Chosen
“Man on the Moon III: The Chosen” by Kid Cudi features a moody, dark cover with purple undertones, continuing Cudi’s exploration of mental health, existentialism, and resilience. This third instalment in the “Man on the Moon” series blends hip-hop, rock, and psychedelic music, with tracks like “Tequila Shots” and “Show Out” highlighting Cudi’s introspective lyrics and haunting melodies.
Jaden – ERYS
Jaden’s “ERYS” presents a futuristic vision with its cover art, featuring purple and pink neon lights and a dystopian aesthetic. The album departs from his previous work, diving into a darker, more aggressive sound while incorporating introspective lyrics and themes of youth and rebellion. Tracks like “Icon?” and “Again” highlight Jaden’s growth as an artist, offering a blend of hip-hop, rock, and experimental elements.
Our color album covers series
- Blue album covers
- Black album covers
- White album covers
- Pink album covers
- Grey album covers
- Red album covers
- Green album covers
- Yellow album covers
- Orange album covers
Through their compelling use of purple, these albums captivate visually and offer a window into the artists’ creative worlds, spanning genres and eras. Each record stands as a testament to the power of music to convey emotion, innovate, and inspire.
