CD cover conventions

        A CD cover is the front of the packaging of a commercially released audio product.  Since the mid-1990s, the CD has become the most common form of physically-distributed music products.

The conventions of a pop CD cover are that bright colours such as pink and electric blues are often used as the target audience is usually young people. The bright colours and bold colourful sans-serif typeface reflect the fun lively dance beats of pop music that is listened to worldwide by many types of people.

The conventions of a rock CD cover are that dark colours like black and red are used, usually outlined with white against a dark background. Gothic and horror images are often used like skeletons, skulls and dark creatures which supports the idea that rock artists are mysterious and dangerous people. This would catch the attention of the target audience who would also show an interest of such things.

The conventions of a rap/hip-hop CD cover are that males are often displayed shirtless and showing of tattoos which shows the audience that they are attractive and masculine. Females are often shown wearing revealing clothes and both men and women often wear expensive looking jewellery which is often mentioned in rap lyrics. Most rap CD covers have an explicit content sign to warn the audience which shows that the target audience is young adults who use explicit language.