The Best Album Cover Illustration of the Decade

Now that the decade has officially come to an end, it is time to publish my lists of the best album covers of the decade, 2000 to 2009. I know that many websites begin publishing their “best of” lists in December, but I wanted to wait until after New Year’s Day. Otherwise, people just keep publishing their lists earlier and earlier — kind of like putting up Christmas decorations in October.

An honorable mention goes to Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion. The optical illusion is created by a unique combination of art and science, thanks to Japanese Psychology professor Akiyoshi Kitaoka.

Honorable Mention: Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009)

Posted by: Music Hog

Number five on my list of the best album cover illustrations is Beastie Boys To the 5 Boroughs. The album cover features an amazing illustration of the New York City skyline. The design was nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package in 2005.

#5 Beastie Boys - To the 5 Boroughs (2004)

Posted by: davtal

Number four on my list is the cover of 10,000 Days by Tool. It is a very unusual painting done in black and silver tones. I believe it is one of the first album covers that really looks best on a high resolution computer monitor. Shifting your gaze brings out more detail. The design won the Grammy for Best Recording Package in 2007.

#4 Tool - 10,000 Days (2006)

In third place is the self-titled album from Dirty Vegas. This album cover was nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package in 2003.

#3 Dirty Vegas - Dirty Vegas (2002)

In second place is The Fogotten Arm by Amie Mann. This retro illustration of a boxing match won the Grammy for Best Recording Package in 2006. The cover is designed to look like that of a pulp fiction novel.

#2 Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm (2005)

My choice for the best album cover illustration is of the entire decade is Attics to Eden by Madina Lake. The fantasy painting by fine artist/illustrator Lynden St. Victor is one of the few that I would like to frame and hang on my wall.

#1 Madina Lake - Attic to Eden (2009)

I know that there were many other great album cover illustrations created during the decade. Like most “best of” lists for the decade, several of my favorites are from this year — that’s due as much to changing tastes and styles as lack of memory. If I’ve left out one of your favorites, let me know by posting a comment.