Should album art/packaging influence a records review?

I know for myself that when buying a disc the album art can determine if I pick up an album or not...but should packaging and art be a stand alone category to take into consideration when a reviewer is rating a CD?

I dont really think so since the rating should be based off purely the music only, I'm tired of seeing a decent album get tore up by a reviewer because of its cover art being crap.

I think the review should be based on the music, but also make a mention of the packaging/art. That way if the music is crap but the art and stuff is good, then a reviewer could at least have some kind words to say.

When applicable, I will sometimes mention if a CD has cool packaging/artwork when I review it but as far as I'm concerned, it's the music that does 99 percent of the talking.

It most certainly should not for many reasons. One of them being that the art on the cover and or packaging has absolutely nothing to do with the actual music contained on the cd. I get the concept of a cover album and how the cover art is tied into the album, but it wouldn't increase or decrease my enjoyment of a particular album. I know that we are all only human and cover art (be it sexist, blasphemous, or just downright gross) can subjectively influence our like or dislike. Another reason you can't judge an album by it's cover is that the band often times has nothing to do with what goes on the cover. Example: Scorpions, "Virgin Killer." Is there a particular review that you are referring to, Stender? Just curious. Peace.

No.

Nope. I don't care if the disc comes in a cardboard slipcase with no art at all if I like the music. Conversely, the slickest, coolest packaging in the world can't atone for crappy music.

Either the music is good or it isn't. Cool album art and how is packaged is the icing the cake.

No

I think packaging is a very important plus, but its the music that should be reviewed. However, if you don't care about the packaging at all, then you might as well go all digital. But I feel like there is something fake about just owning digital, like you somehow aren't as much of a fan. I don't know, that's my personal hangup.

I like to know when an album has cheap packaging. It doesn't have to effect the review of the music itself, but it's cool if the reviewer mentions something about the cover art, packaging, etc. I tend to do that on many of my reviews.

This is small part of my Ozzy Black Rain review:

Quote :

I have a bit of a gripe about the packaging for the U.S. release. The CD is packaged in a cheap, thin, grey, cardboard sleeve with no cd tray or booklet. No lyrics, no liner notes, not even a stinkin' photo. This wouldn't be so bad if this album were sold at a discounted price. Instead, the I've seen prices on this CD at $15.99 and above. I purchased my copy at Hasting's the day it was released for the sale price of $11.99. Best Buy also had the CD on sale the week of it's release for $9.99. Apparently the record company is calling this cheap packaging "eco-friendly", because the CD sleeve made out of recycled paper. The lack of a booklet is said to "save paper." Ahhh, I guess giving the fans a five cent paper sleeve, instead of a quality package is one way to make a few more bucks. Ahhh, "The Almighty Dollar".

I do hate the so called "eco -friendly" packaging, which I noticed Walmart is re-releasing a lot of greatest hits album in this type of packaging. I hate this packaging, I prefer a jewel case.

Also how is this protecting the enivoriment? when I buy the CD I don't throw away the jewel case. I doubt that landfills are full of jewel cases.

I hate the trend of putting the CD in an envelop instead of holding it in position with a spindle. Several of my latest purchases have gotten all scratched up because the fall out of the stupid envelope.

I think the review should be about the music first and foremost.If the artwork/packaging is cool then thats an added bonus.

I don't rate the music based on the packaging, but I still mention the packaging in may of the write-ups. It's a part of the experience for me, so I guess it is the same for money others as well.

If the artwork sucks, the packaging sucks, AND the music sucks, I'll make a point of it. Other than that, it really doesn't matter.

I voted that it should not. It's ultimatley the music that counts.

That being said, I do feel disappointed when the packaging/artwork is lame. I hate when a band puts in a little 2 fold inset without lyrics/pics/etc. It's just part of the whole cd buying experience, something the "download" generation will never understand.

I am absolutely loving the budget line from WalMart due mainly to the decreased price. I am picking up the entire AC/DC catalogue at $7 a piece (except for B in B and Live) when the local record stores are asking $10-$13 for used copies. They all have full color booklets and a spindle affixed to the cardboard. Peace.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

It's just part of the whole cd buying experience, something the "download" generation will never understand.

I'm part of that generation, and I understand it.

Of course not. I've seen places rate packaging on the side, but it should never have a say in the actual music.

Fat Freddy wrote:

When applicable, I will sometimes mention if a CD has cool packaging/artwork when I review it but as far as I'm concerned, it's the music that does 99 percent of the talking.

Where do you review at?

Who voted that it should? Why?

Schbopo wrote:

I think the review should be based on the music, but also make a mention of the packaging/art. That way if the music is crap but the art and stuff is good, then a reviewer could at least have some kind words to say.

I agree with this assessment.

for me it can

Never.

nevermore wrote:

Never.

more

Cool cover art is rad. But it doesn't have anything to do with the music itself.

ultmetal wrote:

I like to know when an album has cheap packaging. It doesn't have to effect the review of the music itself, but it's cool if the reviewer mentions something about the cover art, packaging, etc. I tend to do that on many of my reviews.

This is small part of my Ozzy Black Rain review:

Quote :

I have a bit of a gripe about the packaging for the U.S. release. The CD is packaged in a cheap, thin, grey, cardboard sleeve with no cd tray or booklet. No lyrics, no liner notes, not even a stinkin' photo. This wouldn't be so bad if this album were sold at a discounted price. Instead, the I've seen prices on this CD at $15.99 and above. I purchased my copy at Hasting's the day it was released for the sale price of $11.99. Best Buy also had the CD on sale the week of it's release for $9.99. Apparently the record company is calling this cheap packaging "eco-friendly", because the CD sleeve made out of recycled paper. The lack of a booklet is said to "save paper." Ahhh, I guess giving the fans a five cent paper sleeve, instead of a quality package is one way to make a few more bucks. Ahhh, "The Almighty Dollar".

My copy of Bathory - Blood Fire Death is similar. The other side is completely black, and there are no lyrics, no photos, etc.