If you’re a music enthusiast who appreciates a touch of drama, you might have heard about the recent uproar surrounding Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming album, Man’s Best Friend. The cover, which features her on her knees in front of a faceless man pulling her hair back, is certainly suggestive, albeit not explicitly sexual. The release of this image has sparked a significant debate.
On one hand, many argue that Carpenter has always embraced her sexuality in her pop music, and she should be free to express herself how she sees fit. Conversely, others view the image as degrading and reinforcing traditional gender roles. Ultimately, it’s her album cover—shouldn’t we let her do her thing?
However, opinions are sharply divided, and the reactions have been intense, as discussions about sexuality often incite strong feelings. Musicians have sparked controversy with their album artwork for years, leading to censorship or even outright bans.
From nudity to provocative political statements, here are 20 album covers that have stirred the pot and faced backlash throughout music history. We’ll explore these in chronological order.
1. The Faith Tones – Jesus Use Me (1964)
While not the most controversial by today’s standards, the title paired with the cover image is unfortunate. And is that figure on the right an uncanny look-alike of a young Stephen Fry? Unsettling, indeed.
2. The Beatles – Yesterday And Today (1966)
Though not among their most beloved albums, this cover is infamous. The photo by Robert Whitaker, featuring the band in butcher’s coats surrounded by raw meat and dismembered dolls, was intended as a protest against the Vietnam War. Shocked retailers in the US refused to sell it, leading to its withdrawal and reissue. The original “Butcher cover” has become a prized collectible.
3. John Lennon and Yoko Ono – Two Virgins (1968)
The avant-garde cover showcases a completely naked Lennon and Ono, sparking enough outrage that stores sold it wrapped in brown paper bags.
4. Blind Faith – Blind Faith (1969)
Featuring a young topless girl holding a model spaceship, this cover was deemed too problematic and led to a replacement image of the band instead.
5. The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers (1971)
Designed by Andy Warhol, this cover features a suggestive denim crotch and originally included a working zipper. It was banned in fascist Spain due to its risqué nature.
6. Roxy Music – Country Life (1974)
This cover, depicting scantily clad models, faced censorship in the US but was accepted in most European markets.
7. Scorpions – Virgin Killer (1976)
This controversial cover of a nude child amidst broken glass led to widespread criticism and remains one of the most censored in music. Note: The image has been blurred due to its disturbing nature.
8. Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks (1977)
The Sex Pistols’ only studio album sent shockwaves upon release, leading to a record shop owner’s arrest for displaying it.
9. The Slits – Cut (1979)
A topless female punk band in mud stirred outrage, but one must ask: why is male nudity more accepted?
10. Coil – Scatology (1984)
Given the album title, this cheeky cover was bound to raise eyebrows.
11. Millie Jackson – Back To The S..t! (1989)
Just the title alone speaks volumes.
12. Nirvana – Nevermind (1991)
This iconic cover features a nude infant, leading to controversy and legal battles years later, though Kurt Cobain originally refused censorship.
13. Ice Cube – Death Certificate (1991)
The image of a corpse labeled “Uncle Sam” stirred further anger given Ice Cube’s already provocative reputation.
14. Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
Depicting the self-immolation of a monk protesting oppression, this cover sparked outrage and was emblematic of the band’s rebellious spirit.
15. Megadeth – Youthanasia (1994)
This shocking depiction of a woman hanging babies on a washing line aimed to critique societal euthanasia, provoking a significant backlash.
16. Marilyn Manson – Holy Wood (In The Shadow Of The Valley Of Death) (2000)
The controversial cover shows Manson as a crucified figure, leading to bans in US stores.
17. The Strokes – Is This It (2001)
The original artwork featuring a nude woman’s hip was swapped for a less controversial image in the US due to its suggestive nature.
18. The Coup – Party Music (2001)
Planned to depict the World Trade Center in flames, the image was replaced after 9/11 due to its sensitive timing.
19. Ted Nugent – Love Grenade (2007)
The misogynistic nature of the cover led to its withdrawal prior to release.
20. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
The original cover featured a naked Kanye being straddled by a winged monster; the label compromised by pixelating the image for some territories.
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