Analysing an Album Cover - Definitely Maybe, Oasis

Definitely Maybe - Oasis (1994)
Definitely Maybe was the debut album by British band Oasis, and is one of the most successful debut albums ever.



Images Used?
Both the front and back shot is of the band, of only slightly differing positions. Although released in the 90's, it looks like it should be from the 60's due to the distressed and faded look of the album. It has a yellow, blue, white and black colour scheme, making it look worn out and fitting with the 'Brit Pop' genre.
It also has the 'Oasis' Logo on both the front and the spine, a logo that is very widely known and used across multiple albums and product, all of which work in synergy to create the Oasis image.

Text?
The album title on the front cover, 'Definitely Maybe', looks like it is handwritten, perhaps reflecting the writing of songs, and the representation of the debut album.
On the back cover is the tracklist, in simple white print, so it is easy to read and fits with the colour scheme of the album.

The relationship between them?
The images and text work together to establish that this is a debut album. The shots show off the band as they are the main focus, and the text establishes that they are a brit pop band, just releasing their first album. It creates anchorage and establishes the 'Oasis' image.

Function?
The front cover's function is to promote the band - it is a clear shot of them with a few of their instruments, displaying them in all their glory. The back cover's function is to sell the the album, as it has all the institutional information and tracklist. The spine serves a slightly different function, it is their to try and make the album stand out from a rack.

Iconography?
Throughout the album, there are various pieces of iconography that reflect both them as a band, and their music.
For example, on the front cover, on the right next to the fireplace, is a photoframe with a famous Manchester City football player; this tells us that they are passionate about their home town and this context could influence their music.

Similarly, on the left is a large picture of 'Burt Bacharack', one of Noel Gallagher's idols and influences. This could also be seen as Oasis paying homage to Pink Floyd, as they used the same picture in a similar situation on the cover of one of their albums.

The small details hidden in the album cover would only be noticed by the hardcore fans that have researched it, and this could also be seen to reflect one of their biggest influences, 'The Beatles'. The Beatles album 'Abby Road' similarly hides little details in the image that would only be found by fans.

Institutional context?
The album cover shows that it is a debut album, and showing that they're part of the Brit Pop genre.

Target Audience?
The careless look of the band; the way that Liam lays out on the floor, and the way they relax on sofas and chairs suggests, could reflect the target audience of carefree, maybe slightly rebellious teenagers and young adults. The guitars suggests that the music would be aimed at fans of rock music.
All the iconic references (Pink Floyd, The Beatles) could suggest that the album is of a similar content, and so could be aimed at a similar target audience.