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Who Signed Off on This Album Artwork? This list explores 30 albums that feature head-shakable, offensive, controversial, or otherwise bad cover art.

You can’t judge an album by its cover…sometimes. The thing is, whether it’s right or not, sometimes the album cover art – the artwork – earns more attention than the album itself. Also, believe it or not, not all album covers were made equal. Some are great, while others are odd, weird, or simply bad. These covers make you ask the quest, who signed off on this? This list contains 30 albums where the focus isn’t the songs but rather the cover art. Some of the album covers that grace this article are crazy – head-shakable, offensive, controversial, or otherwise. Here are 30 albums that make you ask, who signed off on this album artwork?

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1. Boned, Up at the Crack

Current, 2004

Boned gets things started off sexually on the album cover for Up at the Crack. While the band avoids an actual penis, there is a phallus in its place. That phallus is an electric guitar sticking out of button-fly jeans. Thankfully, the band avoided taking this risqué, perverted cover any further. Use your own imagination.

2. The Handsome Beasts, Bestiality

Heavy Metal, 1981

British heavy metal band The Handsome Beasts hold back nothing on Bestiality. Perhaps they should have. First and foremost, the title of the album is a perverted, criminal sex act. Then comes the album cover itself. OMFG! The completely nude, heavy-set frontman Garry Dalloway (1953-2006) has his arm around a gargantuan pig. Also, Dalloway has his hand on a sign that reads “Please do not feed animals.” This album cover is certainly trashy, but also a classic ‘worst-of’ for sure.

3. Xiu Xiu, A Promise

Kill Rock Stars, 2009

Sometimes, all you can muster up is OMG, OMFG, or WTF. That’s one of likely reactions one when viewing the album cover for A Promise by Xiu Xiu. Basically, there’s a picture of a young naked man, holding a baby doll on his bed. The main question is, why?

4. Kevin Rowland, My Beauty

Creation, 1999

When searching for the worst album covers ever, Kevin Rowland always seems to get into the mix. Why? The English rock musician likely had a moment of weakness when opting for this particularly cover for his 1999 solo album, My Beauty. To each his own, but arguably, Rowland’s self-expression is over the top. The pink surroundings aren’t a big deal, but the outfit is certainly non-conformist to the nth degree: bare-chested, undie-showing, near-thigh-length-stockings.

5. Richard & Willie, *Funky Honkey, Nasty N***er*

Laff, 1975

Oh boy. There’s so much wrong with this one. The album title itself is unapologetic, yet, fits the Blaxploitation of the 1970s. Sketchier is the album cover itself, which features a white dummy and a black dummy, sitting on the leg of ventriloquist-comedian Richard Stanfield. Stanfield is nude, save for a bowtie, and seems to be getting serviced.

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6. Cannibal Corpse, Tomb of the Mutilated

Metal Blade, 1992

Death metal band Cannibal Corpse certainly don’t play around. Check out the bold cover for Tomb of the Mutilated. There’s blood, cannibalism, death, decay, ripped flesh, and possibly the act of cunnilingus, depending how you read into the situation. Safe to say, this album cover, like many death-metal-album-covers, is disturbing.

Going beyond the cover, the track list is quite disturbing, including songs such as “Necropedophile,” “Entrails Ripped from a Virgin’s C**t,” and “Post Mortal Ejaculation.” Notably, “Addicted to Vaginal Skin” appeared within a couple of The Musical Hype playlists. It first appeared on 18 Chilling Songs About Serial Killers, as well as the Ed Gein-specific playlist, A Twisted Soundtrack for Ed Gein: Butcher of Plainfield.

7. Millie Jackson, Back to the S..t!

Jive, 1989

Perhaps soul artist Millie Jackson just needed to “take a dump.” However, judging by the cover art and title of her album, Back to the S..t!, she seems to knows exactly what she’s doing. The shock value is actually not surprising to some extent as Jackson has always lived on the edge. In the 1970s, one of her studio albums was entitled Feelin’ Bitchy. Still, she’s sitting on a toilet, in the open, and her facial expression makes it worst. Indeed, “that’s some shit.”

8. Anna Russell, In Darkest Africa

Columbia, 1957

In modern times, singer-comedian Anna Russell (1911 – 2006) would be in “hot water” for the album cover of In Darkest Africa. It feels wrong, particularly coupled with the album title. Russell, a white woman, is surrounded by African natives (black) with spears, who look as if they are about to attack her. Naturally, Russell looks frightened. This, hence, raises tones of racial issues as well as plays on stereotypes. Not a good look, 1957 or 2010s.

9. Boxer, Below the Belt

Esoteric, 1975

The nude female body has graced plenty of album covers – the objectification of women is rampant. What’s new? Rock band Boxer adds another contribution to female nudity with the cover of Below the Belt. The lady is topless and pant-less, with a boxing glove covering her private area. While it was thoughtful of the band not to totally expose the model, their censorship opens up a “can of worms.” Ask yourself this question, and the answer should be obvious. Should men be allowed to hit females below in their private area? Food for thought.

10. Regurgitate, Carnivorous Erection

Relapse, 2000

Boy oh boy. Grindcore band Regurgitate are a bit “TMI” on Carnivorous Erection. First, consider the title – Carnivorous Erection – enough said. Then, take a look at the album cover. The excitement is a bit much. There is a lady with her tongue licking on said “carnivorous erect penis.” The nether member has teeth, biting the lady’s tongue. Again, boy, oh boy. Give the artist credit…

It should be noted that Carnivorous Erection isn’t an album for the “faint of heart.” Some of the songs appearing on the album in addition to the title track include “Relentless Pursuit of Rotting Flesh,” “Choked in Shit,” and “Smeared with Bloodmixed Semen.”

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11. Rudy Ray Moore, I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing

R N P Muzak

Raunchy. Trashy. Naked. Those are some great descriptions for the cover art of I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing. Rudy Ray Moore ought to be ashamed of himself with this sheer smut. There are three nude smiling women as well as himself. Some versions censor the women’s breasts, while others “let it all hang out.” To his credit, the album cover states that it’s “Rated XX-adults only.”

12. Orleans, Waking and Dreaming

Rhino, 1976

Eye candy never hurt anybody, right? Right. Who can deny the occasional risqué, sexy lady or a ripped, shirtless man? Sex sells, and as they old saying goes, “if you’ve got it, then flaunt it.” So, that said, criticizing the album cover art for Waking and Dreaming by Orleans isn’t shaming the dudes about being shirtless. They have nothing to be ashamed about regarding their bodies, unless you personally have an issue with chest hair, treasure trails, and hair in general. But, the scene itself is just odd. Add to that the fact that the album is titled Waking and Dreaming and the question is, what exactly did they wake and/or dream about? Cuddle time? An orgy of sorts?

13. Ted Nugent, Scream Dream

Epic, 1980

Ted Nugent has never been subtle about anything…ANYTHING. That’s why it’s not surprising he earns a spot on this ‘worst album covers’ list with his 1980 album, Scream Dream. The rock star has guitar hands, an animalistic, screaming expression, and a loin-cloth hiding his junk. Otherwise, sans loincloth, old boy would be fully naked.

14. Prince, Lovesexy

Warner Bros., 1988

Saying anything that’s the least bit objectionable about the late, great Prince just seems wrong. However, it should be noted that Prince conveyed quite the hypersexual, unapologetic image throughout the 80s and the majority of the 90s. Given that background, we have the artist’s infamous cover art for his 1988 album Lovesexy. Here, a nude Prince relaxes in a bed of flowers. Notably, the private area doesn’t come into play.

15. Small Black, Limits of Desire

Jagjaguwar, 2013

Examining the artwork for Limits of Desire, the 2013 album by alternative band Small Black, there seems to be no limit to sexual desire. None. Just examine the scene. Two lovers find themselves nude, each atop a side of a ladder. Below the ladder, there is an alligator. There’s also a lake. Arguably, this cover is weirder as opposed outright bad. But then again…

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16. NOFX, Heavy Petting Zoo

Epitaph, 1996

When the phrase “heavy petting” is mentioned, it references sexual contact, but not full-fledged sex. Even though it’s a tame way to reference stimulatory activity, it’s “not that innocent” – Britney Spears. Ultimately, it’s the suggestiveness of the album title Heavy Petting Zoo, coupled with the album art itself is what makes it so atrocious. Arguably NOFX don’t go as left-of-center as The Handsome Beasts do on the aforementioned Bestiality – only the sheep is nude after all. But, the dude, fully-clothed, is definitely petting and playing with the sheep…

17. Goblin Cock, Bagged and Boarded

Absolutely Kosher, 2005

It takes some “big balls” to name your band after a sex organ. Yes, the pun is indeed intended. Anyways, California heavy metal band Goblin Cock named themselves after genitalia. On the cover art for Bagged and Boarded, the goblin member is out in the open. Apparently, the “junk” is too big to cover up… Furthermore, it should be noted that the goblin has a Prince Albert. But, you can see it or yourself – it just sort of hangs out.

18. Swamp Dogg, Rat On

Alive Natural Sound, 1971

OMG. Tongue-n-cheek is corny and silly to the nth degree. Sure, there can be a charm in tongue-n-cheekiness, but it can also be utterly ridiculous. Swamp Dogg gets a bit silly on the title and cover art of his 1971 album Rat On. Obviously, it’s his take on the popular saying, “right on.” Matching the tweaked title, Dogg is riding a rat as opposed to a horse. Just plain weird.

19. Lordi, Babez For Breakfast

The End, 2010

Oh lordy, Lordi! The Finnish metal band definitely gets twisted on their 2010 album, Babez for Breakfast. The cover art is bold – understatement. There’s a demon with bloody lips, clinging onto a woman’s bosom (the woman is holding ‘the baby’ in her arms). Clearly, the demon is feasting on her…Sexy this is not.

20. Limp Bizkit, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water

Interscope, 2000

For whatever reason, when Limp Bizkit and/or Fred Durst are mentioned, there’s a since of negativity. Neither is what one would characterize as being, um, endearing. In the case of the album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, this negativity is understandable. It’s the bleeping album cover. Nude demons, a chocolate starfish, a bed of hot dogs, and of course the “hot dog flavored water.” WT-Actual-F?

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21. The Louvin Brothers, Satan Is Real

Capitol Nashville, 1960

According to The Louvin Brothers, “Satan is Real.” Fair enough, but why does he look fake AF on the album cover? Furthermore, why are these two fearful Christians sitting in fiery hell? Did they not repent of their sins? Did the not accept Jesus as their Lord and savior? Again, WT-Actual-F is happening here?

22. The Frivolous Five, Sour Cream & Other Delights

RCA, 1966

Sour cream is awesome. So is whipped cream. Having to choose between the goodness of either would be difficult. What isn’t difficult is the decision not to wear sour cream or whipped cream as clothing. For whatever reason, The Frivolous Five missed the memo on the cover art of Sour Cream & Other Delights. Ladies, please put your actual tops, not whipped tops.

**23. Liars, It Fit When I Was a Kid (EP)**

Mute, 2005

“Censored! Order a non-censored version on-line. Or Just look at our sexy ass at liarsliarsliars.com/hotboyz censor free! LOL ;).” That should tell you that the cover of EP It Fit When I Was a Kid is sexual. Like many of the albums on this list, there’s an element of nudity – male nudity specifically. In regards to “fit,” Liars are referencing the size of their junk and of course gay sex. The thing is, these guys don’t seem to be taking anything seriously, so…

24. Wasnatch, Front to Back

Wasnatch, 2013

OMFG. Wasnatch aren’t the least bit subtle on the cover of their 2013 album Front to Back. Nudity is a given. The male horn player is blowing the female trumpet player. Hmm, as a musician and certified music educator, something tells me that this isn’t optimal playing position, among other issues.

**25. Shut Up and Dance, Dance Before the Police Come!**

Shut Up and Dance, 1991

Shut up and Dance seem to be “on the attack.” Why? The dancing that they plan to partake in on Dance Before the Police Come involves knives and nunchaku. Furthermore, if we are to continue to analyze the album cover, it involves being shirtless, wearing black plants. It should be noted that the two black dudes ‘going for the kill’ seem pretty toned, sweaty (or perhaps oil), and “so serious about it.”

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26. Pooh-Man, Funky as I Wanna Be

Jive, 1992

Sex is on the mind of rapper Pooh-Man, also known as MC Pooh. Great name. Anyways, judging by the risqué cover of Funky as I Wanna Be, Pooh has some pleasure planned for his bae. Her legs are up in the air…we’ll leave it there.

27. Herbie Mann, Push Push

Rhino, 1971

When discussing Herbie Mann (1930 – 2003), the first thing that comes to mind is the flute, which he was a master at. It should be noted that Push Push is one of the most notable albums of his discography. However, it should also be noted that Mann might’ve reconsidered this odd album cover. Yes, the shirtless Mann is hairy on the cover art. No, he doesn’t have Fabio’s pecs. But the physique of Mann isn’t what causes this to be among the worst covers – it’s just odd.

28. Birth Control, Operation

Ohr, 1971

Apparently if we let giant bug-like creatures eat the babies that’s a form of birth control. At least that’s what one might interpret from the cover art of Operation by Krautrock/prog rock band Birth Control. Also, it should be noted that there’s a picture of the pope in the background on the back of the album cover…Controversial to say the least.

29. Scorpions, Lovedrive

Island Def Jam, 1979

Scorpions could’ve made this list multiple times. Their 1979 album Lovedrive is one of many albums by the band with odd cover art. First of all, there is a couple in the back of a car. A man is playing with bubblegum that is attached to the female’s right breast. The right breast is more visible than the other. The back of the cover finds the lady holding a picture of Scorpion, with her left breast exposed. Wild.

30. Mac Miller, Watching Movies with The Sound Off

Rostrum, 2013

Hmm, wonder if Mac Miller sits around buck-naked all the time. If that’s the case, unlike Watching Movies with the Sound Off, there wouldn’t be a parental advisory label to cover his junk. Yeah, junk has been used way too much throughout this list.

Dishonorable Mentions

Paddy Roberts, Songs for Gay Dogs; Van Halen, Balance; Lady Gaga, ARTPOP; Death Grips, No Love Deep Web; Mike Bones, A Fool for Everyone; Jim Post, I Love My Life; Ken, By Request Only; Khia, Thug Misses; Brainstorm, Smile a While

Photo Credit: Current, Heavy Metal, Kill Rock Stars, Creation, Laff, Metal Blade, Jive, Columbia, Esoteric, Relapse, R N P Muzak, Rhino, Epic, Warner Bros., Jagjaguwar, Epitaph, Absolutely Kosher, Alive Natural Sound, The End, Interscope, Capitol Nashville, RCA, Mute, Wasnatch, Shut Up and Dance, Jive, Mute, Ohr, Rostrum, Island Def Jam