Wanting "an album cover that speaks to me"

Since I'm posting a lot of hip hop album cover art these days, I found Rizoh's post regarding Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy album cover, "Hey Rappers, How Come You Don’t Make Covers Like This?", right on target:

"Most rappers are content with uninspired album covers that feature one of the following 3 cliches:

i) the bored look headshot
ii) the 'tough guy' mean mug shot, and
iii) the 'LL Cool J' pose...

In a music environment rife with complacency and with bazillions of artists competing for my attention, I want an album cover that speaks to me. Hell, I want an artwork that reaches out and grabs me by the arm as I’m strolling through the aisle. Is that too much to ask for?"

No, Rizoh, it's not too much to ask.

I do think there are some awesome examples of album covers in hip hop, including some that are so ridiculous they are inspired, but I also think a lot of artists and labels don't really seem to get the obvious power of a strongly signifying work of visual art.

Albums are still powerful touchstones for an artists' career and iconic album covers become signficant symbols in and of themselves so getting the right look should be considered an important extension of one's music and one's brand.