DECONSTRUCTING ALBUM COVERS: RATED R [RIHANNA]

This image was taken by fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth who stated that "Rihanna was looking to create something a bit new for the look of the album.” Unlike all the other album covers ‘RATED R’ does not feature Rihanna’s name on the album cover, this could possibly due to the fact that the imagery of the album is so powerful anybody would easily notice her although the name of the album helps to understand who she is with the ‘R’. 

The images on all covers of the album include Rihanna dressed in black and white looking at the audience and the colours of the covers are also black and white. 

First thing you notice that the album is black and white and has a dark edge to it. This might suggest that the music is timeless and it has a deep meaning to it. This could link back to rihanna's previous fight with her famous boyfriend chris brown. 
Rihanna's harsh facial expression shows just how rebellious the album cover is. Props in the album in the album cover also shows how rebellious the music in the album probably is as she's wearing various rings, an all black costume, and black make-up both eye and lips. Her boy-is hairstyle shows her defiance and how she is 'kicking back' at the 'norm'. 

ll covers of the album are in black and white this shows that the album is less commercial and reflects the darker sound that Rihanna is trying to create.
It seems like Rihanna was aiming it to an audience of rebellious teenagers going through certain problems which she sang about.
The album shows another side to Rihanna that we have not encountered with yet, by using such forceful and strong imagery it instantly defines her and her work.

The 'R' in Rated R is what you notice initially in this photo. It has been carved very sharply to reveal the edginess of the album.

Rihanna looks more vague in this picture which makes the album seem to be deeper than you think. Her face is turned ad her back is facing us this connotes revenge through her rebellious music, which again links to her problem with her famous ex boyfriend chris brown. 

Rihanna was, "looking to create something a bit new for the look of the album." It however looks like very very reminiscent of the classic look of Grace Jones. This could be also thought as a self referential.

This is an example of an album art of Grace jones in the 1980's. it has the same metallic and dark edge to it. dark eye make up and black lipstick. Grace jones now has the same vengeful facial expression that Rihanna did in rated r album cover