Have you ever wondered how some of the world’s most iconic album covers might have looked if they had been released under their original working titles? Digital experts at WMG did just that, using image generation technology to envision a different artistic direction for legendary albums.
The AI Transformation
WMG’s study employed an AI bot, powered by Midjourney, to predict what famous album covers might have looked like if artists like The Beatles and Queen had stuck with their initial album titles.
This creative endeavor led to visually stunning reimaginations that could have altered the course of music history.
Abbey Road vs. Everest
The Beatles’ 1969 masterpiece, “Abbey Road,” is now an iconic image of the Fab Four crossing a London street.
However, it was nearly named “Everest” after the brand of cigarettes engineer Geoff Emerick smoked during recording.
The AI reimagining showcases a man in an orange jacket puffing a cigarette with the towering Mount Everest in the background.
The Invisible Man’s Miracle
Queen’s 1989 studio album, “The Miracle,” was almost titled “The Invisible Man” after one of its tracks. The AI creatively visualized this alternative concept with four invisible figures in vibrant suits and gloves.
Thriller’s Starlight Twist
Michael Jackson’s 1982 album, “Thriller,” is known for its suave cover.
However, it was close to being called “Starlight.” The AI took a different approach, embracing a sparkling theme to match the hypothetical title.
Rumours and Yesterday’s Gone
Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album, “Rumours,” boasts a black and white cover with Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood against a yellow backdrop.
The AI reimagined this cover for its previous working title, “Yesterday’s Gone,” capturing Fleetwood Mac’s bohemian chic style.
Sheeple Swimming Instead of Nevermind
Nirvana’s 1991 grunge classic, “Nevermind,” features a baby swimming toward a dollar bill. However, its original title was “Sheep or Sheeple.”
The AI chose to replace the baby with woolly critters on the cover.
Golden Years vs. Station to Station
David Bowie’s eclectic style is legendary. His album “Station to Station” was initially considered for the title “Golden Years.”
The AI embraced Bowie’s signature style with a colorful cover, contrasting the moody actual cover.
From Rain-Shaped Shimmer Trap to Suck it and See
The Arctic Monkeys’ 2011 album, “Suck it and See,” almost bore the title “The Rain-Shaped Shimmer Trap.”
The AI envisioned an alternative, taking artistic liberties with this Sheffield band’s work.
Revolver’s Abracadabra Transformation
The Beatles’ “Revolver” was almost called “Abracadabra.”
Although the original cover remained simple, the AI reimagined it as an abstract, futuristic gray shape.
Conclusion: AI’s Impact on Popular Culture
In the words of Ian Lloyd, Managing Director for WMG, “AI has been at the center of much discussion, exploding into almost all areas of our day-to-day lives, especially in popular culture and the music industry.”
The experiment of reimagining album covers with AI highlights the creative potential of technology in reshaping artistic expression.
Love it or hate it, AI continues to influence the creative landscape in surprising ways.
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