Analysis of Second Music Magazine Cover: Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone (RS) is a biweekly magazine that focuses on popular culture, but is mostly known for it's musical reportage. With it's first issue being published 48 years ago in 1967, the universal magazine mainly focuses on popular culture. 

Although this particular issue is in French, a language which I do not comprehend, and will not be able to analyse the language; I like the cover as a result of it's originality. Jimi Hendrix on the cover alone would capture anybody's eye, but the appropriate use of the colour blue also creates a refreshingly new appearance that would attract any potential reader.

Masthead: Whilst the masthead is partially hidden by Hendrix it ensures that the main focus stays on the artist as he draws in the audience. However, RS is an exceptionally well known magazine across the globe so there really is no need for the full masthead to be on show. To somebody who is unaware of the magazines popularity and history the placement of the masthead may suggest that it is a very successful magazine and is easily recogniseable by most.

Main Cover Line: Altogether, the font follows a rather formal style which may propose that the typical reader is not particularly young nor old. Furthermore, the fact that Hendrix is on the cover is likely to be a consequence of him standing for much more than just an icon in the music industry. So, this issue is highly likely to be aimed at somebody who listened to his music whilst he was still present in the world of music.

The contrasting white pops against the various tones of blue which allows for the message to be received and understood clearly. Due to the audience possibly being of  middle age the main interest would be in the articles not necessarily the appearance. Obviously, the image is still relevant but I think its not a stretch from the imagination to say that a younger audience would focus more on the appearance compared to that of a slightly older audience.

Main Cover Image: Without creating a sense of intimidation, Hendrix is possessing a powerful stance and looking into the camera lens. This draws a direct and meaningful image which also allows for the reader to be put on a personal level with the blues artist. Moreover, the cigarette and military styled jacket reflects the counterculture movement in the 1960's, when Hendrix was singing, producing music and performing at festivals.