How A 50 Year Old Graphic Sparked Controversy In 2023
As branding and graphic design professionals, we can safely say that the branding success story of 2023 will be a revamped 50 year old album cover. In the world of branding and advertising the goal is to develop something that transcends generations, maintains relevance through decades, and will capture attention while being highly shareable. The trendy terms associated with these attributes are likeable, meaningful, and viral. When a brand successfully achieves these goals, it is considered something much greater than a logo, even more than a brand, it is iconic. In other words it becomes nothing less than a shining beacon that calls to people from diverse walks of life awakening the soul and feeding it.
When times change, it goes without saying that artistic elements change meaning and interpretations. Those newly exposed to historic artworks can see them without the original intended meaning, or miss it all together. In 2023, the redesign of a well-known and highly celebrated album triggered controversy and achieved the goal any graphic designer strives for, all in one little element.
Yesterdays Prism Is Todays Rainbow
The transition from the literal longstanding prism to a minimal rainbow element has been the focus of much of the controversy, from both sides of the table. The ability to stay true to their design and reconstruct it in a way that sparks such a mass discussion has gained the highest respect from our team and the branding and advertising community as a whole. We see this as proof that even the most iconic brands can be reimagined and increase social presence, recognition, and attention from those that were previously unreachable. It will undoubtedly expand their brand and ignite sales volume. Our hats off to you!
About The DSOTM Album
Designer, Storm Thorgerson, was the individual credited with creating the original album, as well as the latest redesign. He has mentioned that the elements of the album cover, specifically the light and prism, are included to represent the light shows that Pink Floyd’s concerts have become well known for over the decades. Ironically, the battle of visual creativity has been replaced with one more verbal. In those famous lyrics from one of the most popular songs from this very album, Us and Them, “haven’t you heard it’s a battle of words?” Five decades later, this seems to be just the case.
As one of the most successful albums of all time, this was the album that marked Pink Floyd’s transition from an experimental progressive band to rock stardom. Now, 50 years later the Dark Side of the Moon album, has sold over 45 million copies across mediums from vinyl to cassette, compact disc and now digitally. Its relevance continues to be found in the lyrics, music stylings, and cerebral soundscapes. Add album artwork to that list and you have a combination for continued success.
