Digipak Analysis- Rated R (Rihanna)

The album cover of “Rated R” by Rihanna depicts the artist herself with her hand over one of her eyes. The album is not colourful at all. In fact, an effect has been used such as greyscale which has taken out the colours of the picture for effect. This effect is strange in black and white and at first could connote to the old days of black and white film. We see Rihanna wearing what appears to be a leather costume and lots of rings on her hand. Her heavy use of lipstick and eyeliner as well as her short, gelled up hair can also be noticed which challenges the stereotypical convention of a female. This to some extent represents her as a rebellious and eccentric personality who doesn’t conform to the status quo. 

The title of the album refers to the film rating “Rated R for Restricted” which is brandished to a film for violent, drug related or sexual content. It means that the product cannot be viewed by people less than 17 years of age and may only be admitted if accompanied by a parent or guardian. This meaning has been altered by the artist to mean “Rated R for Rihanna”. This in effect aims this album and her content for more mature teenagers and adults instead of younger listeners. The large R in the top right hand side of the album is Rihanna’s logo and this is a good way to brand her products. The title of the album is barely seen at the bottom in very small writing almost as if its significance is much less than the R.
 On the back the first thing we notice is the image of Rihanna in a very revealing and seductive costume. She is wearing a garter belt and stockings showing off her bottom and legs and holding a cigarette. In addition to this, the image shows her gelled up hair and a fur coat draped over her shoulder. This implies that she is financially well off as these are rare and expensive. This image goes well with the title of the album as it presents her as a rebellious and controversial character that does what she wants and looks sexy doing it. The name of the tracklist also further emphasises this idea- “Mad House”, “Wait Your Turn”, “Rockstar 101”, “Rude Boy”. The font on the back cover is fairly simple with the names of the songs in bold wide lettering in capitals with less important information in smaller brackets adjacent to this. About half way down the list, the font colour changes from white to yellow. There isn’t an obvious reason why this has been done but it can be assumed that the designer didn’t want the album to look too boring and over-do the black and white effect. Again the barcode and record labels are seen at the bottom.