Not that we would judge a book by its cover at Demo, but a good cover tells an album’s story before the music even has a chance. Oftentimes, a good album cover can make the difference between someone deciding to listen to something or not. From Jamie xx’s understated design to FKA twigs’ stomach-wrenching surrealism to DJ Khaled’s restaurant ad, we asked our contributors to share the most stunning album covers of the year.

FKA twigs – M3L155X

Iconic. — Dora Boras

Also nominated by Hazel Sands and Jennifer Hyc.

Grimes – Art Angels

She designed it herself, which I applaud. — Liana Ernszt

Also nominated by Sophia Luu.

Travi$ Scott – Rodeo

The cover art for Travi$ Scott’s Rodeo proves that simplicity is key, with a shirtless and tattooed Barbie- sized doll of Scott grilling into the distance while mounted atop a remote control SUV. Being the artwork that represents tracks such as “Antidote” and “Piss On Your Grave” has a high standard to meet, but the low budget artwork selected is seemingly so low budget, that it looks like proper art? It’s incredible thinking regardless. The cover has always struck me as clever and clean, making it an easy favourite. — Claire Cowan

Tyler, the Creator – Cherry Bomb

Tyler’s album artwork is always dope, but I really lived for the aesthetic of Cherry Bomb this time around. The album actually featured five different covers, all of them equally aesthetic and cool. My personal favorite is the one with a maniacally grinning (can I call it grinning?) Tyler looking crazy and awesome. — Savana James

Melanie Martinez – Cry Baby

Melanie Martinez is an artist that centres her songs, her performances and her look all on a certain aesthetic of pastel pinks and a fictional disturbed child in Cry Baby. The album art very much reflects that with Martinez atop a crying cloud amidst a cotton candy pink sky which emanates that mood and aesthetic of the album. — Samantha Capaldi

Selena Gomez – Revival

Naked, raw, honest, the cover slightly recalls Christina Aguilera’s iconic Stripped cover, and successful conveys the emotions in all fourteen tracks with this a single photograph. — Alexander Si

Beach House – Depression Cherry

Red velvet? Hell yeah. — Georgia Morris

Father – Who’s Gonna Get Fucked First?

Waiting on DIIV to come out! But yes, Father just gets me. —  Stuart Oakes.

Future – DS2

The stock photo art is simple and powerful. — Adam Piotrowicz

Death Grips – Fashion Week

Nominated by Fin Vermehr.

DJ Khaled – I Changed a Lot

Nominated by Will Goldie.

Drenge – Undertow

Nominated by Emiko Hunt.

Eskimeaux – O.K.

Nominated by Harry Myles.

Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear

Nominated by Jamil Fiorino-Habib.

Fuzz – II

Nominated by Kalina Nedelcheva.

Jamie xx – In Colour

Nominated by Daven Boparai.

Kaan Wafi – Pieces from Exile

Nominated by Mubashir Baweja.

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly

Nominated by Jacob Dalfen-Brown.

Mashrou’ Leila – Ibn El Leil

Nominated by Yasmeen El Sanyoura.

Purity Ring – Another Eternity

Nominated by Alekzia Hosein.

Sufjan Stevens – Carrie & Lowell

Nominated by Anna Trikas.

Tame Impala – Currents

Nominated by Victoria Prepelita.