Digipak Analysis - Urban Hymns by The Verve

While researching digipaks I have seen a very similar theme appearing throughout the various genres. The genre of Alternative Rock, or just Rock in general, is that the band does not usually appear upon their respective cover. Instead, a more common cover is much more abstract, featuring something more political or controversial.

The front cover of Urban Hymns shows the band, with Richard Ashcroft (Second from left) the main focus of the various members. They are all sitting in the middle of a large field or park of sorts (the images were taken at Richmond Park in London), possibly showing the ideas of being free and able to be who you want - the fact that they are sat in very casual, laid-back positions shows that the songs may have a slower, less pacey style to them, similar to the Britpop genre of the time.

The title 'Urban Hymns' seems to give religious connotations, which is followed within the album itself, with songs such as 'Sonnet' and 'Lucky Man' which feature many pieces of religious imagery. The title may also be another way of saying the album is full of 'Anthems of the Current Generation', with songs like 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' a highlight.

The back cover, in comparison, is completely black, with only the setlist and a very small image of the band, stood in a garden. This is a good comparison from the front cover, as it makes the front cover much more eye-catching, though the use of random images of the band on the back are common themes of the various pieces of art on The Verve's various albums and singles.