Vibe Front Cover Analysis

A unisex colour (blue) has been used as the masthead to catch the attention of a wider audience, the use of this is very effective as it indicates that the magazine will have features for both males and females. The use of the colour blue also connotes a cool and calm approach which is what RnB is normally portrayed as. The way that the name ‘Vibe’ is written- in both lower case and upper case letters makes it seem more unique and noticeable.

The artist used as the main image is Usher; a well-known RnB singer evoking interest in the audience as they would immediately recognise him and his music. Also some may say that Usher is an attractive man with some sort of sex appeal, this makes it stand out to a female target audience. It can also be seen as being homoerotic therefore also appealing to a male audience. Not only that but because some may want to imitate his looks or relate to him in any sort of way- this would make it appealing to straight men. The shot used is a low angle shot emphasising the size of Usher and making his dominance stand out. The shot makes him seem powerful; this is a desirable image most RnB artists strive for. The use of selective focus to blur out the background of the image ifs effective as it makes Usher stand out more above everything else.

The sunglasses that Usher is wearing makes him look mysterious, engaging the audience, prompting them to read on as they would be curious as to what more there is to him as an artist. We can see that Usher is wealthy as he is wearing what seems to be an expensive watch; however, even though he is wearing ‘bling’ he keeps it to a minimal level to show that he is sophisticated. The tattoo of a star on his hand could be aberrant for the male audiences as they might see it as being too feminine. The star is shown to emphasise his fame and to connote that because of how successful he is he is actually a ‘star’ himself.

The main focal point of the cover is Ushers wedding ring which links in with what the main cover lione is about. ‘…and married with a vengeance’ is what that cover line reads and this is made mpre effective by Usher showing us his marriage finger with a ring on it. Initially when looking at the cover page is seems as thought Usher is swearing, this is done consciously in order to catch audiences attention as its as provocative gesture.

For the main cover line the word’s ‘USHER’ ‘HE’S NO.1’ have been made larger compared to the other few words describing the main article. There is more emphasis on the larger words in order to attract Usher’s fans. Also this marriage finger has become with many uses as he is holding up one finger which also links in with ‘he’s no.1’.

The additional cover line’s gives the audience a taste of what’s to be included in the magazine.  Famous name’s are mentioned such as ’50 cent’ to draw in RnB fans in and so they will buy the magazine. The word ‘sex’ is also repeated quite a few times as it’s a topic audience’s are interested in reading about.

The word ‘swagger’ on the cover is written in a graffiti giving it RnB connotations plus it relates to teenager’s, this is important as they are the target audience because they’re age group are the main one’s that consume RnB music therefore they’re the one’s likely to buy the magazine. The word is also colloquial which again something teenagers can relate too is as most speak in this form of language. It’s also the only word in the front page that’s in red which make’s it more prominent and stand out more than the other words. This word is used in reference to the artist and because of the pose he is doing, it becomes useful.