Analysis of magazine advertisement (Rihanna-Loud)

Analysis Rihanna-'Loud' album advertisement 

Ø The artist’s name being centrally at the top of the advert means that the viewer is immediately drawn to the artist (being the predominant font other than the album name). Being spaced across the top of the advert reinforces the importance of it (the artist) and links well to the album name-being the same font style/same importance. The use of white font means it stands out well from the background and visually grasps the viewers’ attention.

Ø The use of a rose becomes a key aspect to the main image/background of the advert. Roses being almost a ‘motif’ throughout the ‘Loud’ advertisement campaign and album in general (throughout the artwork and even music videos) means the poster gets a sense of femininity and also rebellion (connotations closely related to roses/their hidden thorns etc.)-therefore reflecting the artist’s slight change of image/brand

Ø The main image of Rihanna being used as the advert background means that it becomes the central focus of the advert (therefore the same happening towards the artist). The image itself being very striking (both sexualising and feminising the artist), the use of bright yet pastel themed colours throughout meaning the poster itself stands out very well visually. The image itself setting the ‘tone’ for the advert (also the album/its artwork)-the use of feminine/pastel based colours being a theme throughout.

Ø ‘Loud’ becomes the predominant text of the advert (other than/is partnered with the artist’s name), being spaced across the advert both adds to the importance of the text/album name and also means that when looking at the poster the viewer instantly reads ‘Rihanna-Louds’, meaning this advert effectively promotes the album and also becomes memorable to the viewer. Being in a large yet ‘simple’ text adds to the femininity of the advert (the text itself being fairly thin and subtle).

Ø ‘New album out now’ gives off a sense of urgency as if the viewer needs to buy the album ‘now’. This also lets the viewer know clearly when/that they can buy the album. Being put in a contrasting text box to the image means that it stands out visually and gives it a sense of importance (meaning the viewer is likely to read it). 

Ø  Including the main (most popular) tracks that are within the album means that individuals that have herd the songs will now know who they are by and what album they ‘belong to’. Meaning they will potentially be more drawn towards buying the album. Including the image of the album means that people will have a memorable image of what they are looking for when purchasing/looking for the album. The image being placed on top of the text box meaning it likes to the information within it and also stands out as important

This advert appeals to Rihanna’s target audience mainly due to the image used as the background (predominant image):

Ø The image itself sexualises Rihanna as a female through both her body language as well as costume. Wearing what looks like only a fur coat-with an explosion of her shoulder (including a tattoo) reflects her sexuality and also objectifies her body as the female form (with the suggestion of nudity). This will appeal to the broad amount of her male fans, looking at her as a modern day sex-icon, the suggestion of this aspect of her star image/brand being reflected here.

Ø Her nails, the rose, sunglasses and fur coat reflect Rihanna’s beauty and femininity, these aspects of the main image bringing forward these connotations of the elements (costume, props) within it. This aspect of the image/Rihanna’s brand appeal to her female audience, the fur coat and sunglasses appalling to the older fans (18-24), being a lot more style conscious and aware of current trends they will be more likely to idolise Rihanna for this aspect of her brand rather than the sexualisation

Ø The use of various rings, her exposed tattoo and professionally done makeup reflects her wealth, a majority of her fans idolising her for her role within the industry (place as a female) is reflected well through the mise-en-scene within this image-attracting her fans that admire her wealth within the music industry as a female.

Ø The use of predominant pastel colours as an overall colour scheme gives off the feminine feel of the artist (suggestion of a slight image change), appealing to mostly her female fans but also male; the subtle suggestion of a change of brand image interesting a broad range of her target audience (therefore making them more interested into the album)

The advert synergises well with the digipak artwork (a large range of the promotional campaign for the album) in several key ways:

•     The colour scheme of the advert and album artwork are very similar, with colours of mainly pink, red and shades of blue-Rihanna is presented as feminine but also with sense of her rebellious/’bad girl’ side (her previous album being ‘good girl gone bad’). The use of the colour scheme giving off a sense of femininity and innocence, contrasting to both her past album and her previous identity as an artist /brand

•     The shot itself from the main cover of the album in comparison to the image taken for the advert is very similar, both sexualising her due to her body language (with a focus on her mouth and eyes), with the similar use of red running throughout her hair and makeup.

•     The almost ‘motif’ of the rose running throughout the digipak and featuring predominantly on the advert reflects both Rihanna’s image change within this album as well as her brand/identity as an individual and artist and also sets the tone for the album/its content (being based around love frequently)

•     The explosion of skin (particularly her shoulders/upper chest’ is frequent throughout both pieces of artwork

•     Both the advert and the digipak give off a sense of maturity (and of high class), through both the costume and contrast to her previous albums (e.g. Good Girl Gone Bad and Russian Roulette). This strong sense of image change through both her sexuality (maturity) and image (clothing, makeup etc.) means that both artworks are very similar in portraying this strong message/image.

When looking further into the promotional campaign (advertisement) for Rihanna’s ‘Loud’ album I found that a single from the album was released separately before the full album-‘Only Girl In The World’. Not only does this mean that the up-coming album good very good promotion but also Rihanna’s new image change (enticing people further to find out more about her new album). 

The single cover links very well in with the advert I have analysed and the digipak in several ways:

Ø The colour scheme is very much the same-with key colours such as red, pink and blue  running throughout (reflecting the sense of femininity and rebellion)

Ø The cover features the Rihanna ‘logo’ in the same place (top left corner of the album)-meaning both existing fans and potential fans will instantly know the identity/artist the single belongs too.

Ø Rihanna is very much sexualised within this image, the costume (blanket) she is holding over herself exposing her naked form as well as several tattoos-meaning she becomes both very sexualised and also has a sense of the rebellious aspect of her previous brand/identity (due to the explosion of her body art)

Ø The same font type is used within this single as it is on the advert-with ‘thin’ yet bold lettering giving off a sense of femininity but also strong personality (her more edgy side that she is well known/idolised for)