All text is written in capital letters which is noticeable and implies stern force, as if what they need to say is important. The adjective 'special' in 'special edition covers' will advertise buyers because the idea of a different type of edition seems more interesting. Whether purposeful or not the reference to X Factor highlights the modern world and mainly "The state of music today". The quote "I would never have got through the auditions" could imply a lack of self confidence or just modesty, this could juxtapose the confident and stern expression within the photo.
This main image has a feel of importance because Dave Grohl's confident stance seems quite powerful and masculine, almost arrogant. Folded arms however could be a sign of insecurity or shyness and because part of his fringe is covering one eye, this could seem as if Dave is hiding away. Instead, the long hair seems to more appropriately fit characteristics of a classic rock star and the body language seems more stern and quite threatening. He's looking down into the camera with a slight frown, possibly insinuating he actually has a higher status than the readers and is looking 'cool' and tough instead of reclusive. A plain white t-shirt could symbolize honesty and purity, the cleanness could almost suggest Dave has nothing to hide, which juxtaposes the initial ideas of crossed arms. Grohl's red and almost menacing tattoo's and dark facial hair are not only part of his trademark look but they also reflect the styles of music he is famous for with Nirvana and Foo Fighters and will therefore appeal to a large section of Q readers. The blue background seems stereotypically masculine and there seems to be a certain amount of emphasis on Dave's muscles as if his arms are almost leaning on his own name. This could relate to the many instraments he can play and also suggest that Q in general, or perhaps just this issue, could be targeted more towards men than women.
All text is again written in capital letters and is positioned around Dave Grohl and the neat and orderly list of featured artists hints at the genre of the magazine. Reference to Oasis, The Beatles, Blur, The Rolling Stones, The Stone Roses and The Jam are apparent within mentions of their members as appose the the whole band themselves. This suggests that readers of Q are expected to be aware of this information before reading and also shows that the expected type of musicians will be appearing within the magazine. Such artists as Beyonce, Dido, Madonna and Britney Spears however would not usually be expected to appear in a generally rock, alternative and indie magazine but along side the previously mentioned, they simply highlight Q's vast discussions of a larger variety of music. The only piece of black text is placed in front of a strip of gold which seems quite luxurious and almost regal, it highlights that Q are proud of celebrating their 20 year achievement and it might discretely hint at them being a successful music magazine with a good reputation.
This cover almost appears quite childlike because of the many pastel colours, the party balloons and the slight feel of fancy dress. This could relate to the quite joyous and fun sound of some of The Beatles songs and imply that they were in the midst of celebrating their major success. Ringo Starr appears to be dressed the most extravagantly and interestingly, almost ethnic due to the many fine patterns and colours, this demonstartes character and personality and could be a purposeful statement to subvert the stereotypes of a drummer, or to simply demonstrate that with devoted fans they deserved more elaborate costumes for photo shoots. In comparison, John Lennon doesn't seem as involved with the group as he is dressed simply and positioned behind the other members appearing to gaze in the opposite direction, looking less content, this could somehow hint at his later departure from the band or suggest that he may not have been coping with the success. The general style of this front cover and the clothing worn in the photo don't seem to fit the expected codes and conventions of a music magazine, yet this could highlight the originality of The Beatles, and of The Word. Perhaps the difference could also be due this issue being a 'Special Edition'. However, their facial expressions still fit the standard look of bands on magazine covers as they appear quite serious and plain, esspecially in contrast to the energy that seems to be surrounding them. This could possibly be to add a contrast between the happy mise en scene or imply that they did know how to deal with the hysteria around their music. Although the image is slightly unusual for a cover, red and black is the most common colour scheme on music magazines and Word have achieved that within the title and heading. The lack of text on the cover clearly adds more focus onto the image and is possibly missing because any other additions could drown out the photo and become lost or overpowering. "Why The Beatles Are Underrated" is an intreaging headline and slightly controversial due to 'Beatles Mania' so will therefore advertise readers into finding out the answer within the magazine itself.
The rock and metal genre of this magazine is always clearly demonstrated within each Kerrang front cover, even the magazine title alone. The font appears slashed and damaged and the exclamation mark could relate to the loud and impacting sound of rock music. 'Kerrang!" sounds like an onomatapoea and the forceful emphasis pronounced on the letter K relates to the harsh, heavy sounds of guitar music. Kerrang's featured bands consistently present a tough and 'hardcore' look as well. For example the Jared Leto quote "I could be your worst enemy" is reflected in his viscious and forceful hand gesture and deep stare into the camera lense. He looks menacing and stern as if trying to be intimidating, yet it seems that all men on the cover have spent time and energy perfecting the stereotypical looks of a 'black metal' or 'pop-punk' band due to the long hair, dark clothing and occasional eye liner. Jared Leto's leather jacket, stubble, furrowed brow and dissaproving squint all portray a rough and angry image which could also reflect his own music with 30 Seconds To Mars. The band name itself is written at a diagonal slant as if they are dissorderly and manic, the text box seems to shoot accross the page as if constantly moving and ongoing. There is a general sense of aggression and distress on the cover due to the Him quote "It's a big middle finger" and certain band names such as Alice In Chains and All Time Low. This targets the musical audience very well and very cleary, more so than the vaster genres within Q and NME. During the advertising 'poster special' there is also a live gig image which captures the pace and atmosphere of a rock concert, the guitarist appears passionate about the music and the energy seems to show in his facial expression and the movement of his hair. This will appeal to readers who attend gigs, like that particular band or who were even at that particular gig. Within that image, and the entire cover, red, black, grey and white are a clear colour scheme and the bleak connotations of those shades could relate to the represented music genre. In contrast however, the photo of Hayley Williams appears very feminine and gentle and she looks quite sweet and innocent. The pretty white dress and blonde hair seem pure and childlike which is an unusual contrast to her music with Paramore, perhaps she is purposefully subverting the popular idea of rock musicians dressing in black and looking miserable, or maybe the image just plays up to the quote on marriage. This could also be a statement as she is the only female on the cover so plays an important role towards female Kerrang readers and fans.
This image of Blur highlights the tight friendships between the band members because they are all positioned so closely together that it almost resembles a family portrait. The honest and open expressions in their faces portray a feel of comfort and trust as if they mean what they sing about and are willing to open up to the interviewer, which allows readers to trust them. Although Blur are clearly the main focus on Mojo's cover, there are also obvious references to other influencial bands, such as Queen. The positioning of Blur is similair to, or inspired by, the iconic video for Bohemian Rapsody and "Revolution In The Head" was possibly inspired by a book about The Beatles. That headline has cleverly been placed ontop of Damon Albarn's head to symbolize the 'revolutionary' thought procces of a musician. This could insinuate that Mojo is quite humorous or quick witted and may frequently use musical puns as a method of cleverly portraying knowledge, perhaps meaning that the readers may be expected to understand. Because the other band members are also situated around Damon's head this could also reflect upon the saying 'let's put out heads together', possibly suggesting that group ideas helped to create "Blur's new masterpiece". Such a grand and exciting word as 'masterpiece' will interest readers into learning more about the hype - esspecially those who are fans of Blur's work already. With such flattering reference to the new album this could also insinuate that Mojo might feel Blur have reached similar levels of success as Queen, hence the inspiration for the cover image.
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