Front Cover Analysis

Front Cover Analysis

‘Mojo’ is a music magazine based on punk rock. ‘Top of the Pops’ is a music magazine based on pop music. Both magazines have a headline, masthead, puff, quotes and cover lines. Similarly, they are two very colourful magazine covers. However, ‘Mojo’ uses a faded, illusional style, replicating the effects of LSD. Whereas ‘Top of the Pops’ uses colour as it is targeted at a broader audience, and younger readers. Also, ‘Top of the Pops’ uses language where anyone could understand it. For example, as one of the cover lines, they call the segment of the magazine ‘cow pats, curries and cringes.’ Using ‘cow pat’ is going to show that this magazine is will be aimed at a younger, less mature, and less formal target buyers. One of the techniques used in the cover line is alliteration, which is the recurring use of the same letter at the beginning of two or more consecutive words. Another technique used is ‘the rule of three’. Three words are used to show emphasis in the variety of topics addressed in ‘Top of the Pops’ exclusive Niall Horan interview or exclusive. In terms of personnel on each magazine there is a contrast. However, on ‘Mojo’s’ magazine, the cover lines are specified so those interests are the ones who only really understand what the magazine has in store. This is called a ‘niche’. One contrast is the facial expressions on the cover stars face. While ‘Top of the Pops’ uses the stereotypical codes and conventions, where pop artists are always seen smiling on the cover, with their face a key selling point of the magazine. However, there is pretty much no expression on Pink Floyd’s faces. This is stereotyping punk rock’s moody, more serious nature. Also, in ‘Top of the Pops’, there is more ethnic variety in terms of who’s on the cover. The cover star is Rita Ora, and another inclusion is Leigh-Anne Pinnock, both black people. This represents pop music’s wider range. On the other hand, there is only white people included on the cover of ‘Mojo’ magazine. This is because punk rock is narrowed down to a main target audience, which is adult white people. In terms of gender, ‘Top of the Pops’ include both male and female cover stars. ‘Top of the Pops’ main cover star is Rita Ora, and features other female artists such as Ariana Grande, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and the girl band, Neon Jungle. Although targeted at a mainly adult, white male readers, included in the top right hand corner is female singer and songwriter, Patti Smith. This could represent women’s rise in punk rock culture, as in the prime of her career, many women’s rights debates were highly increased. Overall,, similarities do include colourful magazine covers and the featuring of women on both pages. Differences include language, the use of ethnic minorites and cover star's facial expressions.