Digipak Analysis

“Soul Man – 80 timeless classics from the kings of soul” is a

collection of soul tracks from the most famous soul artists. This pack
is a combination of music from the last four decades and it features
artists such as Otis Redding, Lionel Ritchie or Luther Vandross.

Although this pack is regarded as Classic Soul there are also elements
of funk, motown and sweet soul. This box set was released in 2017 by
Universal in the UK.

The title “Soul Man” can be found in the upper half of the page with
additional text underneath. This is a generic feature which can be
found on most Digipak albums. The typography is large and bold
which makes it stand out on the page.

The most famous soul artists can be found underneath the text. This is
a generic convention which can be found on many Digipak albums.
This is because those artists will bring a lot of attention to these
albums from their already existing popularity. Similarly, because
they’re representing this collection they can be used in the marketing
strategy.

The front cover is a combination of close up shots of various artists.

They are placed in the same circle to symbolise the four generations
of soul. Because those pictures have been taken as close up shots the
frame captures elements of enthusiasm and happiness which are
expressed through facial expressions.

The fact that famous artists are featuring in this album is emphasises
by the “buzz” which can be found in the bottom right corner. This
gives fans more information as to what they can expect from the
Digipak itself.

The insert includes a message from Lee Tyler, the Editor of Blues and
Soul Magazine. The first paragraph includes a rhyme such as “but
what has always stayed constant and true, is the effect that Soul music
has on me and you.” This is a very popular technique used in writing
and speech. This is because the first element should always attract the
audience’s attention.

The rest of the text continues to explain and develop ideas about Soul
music. The typography used for this is sans-serif and this conveys
simplicity, modernity and minimalism. I believe that this font has
been used because of the colourful background which makes text
more difficult to read.

At the bottom of the page there are various social media names for
people who would be interested to follow the Blues and Soul
Magazine. This is a very new feature which is not always included.
According to websites such as “Color Psychology” and “Help
Scout” colours are a very important aspect of how we perceive
things.

Similarly, colour psychology is used by artists, designers and in

marketing. This is because colour stimulates our brain and is
associated with different things. An example of this would be
that the colour yellow brings clarity and warmth whilst the
colour red symbolises excitement.

The colours which can be found in this Digipak could also

stress catchy rhythms, extemporaneous body moves and the
upbeat tone which is associated with soul music.

The title “Soul Man” has repeated on all four CDs in sans-serif
font which makes it appear bold and visible. This gives the
whole collection a similar identity and look.

The back of the Digipak displays a very important and generic

element in the form of a track list. When it comes to
typography a similar type has been used to the one which can
be found at the front cover. This is an important factor when
someone is trying to carry over the same style in order to
achieve cohesion throughout.

The artists’ names are presented in bold capital letters whilst

the song titles are presented in skinnier capital letters. This
creates a contrast and because there are 80 tracks on the back of
this pack they are easier to establish.

A barcode can be found in the bottom left of the back page.

Barcodes are no longer only used for scanning items in shops
but they can be used for any kind of data collection.

Some barcodes (QR) can be used for advertisement by reaching

the audience in a more interactive, interesting and unique way.
With the use of smart phones, downloading an app could allow
people to discover a lot more information about the product.

Similarly, the label for the record company and in this instance
Universal has been placed in the bottom right corner. This not
only advertises the record label but it’s also placed there as a
legal requirement.

In the bottom middle the small and white text which can be
seen explains publishing and copyright information. This is a
generic element which can be found on every Digipak and CD.
Because it’s not as important or valued by the fans it is in
smaller print than any other text which can be found at the
back.
One of the most important structural features is the spine. This
is because the spine allows the Digipak to unfold easily.
Similarly, the spine allows the audience to locate any given
album whether this may be at home or in a music shop very
quickly.

The label for the record company which is Universal has been
copied onto the spine. This is mainly for copyright reasons.

The colours which can be found both at the front and at the
back of the Digipak have been carried over onto the spine.
This makes the whole product look finished and as though it
ties in together. Similarly, the typography has been kept the
same but only adjusted when it comes to size.

The back middle image displays a long shot of a city. By using

my schema theory I can only assume that this picture has been
taken in America because of the numerous skyscrapers which
I can see.

This image has been presented and edited into a shape of a CD

which has been a running theme in this Digipak. Similarly, the
colours have been carried over from other parts of the pack
which once again ties everything together.
“Glory Days” is the fourth studio album that Little Mix have
produced. It was released in November 2016 by Soco Music
and Columbia Records.

The album debuted at number one in the British Chart and it

later became the first album to receive more than two top ten
singles.

The album sold over 1,600,000 copies worldwide and is a

combination of dance-pop and tropical house.

Little Mix re-issued the album in November 2017 and it is

called “Glory Days: The Platinum Edition”. This pack
includes additional songs, remixed singles and a bonus
documentary.

The front page of this digipak contains the title of the album
as well as the artist’s name. This is presented in large
typography and is emphasised by a colour which contrasts
with the background.

Little Mix are displayed in a long shot and they are all
looking at the camera. The direct gaze is an engaging and
important social cue which creates a connection between the
band and the reader.

When it comes to body language, their stance portrays

power which is brimming with confidence. The combination
of gestures, facial expressions and movements is possibly
used to maximise the band image and identity.

Traditionally, the colour pink has been associated with

females. Pale pink is often described and marketed as ‘girly’
however the contrasting combination of blue and purple
makes the album seem modern and fun. These colours are
most certainly aimed at the more feminine audience.

Underneath the second image which can be found on the left

there is a small booklet with additional content. An example
of this content would be unseen images or messages to the
fans. This is a generic convention which can be found in
many digipaks.

Additional content is important because it gives out

information about the artist as well as acknowledgments to
those who helped to create the music. This makes the
audience feel like they have a relationship with the artist and
even a sense of intimacy.
The “Glory Days” CD is hidden behind an image of the
band. Although the name “Little Mix” is in smaller print the
title of the CD is enlarged. This is a typical representation.

The typography used for “Glory Days” is presented in sans-

serif and it looks as though it has been painted on. This gives
the CD a very artistic and edgy look. Similarly, this font has
been used at various parts of this digipak such as the band’s
name and in the additional booklet.

The barcode of this product has been located on the back

cover and it is placed away from any vital text or image.
This is because the track list is more important to the fan and
the appeal.

The track list has been emphasised and enlarged through the
capitalisation of the letters. Similarly, the colour white
contrasts with the purple and background which not only
makes the text more visible and readable but it makes it
stand out.

The colour pink and purple is being presented and carried

out throughout the whole digipak. This colour combination
reflects the mood of the album and the genre of the tracks
(mostly pop).

The music label has been placed in the corner. This is a

conventional element and at the same time it is a legal
requirement. This is because of copyright and piracy.
Because artists are signed to record labels, the labels usually
take full ownership.

The second disc is a documentary. This documentary

contains additional and unseen footage of the band. An
example of this would be on tour. This disc also includes
various music videos. This disc is not only there for the fans
but because it can be used in the marketing strategy and
generate additional profit.

A parental explicit logo has been presented on the DVD but

also on the back of the cover. In this instance the label
explains that the documentary contains moderate sex
references. Similarly, it states that this product should not be
sold to children under the age of 12.

A similar logo can be found on CDs which contain explicit

language.

When it comes to the spine of the cover it includes the artists

name and the name of the album. The spine displays a serial
code which differentiates packs from one another.