Uncover the genius behind Taylor Swift’s 1989 album cover—how its minimalist aesthetic perfectly captures the era’s bold reinvention and her transformation into a pop icon.

The minimalist cover for The Velvet Rope, which depicted Janet Jackson with her head down and honey curls cascading over her face, was an ode to vulnerability. The album traded melodies of ...

But 1979 was a watershed year for the album cover overall too. The new generation of post-punk and synth-pop bands demanded a more considered, minimalist approach to reflect their interest in ...