Album covers from the '90s & '00s that'll take you right back
With the digitalisation of music now long-established, it's rare we get to enjoy the satisfaction of buying a new CD - and the album cover that goes with it.
There was once a time when we'd head down the shops to spend our entire pocket money on the latest pop offering, and once purchased, we'd satisfyingly peel off the plastic film and spend hours flicking through the lyric book (remember those?) and bonus pics that often came inside. And this was all before we'd actually played the album on our then high-tech CD players.
But the thing that brought us the most joy was the glossy album covers. Whether they'd feature the popstars we aspired to be (hello Britney Spears on the Baby One More Time cover), the hunks we majorly fancied (we would have killed to have been Justin Timberlake's "Senorita" ) or the wardrobes we so desperately wanted to own - Christina Aguilera's super tight, low-rise trousers from Stripped spring to mind here, rather disturbingly...
Some were cringe, some were aspirational, ALL were memorable. Here's the album art from the '90s and '00s that'll take you right back...
Britney Spears - Baby One More Time (1998)
Baby One More Time was Britney Spears's first studio album, released when she was just 17-years-old. We remember buying this album as soon as it was available, and played Baby One More Time and Crazy on repeat. Anyone remember the cool picture in the insert of Brit leaning on her hot pink convertible? Goals.
Destiny's Child - Survivor (2001)
Destiny's Child's Survivor album was conceived way in 2001. The cover featured Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle killing it in silver ensembles.
Jennifer Lopez - J.Lo (2001)
The cover for Jennifer Lopez's second album, J.Lo, was a memorable one. It was peak noughties J.Lo in all her blinging, gold finery. Also, that logo...
Mis-Teeq - Eye Candy (2003)
Now that's a flashback. Remember Mis-Teeq? The R'n'B girlband comprised of Sabrina, Alesha and Su-Elise. They were the best thing since Destiny's Child and their album cover for Eye Candy was noughties perfection, owing mainly to the pink neon lights. We all really wanted to be able to rap like Alesha in Scandalous.
Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera (1999)
Remember this one? Christina Aguilera was also young (just 19) when she released her self-titled debut studio album. We remember this cover like it was yesterday, mainly because we so wanted to be Xtina.
S Club 7 - S Club (1999)
There ain't no party like an S Club party, right? The '90s band's debut album cover featured the mixed sex group running in the sea like the fun-loving mates they were. Ahh.
Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey (1990)
Mariah Carey's self-titled debut album was a CD shelf keeper. Look how young she looks - we love her natural hair.
Justin Timberlake - Justified (2002)
Smouldering stare? Check. Leather jacket? Check. Totally unrelated sandy backdrop? Check. Justin Timberlake's Justified album cover was a memorable one, and as for the music, we still consider it one of the greatest musical works EVER. From Cry Me A River, to Rock Your Body and SeƱorita, it was hit after hit.
Pink - Missundaztood (2001)
Pink's Missundaztood album was pretty different for its time, far removed from the then-cutesy pop offerings we saw from the likes of Britney and Xtina. The album featured chart-topping hits like Get the Party Started, Just Like a Pill and Family Portrait. And the album cover was equally punky - we thought the graffiti was TOO cool, and we needed Pink's hair.
Steps - Step One (1998)
Oh, Steps. The cover for the band's debut album, Step One, really sticks out. Remember 5, 6, 7, 8, and Tragedy? Brb while we go Spotify them...
Shakira - Laundry Service (2001)
Laundry Service is Columbian-born Shakira's fifth studio album and the album cover secured her as one of the sassiest pop stars of the time. Side note: Whenever, Wherever is still one of the greatest songs in existence.
Christina Aguilera - Stripped (2002)
Christina's Aguilera's Stripped was a massive departure from her innocent Genie In A Bottle days, being one of the most overtly sexy pop albums of its time. Our pre-teen selves, rather disturbingly, REALLY wanted to be Xtina on the cover (and dance like her in the Dirrty video). To be honest, we're still after those trousers...
Bwitched - Bwitched (1998)
There are no words for B*witched's first self-titled album cover. From the matching denim, to the cut-outs and flame detail... pure lols.
Enrique Iglesias - Escape (2001)
We all wanted Enrique Iglesias to look deep into our eyes and sing Hero. Alternatively, we'd just stare at this album cover while playing the song on repeat...
Anastacia - Freak of Nature (2001)
Anastacia's Freak of Nature was her second studio album and everything about her cover look was the dream. Just check out her low-rise jeans, peasant top and crimped hair. The sunglasses were also her signature look.
Jennifer Lopez - This Is Me... Then (2002)
Jennifer Lopez's next album, This Is Me... Then, took on a more mature theme, and we loved everything about her cover outfit, from the floaty top to the beanie. The songs were genius, too: Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got, I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block...
