Cracking Up

20

This is the single cover for Cracking Up (1979) by Nick Lowe, designed by Barney Bubbles. The cover is a surreal, minimalist design featuring a pink hand with a cutout black-and-white mouth, creating an unsettling yet humorous effect. The distressed, hand-scribbled text adds a sense of chaotic energy, reflecting the song’s themes of mental instability and emotional unraveling.

Barney Bubbles was known for his innovative, experimental approach to album cover design, often incorporating collage, surrealism, and Dadaist influences. This cover is a perfect example of his ability to merge humor, music, and visual art into one cohesive design.