Conclution

In conclusion to my essay, yes the album cover is still relevant today although it may not be as relevant as it was 30 years ago.
The album art doesn't only just serve the purpose of making somebody feel good about buying a compact disk that probably only cost a few pence each to manufacture but the artwork is the backbone to its entire advertising and merchandising campaign. The artwork will bring the fans to the tour, the place were musicians today make most of there money and the fans will wear the artwork to the tour on various pieces of clothing like some musical cult.
Artwork also makes albums stand out among others in gigantic record stores and can also give you an insignt to what kind of musical experience your going to get. They say with food that the first bite is taken with the eyes and its the same when buying an album, often the album art is your first contact you have with the artist or band.
Although mp3 downloads are becoming more popular by the day and shops like hmv are downsizing the album art is still relevant and will be until the compact disk disappears off the earth completely and i don't think that will happen any time soon as people like to own cds. Even if it happens the album art will never disappear as it will still be needed to promote bands and even for the displays on website and mp3 players.

Album art is still relevant today and always will be.