Top 10 The Doors Album Covers

The Doors Album Covers

Feature Photo: digitalreflections / Shutterstock.com

Our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list will look at a legendary rock band from the 1960s. The Doors were one of the most unique bands in classic rock history. Their brilliant music was at times overshadowed by the antics of their charismatic lead singer Jim Morrison who often blurred the lines between entertainment, reality, and just the sheer point of causing trouble. The turbulent times of the 1960s inspired Jim Morrison, and in return Jim Morrison inspired the times. The band’s popularity has been given new life many times over the years due to their songs often having a huge impact in films like Francis Ford Coppola’s  1979 masterpiece Apocalypse Now and Oliver Stone’s The Doors.

The Doors was a serious band when it came to their music as well as their album covers. Most of their album covers are straightforward. Most of the covers feature the band in one way or the other. The Doors wanted their albums to be thought-provoking for their fans. They wanted the covers to be poetry for their eyes. The photographers behind the album covers wanted to focus on the band. They wanted to focus on Jim Morrison in particular. His pictures stood out on their album covers. The photographers didn’t use a lot of graphics or special effects for the album covers. They did the best they could to represent The Doors. Come find out which album covers we picked on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list.

# 10 – An American Prayer

The first pick on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list is An American Prayer. An American Prayer is The Doors‘ ninth studio album. This is the final album the band recorded. The band used Jim Morrison’s spoken words and put them into music. It was as if he was still part of the band even though he passed away. This album cover features a black and white photo of Jim Morrison. The picture is a profile picture of Jim Morrison. The shot is taken from his left side. His hair is long and wavy. He has a full beard. His mouth is slightly open. He appears to be wearing a tie-dye shirt. The picture is taken from his shoulders up.

Photographer Edmund Teske took an excellent shot of Jim Morrison up close. He captured a thought-provoking picture of Jim Morrison. Jim Morrison looks as if he was lost in thought. It is hard to know what is on Jim Morrison’s mind. Edmund Teske used to take mysterious pictures. He liked to have people talking about his photographs. He did a great job with this album cover because it will keep people talking. Edmund Teske was best known for working with The Doors. He liked to experiment with his photographs. He made a career out of taking portraits. An American Prayer was released in November 1978. The album peaked at number one on Billboard 200. Am American Prayer features the singles “Ghost Song,” “Latino Chrome,” “American Night” and “The Hitchhiker.” The album sold over one million copies.

# 9 – Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine

The next pick on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list is Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine. Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine is The Doors‘ second compilation album. The songs on the album are dark and mysterious. The album cover is mysterious as well. It features a psychedelic picture of the band. Jim Morrison is on the right while the rest of the band is on the left. There are a number of things in the picture that represent songs on the album. There is a picture of the sun on Jim Morrison’s head. There are musical symbols on the side of the photo. The Doors appear to be standing in a desert.

Painter Bill Hoffman designed an enigmatic picture of the band. He went for shock value with this painting. He put a collage of things together on the album cover. Jim Morrison’s face isn’t completely shown in the picture. You can’t see his right eye in the painting. This picture will leave fans wondering what is going on. It isn’t one of their normal album covers. This album cover features the entire band instead of just Jim Morrison. As most of The Doors’ fans know, Jim Morrison got more attention than the rest of the band. Jim Morrison always wanted them to be recognized as well.

Bill Hoffman gave Jim Morrison what he wanted and included the band in the picture. Bill Hoffman worked with the Doors, Etta James, Harry Chapin, Hugo Wolf, Lester Young, Donald Byrd, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Lee Morgan and Hank Mobley, as well as others. Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine was released in January 1972. The album peaked at number 55 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “The End,” “Strange Days,” “Love Streak,” “End of the Night” and “Love Her Madly.” Weird Scenes Inside of the Gold Mine sold over 500,000 copies.

# 8 – 13

The eighth pick on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list is 13. 13 is The Doors’ first compilation album. This is a collection of 13 songs from their five studio albums released at the time. This is the only compilation album The Doors did while Jim Morrison was alive. The album cover features the band members on the cover. A fresh-faced Jim Morrison is on the left in the back of the picture while the rest of the band is on the right. There is a shot of a clear blue sky. The album cover is geared toward Jim Morrison. His picture is much larger than the rest of the band’s pictures. The band looked as if they were inserted in the picture after Jim Morrison’s was taken. Jim Morrison’s face blends in with the blue color of the background. The rest of the band’s faces are colorful. They don’t look as if they are in the same picture as Jim Morrison. With that said, it is an exquisite photo. You get a chance to see all their faces.

Art director William S. Harvey took a nice photo of the band. He used mostly light colors for the picture. The band’s hair color and the record label’s logo are the only dark colors in the picture. The album cover is very soothing. It is a calming and relaxing photo. William S. Harvey took a picture of the band that could be in a picture frame instead of an album cover. Willam S. Harvey worked with The Doors, David Ackles, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Jarreau, Tom Paley, Cynthia Gooding, Susan Reed, The New York Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Brad Miller, Tim Buckley, Josh White, Michael Kenny, Sweet Salvation, as well as others. 13 was released in November 1970. The album peaked at number 25 on Billboard 200. 13 features the singles “Light My Fire,” “People Are Strange,” “Touch Me,” “Moonlight Drive” and “Love Me Two Times.” The album sold over one million copies.

# 7 – The Soft Parade

Coming in at number seven on our list is The Soft Parade. The Soft Parade is The Doors fourth studio album. The band’s producer wanted them to do something completely different from their first three albums. He wanted them to incorporate a mature sound. The album cover features a photo of the band. They transitioned from rock and roll to GQ. They are all wearing suits for the cover. There is a tripod in front of the band. The shot of the band was taken from afar. There is a dark background behind them. Jim Morrison is wearing dark colors while the band is wearing light colors. The band’s light colors bring out some of the darkness in the picture.

Photographer Joel Brodsky allowed the band to be showcased on the album cover. Jim Morrison is posing with the band. He doesn’t have a superimposed picture. All the band members get a chance to shine in the picture. Joel Brodsky took a risk taking the shot from afar because fans were used to seeing Jim Morrison’s picture featured up close. Jim Morrison didn’t like all the attention he received so this is the type of picture he would have wanted. Joel Brodsky used a pretty shade of blue for the background. The top half of the cover is blue, and the bottom half is black. Joel Brodsky blended the colors nicely. Joel Brodsky worked with The Doors, Judy Collins, Little Anthony and the Imperials, John Patton, Pat Williams, Percy Sledge, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker, The Delfonics, Maxine Brown, Johnnie Taylor, Roy Ayers, Train, The Beatles, Clarence Carter, David Porter, as well as other. The Soft Parade was released in July 1969. The album peaked at number six on Billboard 200. The Soft Parade features the singles “Touch Me,” “Wishful Sinful,” “Tell All the People” and “Runnin’ Blue.” The album sold over one million copies.

# 6 – L.A. Woman

L.A. Woman is The Doors sixth studio album. L.A. Woman is the last studio album to feature Jim Morrison. This album features more blues music than their previous albums. The album cover features a headshot of the band. The picture is taken from their shoulders up. This is a portrait shot of the band. They are all looking forward into the camera. They look as if they are staring directly at you while you are looking at the album cover. The band’s picture is taken in black and white. There is a yellow hue over their faces and in the background. There is a purple border around the album cover. The band’s name is written in white while the album title is written in black.

Photographer Wendell Amick took a simple picture of the band. It may be simple, but you can’t take your eyes off the picture. The yellow hue will draw your attention to the band. Every member is allowed to shine in the picture. The picture isn’t taken too far or too close. Wendell Amick took this picture from the right angle because you get a chance to see everyone’s faces. They are all the stars of the album cover. Wendell Amick is best known for taking pictures of The Doors. L.A. Woman was released in April 1971. The album peaked at number nine on Billboard 200. L.A. Woman features the singles “Love Her Madly,” “Riders on the Storm,” “Been Down So Long,” “Crawling King Snake” and “L.A. Woman.” The album sold over three million copies.

# 5 – The Doors

The next pick on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list is The Doors. This is The Doors’ first studio album. This is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The single “Light My Fire” made the band famous. The album cover features a picture of the band. Jim Morrison dominates the shot. Jim Morrison is on the left side of the album while the rest of the band is featured on the right. Jim Morrison’s picture is taken from the neck up. The rest of the band was added to the picture. You can tell they are not in the picture together because John Densmore’s hand is touching Jim Morrison’s face while his head is blocking Jim Morrison’s left eye.

Photographer Guy Webster took a creative picture of the band. He found a way to make Jim Morrison the focus of the picture without taking any attention away from the band. Guy Webster could have left them out of the picture and featured Jim Morrison alone, but he found a way to include them in the picture. Guy Webster used dark colors for the picture. The band’s skin tone and the lettering bring out some of the darkness in the picture. Jim Morrison stands out in the picture and will command your attention. You can get lost looking into his eyes. Guy Webster worked with The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Janice Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, Jeff Bridges, John Belushi, Rita Hayworth, Natalie Wood, Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, as well as others. The Doors was released in January 1967. The album peaked at number two on Billboard 200. The Doors featured the singles “Break on Through (To the Other Side),” “Soul Kitchen,” “The Crystal Ship” and “Light My Fire.” The Doors sold over four million copies.

# 4 – Waiting For The Sun

Waiting for the Sun is The Doors’ third studio album. This is The Doors only number one album. The band experimented with different styles with this album. The album cover features a picture of the band. They appear to be in the middle of a field. The sky is blue, but the sun appears to be setting. The picture is a full body shot of the band. Everyone is doing different poses. John Densmore is wearing a white shirt with dark pants with his hands behind his back. Ray Manzarek is wearing a white pinstriped outfit with his arms crossed. Jim Morrison is wearing all black with his hands in front of him. Robby Kreiger is wearing a black jacket and pants. He has his hands in his pockets.

Photographer Paul Ferrara took a breathtaking photo of the band. He got an amazing full body shot of the band. He gives you a chance to get a good look at them. He panned out so everyone gets a chance to be seen in the picture. Paul Ferrara took the photo of the band in Laurel Canyon. He created a peaceful setting for the picture. He used a great blend of light and dark colors in the photo. This could easily be a portrait in your living room instead of an album cover. Paul Ferrara is best known for working with The Doors. Waiting for the Sun was released in July 1968. The album peaked at number one on Billboard 200. Waiting for the Sun features the singles “The Unknown Soldier,” “Hello, I Love You,,” “Love Street” and “We Could Be So Good Together.” The album sold over one million copies.

# 3 – Absolutely Live

Absolutely Live is The Doors’ first live album. This is a double album of the songs from their concerts. This album cover features a picture of Jim Morrison on stage. He is holding a microphone. He is wearing a black shirt with gold pants. There is a shot of drums in the picture. You can also see the back of someone’s head. We can assume it is one of the band members. There is also another microphone hanging down in the picture. The photo captures Jim Morrison while he is in the middle of singing. It gives the fans a chance to experience what he was going through while he was singing live. You can feel his energy through the album cover.

Photographer Frank Lisciandro took a candid shot of Jim Morrison. He gives fans an inside look at what it is like to see Jim Morrison perform on stage. Frank Lisciandro used a great light to dark contrast for the background shot. Frank Lisciandro created a picture that allowed Jim Morrison to stand out. Jim Morrison appears to have a light shining on him like the star he was. Here is some trivia about the picture. Jim Morrison didn’t like this picture because he didn’t look like this picture anymore. He grew a beard, and his hair was longer. You would never know that he didn’t like the picture because he looks as if he is enjoying himself in it. Frank Lisciandro is best known for working with The Doors. Absolutely Live was released in July 1970. The album peaked at number eight on Billboard 200. Absolutely Live sold over 500,000 copies.

# 2 – Strange Days

Strange Days is The Doors’ second studio album. They were riding high off the success of their debut album when they were working on Strange Days. Critics felt like this was their best album. This album cover is different from their other album covers. This one doesn’t feature the band. This cover features a strong man, a dwarf, a juggler, a trumpet player and acrobats. The characters are performing on a street in New York City. There are shots of different buildings in the background. It looks like a fun photoshoot. It shows people from different walks of life. The people aren’t street performers. The acrobats are the only street performers in the photo. Even though the rest weren’t street performers, they did a convincing job selling the image.

Joel Brodsky wanted spontaneity for the photoshoot. He wanted The Doors on the album cover, but Jim Morrison didn’t want to do it. He didn’t want to be the center of attention for the album cover. He also refused to work with Joel Brodsky even though he worked with him on other projects. Joel Brodsky had to come up with something for the album cover. He was inspired by the movie La Strada when he came up with the idea for the album cover. The Doors took a chance not being featured on the album cover, but the album title is written behind the strong man. This is a creative cover for the band. It will give you something to admire while you listen to the album. Strange Days was released in September 1967. The album peaked at number three on Billboard 200. Strange Days features the singles “People Are Strange,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Unhappy Girl” and “Moonlight Drive.” The album sold over one million copies.

# 1 – Morrison Hotel

The number one pick on our Top 10 The Doors Album Covers list is Morrison Hotel. Morrison Hotel is The Doors’ fifth studio album. The band had changed their musical style on their previous albums. They returned to their blues rock style on this album. The album cover features a picture of the band. Jim Morrison is in the middle of the picture behind a sign. Ray Manzarek and John Densmore are sitting on the ends of the couch. Robby Kreiger is standing up behind Jim Morrison. There is a picture of venetian blinds above the name of the hotel. There are lights behind the band. The lights keep the room from being completely dark.

Photographer Henry Diltz took the picture of the band at the Morrison Hotel. The band didn’t have permission to take pictures at the hotel. Henry Diltz had to sneak and take pictures of them. The Doors are in the window of the hotel. Henry Diltz took the picture from outside the hotel. He had to take the picture before the hotel attendant came back. He managed to capture an intriguing shot of the band. The band members don’t look happy in the picture. It makes you wonder what is going on with the band. Henry Diltz is a photographer and musician. He is known for taking pictures at Woodstock. He has worked with The Doors, The Monkeys, Tom Dooley, Safari Mary, as well as others. Morrison Hotel was released in February 1970. The album peaked at number four on Billboard 200. Morrison Hotel features the singles “Roadhouse Blues,” “You Make Me Real” and “Peace Frog.” The album sold over one million copies.

Top 10 The Doors Album Covers article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain creative commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.

DMCA.com Protection Status

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Be the first to know when a new article is published

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Add Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

10 Best Songs With The Word 'Road' In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Road’ In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word 'Tonight' In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Tonight’ In The Title
10 Most Rocking George Thorogood Songs
10 Most Rocking George Thorogood Songs
10 Best Songs With The Word 'Song' In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Song’ In The Title
10 Best Concept Albums In Rock Music History
15 Best Concept Albums In Rock Music History
Rock's Finest Debut Solo Albums From Former Band Members
Rock’s Finest Debut Solo Albums From Former Band Members
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1980s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1980s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1960s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1960s
Kris Kristofferson
Kristofferson’s ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’ Birth of a Legacy
David Lee Roth Covers Simon & Garfunkel's Baby Driver
David Lee Roth Covers Simon & Garfunkel’s Baby Driver
Aerosmith Retires From The Road For Good
David Lee Roth Baker Street
David Lee Roth Covers Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”
Warren Haynes
Warren Haynes: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
An Interview with Chuck Ragan
An Interview with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins
An Interview with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins
An Interview with Andy Shernoff of The Dictators
Brian May Albums
Complete List Of Brian May Albums And Songs
Complete List Of The Higwaymen Albums And Songs
Complete List Of The Highwaymen Albums And Songs
Klaatu Albums
Complete List Of Klaatu Albums And Songs
Kris Kristofferson Albums
Complete List Of Kris Kristofferson Albums And Songs
Classic Rock Band Names
Classic Rock Band Names And The Stories Behind Them
9 Bands That Never Replaced Departed Members
Music CDs Comeback
Why Music CDs Have No Chance Of Making A Comeback
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
10 Best Breakup Songs For Shattered Hearts
10 Best Breakup Songs For Shattered Hearts
Billy Idol Rebel Yell 40th Anniversary Vinyl Review
Taylor Swift Albums And Discography
Complete List Of Taylor Swift Albums And Discography
Carly Simon Hotcakes Album Review
Carly Simon’s HOTCAKES Album Still Sizzles After 50 Years