For the first time ever, the Grammy Awards introduced a Best Album Cover category — and we had to break it down. In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Josh and Phil react to the 2025 Grammy Best Album Cover nominees and talk about what they reveal about modern album cover design in the streaming era. We dive into the winning artwork for Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator, the cinematic chaos of The Crux by Djo, the minimalism of Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny, and more. What makes great album artwork in 2025? Does minimalism still work? Is shock value enough? And what does the Grammy Best Album Cover category mean for independent artists? If you care about album cover design, music branding, and the visual side of streaming culture — this one’s for you. Because the square matters.

Kick off 2026 with Josh and Phil as they recap the standout album art, physical packaging, and music moments from 2025. They debate if the song of the summer is officially dead, spotlight their favorite album covers (including Buddy Guy, Mammoth, and Andy Mineo), and highlight unique vinyl releases like Fine Young Cannibals' 40th anniversary edition and the rise of tiny vinyls. Plus, they share the best new artists and live music experiences that shaped their year.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Judged by the Cover! In this special Christmas episode, Josh and Phil deck the halls with stories behind the most iconic Christmas movie soundtracks and their own favorite holiday albums. Whether you’re team White Christmas or Home Alone, a Peanuts purist, or an NSYNC 90s kid, there’s something in this episode for everyone.

Whether you’re trimming the tree or just need a festive soundtrack for your day, press play and share a laugh—and some music history—with your favorite podcast duo. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Josh, Phil, and Judged by the Cover!

In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Phil Hyland takes us on a nostalgic journey through his musical past. He shares the story behind "Reel to Real," a collection of 90s demo recordings recently brought back to life. Josh from JW Creates details the creative process behind the album artwork, incorporating weathered textures and Phil's handwriting to capture the essence of the era.

The duo discusses the importance of physical formats in music, from cassettes to CDs, and how they shaped the industry. Phil reminisces about recording techniques, the New York music scene, and the thrill of getting an indie deal.

As a surprising twist, Phil reveals a heartwarming tale of fan mail received 30 years after the release of his band's debut album. This story highlights the enduring connection between artists and fans, and the unexpected ways music can bridge generations.

Tune in to hear more about the resurrection of these classic demos, the art of album design, and a touching reminder of music's lasting impact.

***Link for voting for Gracie in the Shoals City Showdown***

In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Josh and Phil dive into a new round of musical discovery—choosing albums based purely on their cover art. This time, they stumble upon the Outlaws, a band that blends southern rock with a country flair, and share how striking visuals led them to this unexpected find.

The hosts unpack the Outlaws' sound, drawing comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd and spotlighting standout tracks like “There Goes Another Love Song” and " Green Grass and High Tides." They also dig into the band’s backstory, from their Tampa roots to signing with Arista Records under the legendary Clive Davis.

Listeners can expect a fun, thoughtful breakdown of the album cover and album. Josh and Phil reflect on how these visuals shape their musical journey—making this episode a must-listen for vinyl lovers and cover art enthusiasts alike.

Get ready for an electrifying episode of "Judged by the Cover" as we explore the legendary comebacks of two iconic bands—AC/DC and Linkin Park. Josh and Phil dive into the history and evolution of these musical giants, comparing AC/DC's "Back in Black" with Linkin Park's latest release, "From Zero."

Join us as we unravel Linkin Park's journey from their early days to their recent resurgence. Discover how the band navigated the challenges following Chester Bennington's passing and embraced a new era with Emily Armstrong. Josh shares insights into their innovative album promotion, highlighting their unique fan engagement strategies.

We also explore the creative process behind "From Zero's" artwork, offering a glimpse into the band's artistic vision. Finally, we draw parallels between Linkin Park's and AC/DC's comebacks, celebrating their resilience and continued impact on the music world.

Tune in for a captivating discussion filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and a celebration of musical evolution. Don't miss out—press play and join the conversation!

Get ready to rock! In this episode of "Judged by the Cover," we explore the legendary album "Back in Black" by AC/DC. From the band's history and transition after Bon Scott's tragic death to the creation of this iconic record, we cover it all. Discover how Brian Johnson stepped in, and the band recorded this masterpiece in just two months.

We dive into the album's striking cover art—a tribute to Bon Scott—and its lasting impact on music lovers and collectors alike. Even in the digital age, strong visual branding remains crucial.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we discuss similarities to the new album by Linking Park - From Zero!!!!

On this episode of Judged by the Cover, Josh and Phil take a deep dive into the standout album covers, physical packaging, and unforgettable music of 2024. From the bold and cinematic artwork of Linkin Park’s From Zero to the nostalgic aesthetic of Logan Crosby’s 2019, they break down what made these covers visually striking and how they complement the music within. Along the way, they share their personal favorites, unexpected discoveries, and the biggest design trends shaping the industry this year. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just love great album art, this episode is packed with insights, banter, and a whole lot of music talk. Tune in and join the conversation!