There are album covers that are illuminating works in their own right, covers that reveal hidden depths to the music inside, and covers that advance the state of the graphic designer's art. And then there are these 20. Our annual tradition highlighting the worst cover art of the year-- goofy, offensive, amateurish, and puzzling, it's all here-- continues with the dregs of 2009. Not safe for people at work or those prone to nausea.

Bruce Springsteen: Working on a Dream

In simpler times, the Boss would've just put his tight ass in blue jeans in front of an American flag. Even with Bruce celebrating his 60th birthday this year, I think we all would have preferred that. There's a chorus on this album that goes, "I had my good eye to the dark/ And my blind eye to the sun." We'll take the apology however we can get it.

Chris Brown: Graffiti

Chris Brown's latest album, brought to you with limited commercial interruptions by Terminix.

Claude VonStroke: Bird Brain

There Is a Bird on My Head was too literal.

Cymbals Eat Guitars: Why There Are Mountains

Despite the best efforts of this homeless kid and his sad dog, we're nowhere closer to understanding why there are mountains.

Dark Meat: When the Shelter Came

"Hold still, I think I see something."

Ear Pwr: Super Animal Brothers III

If they were making out, it could've been a Jim O'Rourke album cover.

Fischerspooner: Entertainment

Adam Lambert, this is your future.

Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown

Banksy would be proud. Or disgusted. Probably disgusted.

Jello Biafra: The Audacity of Hype

We didn't think this guy's CDs could get edgier. Then we ran them through the shredder.

Joss Stone: Colour Me Free!

I don't know, Joss, behind bars is actually a pretty good look for you.

Keith Urban: Defying Gravity

Lionel Richie, your move.

Kid Cudi: Man on the Moon: The End of Day

"Good news, Mr. Cudi, your X-Rays are in-- and I think we've finally discovered the cause of your migraines."

Mannie Fresh: Return of the Ballin'

"So, what's it gonna take to get you to drive out of here in one of these today?"

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MSTRKRFT: Fist of God

It works because listening to MSTRKRFT is like being punched and shat on at the same time.

Neil Young: Fork in the Road

A/S/L?





Patrick Wolf: The Bachelor

The second-strangest walk of shame in Patrick Wolf's life.

Razorlight: Slipway Fires

They were four men...living all together...but they were all alone.

Scott Hardkiss: Technicolor Dreamer

"I've fallen... and I can't get up!"

Sum41: All the Good Shit: 14 Solid Gold Hits, 2001-2008

It takes a special kind of bad album cover to include an entire decade's worth of bad album covers. The only thing left to do is slap a space shuttle with bird wings on it.

Tori Amos: Midwinter Graces

Just take that Final Fantasy cutscene and run with it, girl!