Lets get superficial for a moment here - album artwork is important. Iconic front covers can be remembered in the music history books as much as great tracks and classic albums, and 2013 has seen some seriously stunning examples.
In the digital age, where most people experience album covers in just a handful of pixels on the screen of their smartphone, it is encouraging that such incredible examples of album art being produced. The resurgence of vinyl and love for retro formats is in part responsible, as many people remember part of why they first fell in love with music. Album artwork is part of the complete experience.
So, check out some of the most beautiful album artwork of 2013 right here. You can't judge an album by its cover, but you can ooh and ahh over how lovely it looks.