Uncovered: Lean Into It
Back when artists were too cool to stand, and opted to just chill for the camera.
Welcome to a new occasional feature of The Mixtape called “Uncovered,” wherein I investigate the similarities of album covers across genres and decades. We’ll start with the guaranteed never-to-fail and seductive “elbow lean.”
Leaning on one’s elbow became a time-honored tradition in the world of album (and some 7” single) covers from the 1960s through its golden age, the 1980s.
No genre was spared, as the pose spread from pop and country to R&B and rock.
Yellow shirts were certainly a stylistic choice.
Either elbow could be utilized.
Adding props enhanced the experience…



…and poppin’ that collar never hurts.
Some gave us the one-elbow-up, one-elbow-down maneuver complete with a full-lean pose…
…while others didn’t even bother to remove their hat…
…or boots.
The tummy hold here is particularly inspired:
There was also the occasional forward double-elbow lean…
And finally, for those who didn’t want to go full elbow, we mustn’t forget the palm-lean subset of this album cover phenomenon. Mainly used by artists formerly in popular bands (below, Spirit and Humble Pie, respectively) but found a whole new audience with their solo work…
The palm-lean was also occasionally put into action by ‘70s and ‘80s country artists, such as Dottie West and Charly McClain.
McClain thought the palm-lean was so nice, she used it twice…
…and paired it with an elbow lean on the back cover. Game, set, match.
Until next time, here’s to leaning into your dreams and goals. If anything tries to block you, elbow it out of the way.



















This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Oh and Scott Baio! Gotta get that album.
If only Bill Withers had got the memo for Still Bill, the album with Lean on Me...