The 'Thriller' Lean: How Reclining Album Covers Became a Rite of Passage for Modern R&B Artists
By
Kory Grow
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
The article explores a recurring visual trend in R&B album cover art: artists reclining or leaning, reminiscent of iconic poses by Michael Jackson (the "Thriller" lean), Teddy Pendergrass, and Luther Vandross. It highlights how contemporary R&B artists like Eric Bellinger, Durand Bernarr, and Ari Lennox are adopting this relaxed, inviting posture on their album covers, framing it as a rite of passage and a nod to the genre's rich visual and musical history.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledBellinger, who recently put out the heart-on-sleeve slow jam 'Cry in Front of You,' spotted the coincidence early
Soul singers stretching out placidly and invitingly on their album covers
Several R&B artists this year are giving a comfortably relaxed nod to a tradition that dates back decades
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