Denotations and connotations of a magazine front cover

Magazine use both images and text to appeal to their audience. Whether we realise it or not there are connotations and denotations within everything we see on the cover of a magazine, that speak to us with few or no words.
The eye level, close up of Carl Barat displayed on the cover of NME magazine is very intense. The singer is pictured on the same level as us and makes a connection between the magazine and the reader. Also, because he is in the centre of the frame we know he is  the main feature of thee issue. The focus in the image is blurred around his face but the eyes are clear. It is as if the picture is saying, 'look at me' or 'i want to speak.' The simplistic, primarily black and white photograph turns the focal point to Barats staring eyes. His facial expressions are very serious, this reflects the tone of the article.
When you look at the magazine as a reader you are drawn to the large bold text reading Carl Barat it draws attention to the main focus of the whole issue. The font used for the text above the headline appears to be hand written, this ties in with the idea Barat telling 'my story'. There are many other bus headings in very bold and clear text, emphasised against the pale photo used on the cover.
The magazines front page uses the colours red, white and blue. These colours have connotations of the Union Jack; symbol for the Libertines, Carl Barats band. The rest of the bands mentioned on the cover are also British. The use of the red on the page could connote danger, anger, passion or l emotions expressed within the article are portrayed through the colour.
The famous music magazine NME (new musical express) is one that is recognised by music lover all over the country. When said aloud it can be mistaken for the word 'enemy'. Some people would tie this with NME being a rock/alternative/indie magazine with a rebellious and sometimes controversial writing.
The style of the magazine is modern and simplistic. Sticking to a set colour pallet and using the same font in a range of sizes and colours creates a clean, organised looking cover. I believe that the magazine appeals to male and females, this issue especially, but targets a youthful audience with minimal text and sometimes complex and interesting photographs.