Album cover art has always been an essential aspect of the way we perceive a musical artist’s being. Certain albums have burned their way into society’s brain with instantly iconic art, while others showcase cover images that are beautiful approximations of the music they embody. Every year it’s a treat to see how the art world evolves the concept of cover art. Here are our picks for 2014’s best:

5. Flying Lotus – You’re Dead!

Courtesy of Warp Records.

Cover illustration by manga artist  Shintaro Kago, who also created artwork for FlyLo’s “You’re Dead” teaser video.

4. FKA twigs – LP1

Courtesy of Pitchfork.

Artwork designed by  Jesse Kanda, who has also designed the album art for Arca’s Xen as well as directing music videos for FKA twigs’ “Water Me” and several Arca songs.

3. Iceage – Plowing Into the Field of Love

Courtesy of Matador Records.

Cover photo by Kristian Emdal, bassist of  Lower and synth player in VÌÉR, who has done photography for Iceage and co-directed the video for Cult of Youth’s “Man and Man’s Ruin.”

2. Swans – To Be Kind

Courtesy of Young God Records.

Baby face image from original paintings by Bob Biggs, an L.A.-based artist who also founded Slash Records. Swans’ frontman Michael Gira shared a letter on his collaboration with Biggs, find it at the bottom of  this Spin article, along with more baby art!

1. Todd Terje – It’s Album Time

Courtesy of Bendik Kaltenborn.

Cover illustration by Bendik Kaltenborn, who has designed the cover art for all of  Todd Terje’s recent singles, as well as plenty of non-Terje related artwork all visible on his website.