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Transcendent across all artists, genres and time periods, one sentiment rings true: sex sells. More so, time is a testament that “sexy” does not manifest in one form — one’s clothes, makeup or demeanor can be steeped in allure. In some eras, sexy is boisterous and glitzy; in others, elusive and mystifying. TASCHEN captures this ever-persistent pursuit of sexiness with Sexy Record Covers, available this June. 

As the ads it memoralizes, the artbook doesn’t pull any punches — Sexy Record Covers is adults-only. The collection of album covers, spanning over 70 years, is frank: frankly provocative, frankly raunchy and, frankly, nude. The book serves as its own erotic history book, showcasing the evolution from cheeky pin-ups to racy art.

The 500-plus pages are a culmination of author Eric Godtland's consistent collection, which he has maintained since 1977. Covers hail from North and South America, Europe, Asian, Africa and Australia — and encompass all genres — embodying the global obsession with sex that permeates music history. Many records are from small labels with limited production — Godtland often has the only extant copy, or one of the few available. This exclusivity drove Godtland, alongside book editor Dian Hanson, to bring this sexiness to the page. 

As readers absorb the sensual, and often striking covers, the collection weaves together a conversation on provocativeness and visual impact over time. While album art is at the heart of Sexy Record Covers, readers witness a decades-old lesson on how nudity, particularly the female body, continues to propel art designed to attract.

Sexy Record Covers is available for pre-order.