5 album covers you probably didn't know were designed by famous artists

In 1984, the Scorpions released their album "Love at First Sting," which cemented their international popularity. Its erotic cover photo was shot by the legendary Helmut Newton. It was their most successful record in the US and reached sixth spot in the Billboard charts - but with another cover. After a complaint by Wal-Mart, it was replaced with a less controversial photo of the band members.

Despite his well publicized drug addictions, Pete Doherty, the frontman of Babyshambles, is also an exceptionally talented musician. The cover of the band's third album was designed by none other than the British artist and Turner Prize winner Damien Hirst. The artwork builds on a photo shot by rock photographer Pennie Smith.

Minimalist design, huge success: Although the original name of this album is "The Beatles," it became known as "The White Album" because of its special cover - a plain white image. Famous Pop Art artist Richard Hamilton met The Beatles in the 60s and was commissioned to design the artwork for this milestone in music history. He allegedly got paid $316 for the job.

Everyone who once used to be a little punk knows this cover by The Sex Pistols. The title "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" perfectly shows the band's attitude - pure provocation. While their outfit was designed by Vivienne Westwood, the cover for their only studio album was done by an artist with a similar anarchistic attitude, Jamie Reid.

This record from 1988 was Sonic Youth's breakthrough - and its iconic artwork may have contributed to its success. "Kerze" is a photo-realistic painting of a candle by the famous contemporary artist Gerhard Richter. The members of the influential rock band are said to be big fans of the German painter.