When first looking at the album cover for Van Halen's album 1984 one might express confusion or shock. The album cover depicts a baby angel smoking a cigarette with a smug grin on his face as he looks to his left. Van Halen uses the image to portray that they're rebellious, yet innocent. The lack of text provides room for interpretation, but doesn't allow the viewer to stray too far from the message. 

The close up shot of the child immediately draws attention to the child's face as he gazes off at some unknown object. As he looks off he has a slight smirk on his face that almost appears as if he's about to laugh, implying that it's a joke to him. He looks in the opposite direction of the cigarette in his hand as if to suggest that he knows what he's doing is wrong, but he doesn't care. He is shameless. Similarly, as a rock band during the 1970's and 80's Van Halen was edgy and they knew it. Like the baby angel, they were doing something different than was expected of them. Perhaps that's one reason that they chose the image they did to be their album cover. They wanted the album to represent who they were, and who they were was rebellious and shameless. Their album cover is a reflection of who they are because they were shamelessly defiant, and the baby angel on their cover shamelessly smokes a cigarette while proudly displaying two packs on the table in front of him which embodies Van Halen's personality.

Although the cover seems simple, it caused some controversy due to the feelings that some had about it. While the cover lacks much writing, the lack of writing is what creates the controversy. With a lack of writing there is room for more interpretation with a lack of evidence, and can lead to false assumptions. A lot of opposition was made up of those who felt uncomfortable with the because they believed the image suggested rebellion is alright. It may be assumed that many of those upset by the cover were parents who were concerned that the album was telling their kids to rebel. While many opposed to the cover, it has to be realized that those who were offended were not the intended audience. The intended audience was for fans who enjoyed Van Halen's music and message, and would therefore enjoy the album cover and its message.

  The use of a controversial image to stir emotion was essential to the album's success because it got people thinking and talking about the album. Although the cover created controversy, it also allowed for interpretations that drew in open-minded individuals. By using an image on their album cover to convey a message about themselves Van Halen took advantage of the opportunity to develop their image. Van Halen effectively communicated their personality by choosing an album cover that effectively suggested that they are both rebellious and innocent at the same time. The image serves it's purpose as both a cover for the album and as a visual representation for the band. Initially the band wanted their cover to be four dancing chrome women, but decided otherwise after viewing the picture of the baby angel. Had Van Halen gone with the other choice they would have lost their personality and had it replaced with a mainstream image lacking much meaning or significance. 

Had this image been used differently, then the context would have shifted and the entire message could have changed. For instance, if this image was shown to someone with no context or writing they may interpret it as an anti-smoking ad. The individual may choose to think that it's a shock ad that is meant to shock people into realizing the dangers of smoking and its repercussions. The same picture could be titled "Marlboro" instead of Van Halen and someone could think it's an ad suggesting that even angels smoke Marlboro. Context is essential to visuals because what they make up for in visual representation they lack in background information. 

While their album cover may stir controversy and evoke uncomfortable feelings for some, Van Halen's use of their album cover helped to get them to where they are. By utilizing the benefits of visual text they were able to convey their personality and something about themselves, while saving themselves time and resources to do otherwise.