Chart Busting Babes: 64 Top Hits Cheesecake Album Covers

In decades past, when you released a “top hits” album you had basically two options for the cover: (1) You can opt for the K-Tel route aimed at kids and give them little pictures of the various artists or (2) You can opt for the Top of the Pops approach aimed at teenagers and up and give them plenty of titillating eye candy.

Herein is a motherload of the option number two.  Enjoy.

 

They were like an extension of Page 3. And none the worse for that.

The Hot Hits series:  Beginning in 1962, the MFP company’s motto was “Can you tell the difference between these and the original sounds?” Well, yes of course you could, but that didn’t matter to the thousands who bought them. MFP Hot Hits LPs sold hundreds of thousands of copies before the series ended in 1973. Elton John, Larry Adler and allegedly David Bowie all appeared as session musicians and singers.

However, the Hot Hits series pales in comparison to the Top of the Pops series which released a whopping 92 records. The series lasted from 1968 to 1985.

 

I believe the lass on the left is Carol Cleveland, of Monty Python fame

A non-Caucasian – a real rarity on these top hits covers (and, of course, it’s for the soul hits).

Generally the rule thumb seemed to be glossy picture of semi-clad girl = dodgy cover versions of hits ground out by anonymous studio band.

A shame they snapped the picture before she had a chance to brush her hair.

You’ll notice that a lot of these are European.  The non-cheesecake K-tel variety was actually much more popular in America for whatever reason.

 

As far as I’m aware, the only top hits album cover to feature a baby.  The giant safety pin on her bikini bottom/diaper is also a bit unusual.

 

Penthouse Pet Joanna Latham at left.