A symbol of protection for the old Egyptians and a common emblem in heraldry, the lion traditionally illustrates bravery, valour, strength, and royalty. Be it about authority, pride, or Christianity, in coats of arms or on flags, the lion has always been a meaningful figure. Music, filled as it is in many ways with symbolism, couldn’t ignore this, so here we have a top 20 of the best album covers with lions.

20. THE CALBIDOS – Yuxtaposición (1997)

Genre: Jazz Fusion

19. BRUCE COCKBURN – Joy Will Find a Way (1975)

Genre: Contemporary Folk

18. RAIN MACHINE – Rain Machine (2009)

Genre: Indie Rock

17. ABERFELDY – Young Forever (2004)

Genre: Twee Pop

16. SKINDRED – Union Black (2011)

Genre: Reggae Metal

15. JASON COLLETT – Rat a Tat Tat (2010)

Genre: Indie Pop

14. LOVERS & KILLERS – Tropic of Cancer (2006)

Genre: Hardcore

13. MUSLIMGAUZE – Armsbazzar (2008)

Genre: Electronic

12. PEZZETTINO – Lion (2009)

Genre: Indie Pop

11. KATE BUSH – Lionheart (1978)

Genre: Art Pop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8SmoMCuS0k

10. INTERPOL – Our Love to Admire (2007)

Genre: Indie Rock

9. THE SOUND – From the Lion’s Mouth (1981)

Genre: Post-Punk

8. L’ARC~EN~CIEL – My Heart Draws a Dream (2007)

Genre: J-Pop

7. PANTALEIMON – Heart of the Sun (2008)

Genre: Contemporary Folk

6. BASEBALL FURIES – Throw Them to the Lions (2009)

Genre: Garage Punk

5. BLUE MERCEDES – I Want to Be Your Property (1987)

Genre: Pop

4. MINNIE RIPERTON – Adventures in Paradise (1975)

Genre: Soul

3. HALLELUJAH THE HILLS – Colonial Drones (2009)

Genre: Indie Rock

2. FRANÇOIS MOREL – Le soir, des lions… (2010)

Genre: Chanson

1. SONNY & CHER – Mama Was a Rock and Roll Singer, Papa Used to Write All Her Songs (1973)

Genre: Sunshine Pop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge9SIAA42zI

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