NME Magazine Analysis - Front Cover

• The main cover line about Mark Ronson tells us that he is reinventing himself; this could explain why he is wearing a blue jacket that differs from the colour scheme; it is a symbolic code to show his change through his style. It also reflects what the magazine represents, bringing the latest news in contemporary music, which is exactly what they are doing with Mark Ronson. Those who are fans of Mark Ronson will find this appealing because they are fans, yet it will also appeal to those who didn't like his previous work because it tells  us he is changing, so it appeals to NME's target audience of 15 -25year olds who, if they are buying this magazine must have a interest in the current music. The cover line is an enigma code as the reader is intrigued as to what the reinvention consists of. 
• The banner at the top of the page widens NME's audience to older people as well as those interested in older music, as well as or instead of contemporary. The clash were an 80's rock band that featured in NME throughout the 80's when they were together, so readers of the magazine since then would appreciate this as well as those interested in 80's music. The fact it is a 'collectors issue' makes it seem more desirable and because they are advertising the 'Free' part in the largest font on the banner, it shows they are trying to show the reader that they are getting two magazines for the price of one.
• The '+' feature across the bottom of the page is a common plug used on magazine covers to show the reader how much content the magazine consists of. Simply giving us the artist's name and no information as to why they are in the magazine is an enigma code that would encourage the reader to buy the edition if they are interested in any of these artists. NME is a trusted magazine and so when they feature artists, a semi literate audience and respected fans of the magazine would trust that there is relevant feature of interest to them about this artist.