rolling stone double page spread analysis

Layout— the layout used for the double page spread is less common than used in nme and Q. the picture covers both pages in the double page spread which is unusual as many magazines have the picture taking up all of one page and have the other page filled with text.  Using this layout means there is less room for text and so does not have a lot of text on the double page spread however the article continues onto another double page spread. The layout is ordered and the text is ordered in columns in the bottom right corner of the page.  A watermark is also used as part of the headline.

Typography-  the kicker is in serif font with the rest of the article in sans serif font which is unusual as often when a drop cap is used it is usually the same style just bigger and often in another colour which isn't the case here.  A stand first is used in a larger font at the start of the article to give a brief lowdown on what the article is about. Part of the headline is used as a watermark ( the USA part) and so is partly covered by the picture, it is also in larger different font. Underneath the title there is a byline used telling us the journalists name and the photographers name.

Colour scheme—there are few colours used on the double page spread and the vast majority of the spread is black and grey. Using these dark colours helps to make the red (on the flag and her hair) look brighter and so stand out more. The background of the page is different shades of grey as is the watermark as its also part of the background. All other text is in black font which is unusual as often the headline and or the stand first is in different colours.  One of the connotations associated with red is power which Is fitting in the article as it talks about her being such a success story and how she has taken America by storm.

Mise-en-scene— a USA flag is used in the picture as its directly associated with the article as the article talks about Florence and the machine in America. There is also some kind of stool/table used which she is sitting on but is covered by the flag so we are unable to see, this is useful as it means they can use a shot of her sitting down. 

 Mode of address-  the language used is formal as there is no slang or swearing in the text. The magazine does not directly speak to the audience and is written in 3rd person which is recurring for the whole of the rolling stone magazine. The article is written in a style that is aimed at fans of the artist ( hence the title : USA got the love, adjusted from her song you got the love) which people who do not follow her wouldn't understand.

Camerawork—a long shot is used of Florence welch sitting on a table/stool covered in an American flag. It’s a long shot as you can see all of her body and the surroundings in the shot. It is conventional to use longer ranged shots in double paged spreads as often the picture shows the artists whole body. The picture is more on the left side of the spread however the shot crosses over onto both pages of the spread, something that is unusual in terms of layout. It is slightly more to the left so it does not interfere with the text which is located to the right side of the right page.