Apple Music reveals the 10 best albums of all time
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Editor
- . May 25, 2024
- . Update: May 25, 2024 11:03 pm
Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums list ended today with the long-awaited reveal of the Top 10 albums of all time, with a special finale featuring discussions with notable artists and Apple Music hosts that crowned The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, released in 1998, as the number one album for its influence and significance.
Upon receiving the news, Lauryn Hill told Apple Music: ‘This is my award, but it’s a rich and deep story, involving a lot of people, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of time, and a lot of collective love.’ Hill received an award made of blown anodised aluminium made from recycled Apple products. The top 10 albums were as follows:
1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s first – and only – solo album, released in 1998, was a major event
2. Thriller (1982), Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s Thriller was a big change in music in 1982. It defined modern pop music and changed how music was made.
3. Abbey Road (1969), The Beatles
The band’s eleventh and penultimate album sounds like four extremely talented people playing song after song in the same room together. The Beatles’ Abbey Road is a collection of songs from a band that changed the world at the height of their creativity.
4. Purple Rain (1984), Prince & The Revolution
Unprecedented and unrivalled, this soundtrack has made Prince Rogers Nelson one of the most recognisable pop artists of all time. Prince has been compared to Jimi Hendrix for his blend of sacred and profane music.
5. Blonde (2016), Frank Ocean
Blonde plays 17 songs in an hour, showing how to create your own art and how to connect with your audience. They did. And they did.
6. Songs in the Key of Life (1976), Stevie Wonder
The album is almost 90 minutes long and is melodic, accessible, expansive and deeply personal. Songs in the Key of Life is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a complete worldview.
7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), Kendrick Lamar
West Coast hip-hop elders like Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre recruited Lamar to continue the legacy of gangsta rap. Kendrick Lamar’s second album ‘Good kid, m.A.A.A.A.d city’ is one of the most important hip-hop records of the 21st century.
8. Back to Black (2006), Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s music sounds different because of her performance and songs. Back to Black appeals to old school soul and classic jazz fans, but her style is more like rap. Yes, it was funny. But she wasn’t kidding.
9. Nevermind (1991), Nirvana
‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ turned popular culture upside down in ways never seen before and never seen since. Punk became pop music, and lead singer Kurt Cobain became the reluctant voice of a generation that needed to let loose
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10. Lemonade (2016), Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s new album is a bold, private statement. It’s angry, defiant and experimental. It’s also funny and brave. Every second of Lemonade is worth studying and enjoying.
