Apple Music has revealed its highly anticipated list of the top 10 albums of all time, crowning Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as the No. 1 album. This culmination of Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list is celebrated with a special roundtable discussion featuring Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, legendary record producer Nile Rodgers, and Grammy-nominated artist Maggie Rogers, broadcast globally on Apple Music.
Crafting the 100 Best Albums List
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums is a modern ranking of the greatest records ever made, curated by Apple Music’s team of experts along with select artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. The list serves as an editorial statement, independent of streaming numbers, honoring the albums that have profoundly shaped the musical landscape.
The Top 10 Albums of All Time
- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album is celebrated for its raw, profound exploration of spirituality and cultural landscape, marking a seismic event in 1998. Hill’s innovation and influence are deeply etched into this cohesive masterpiece that continues to resonate through the decades. - Thriller (1982), Michael Jackson
Thriller redefined pop music and established the modern pop blockbuster. With seven of its nine tracks reaching the top 10, it remains one of the bestselling albums of all time, setting a new standard for musical impact. - Abbey Road (1969), The Beatles
Abbey Road stands as an ageless collection from a band at their creative zenith. This penultimate album by The Beatles showcases their unmatched songwriting and musical synergy, creating timeless tracks that continue to influence music today. - Purple Rain (1984), Prince & The Revolution
Purple Rain catapulted Prince into global stardom, blending genres and breaking musical boundaries. With half of its tracks becoming top 10 singles, it solidified Prince’s status as an unparalleled pop icon. - Blonde (2016), Frank Ocean
Blonde is a testament to Frank Ocean’s artistic genius, presenting a complex and deeply personal exploration of identity and emotion. Its innovative approach and Ocean’s unique vision have cemented its place as a generational masterpiece. - Songs in the Key of Life (1976), Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life is a broad and deeply personal album that became the fastest-selling record upon its release. Its cultural and emotional depth continues to inspire listeners worldwide. - good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city is a defining hip-hop record of the 21st century. With its powerful storytelling and cultural impact, it established Lamar as one of the most significant voices in contemporary music. - Back to Black (2006), Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black merges retro-soul with modern attitude, showcasing her unique vocal style and candid lyricism. The album’s timeless appeal and Winehouse’s raw talent make it a standout in music history. - Nevermind (1991), Nirvana
Nirvana’s Nevermind revolutionized popular culture, making grunge a global phenomenon. The album’s raw energy and Kurt Cobain’s poignant lyrics defined a generation and reshaped the music industry. - Lemonade (2016), Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Lemonade is a groundbreaking album that blends genres and delivers a powerful personal narrative. Its bold experimentation and emotional depth have earned it a place among the greatest albums of all time.
Celebrating the Top 100 Albums
In addition to the top 10, Apple Music has created 100 audio vignettes that tell the story behind each album on the list, contextualizing their significance. Written by a team of music experts and edited by award-winning audio editors, these vignettes are available on Apple Podcasts, providing a rich, immersive listening experience for music fans.
For more insights and to explore the complete list of Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums, visit Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
