After counting down the 100 greatest albums of all time for over a week, Apple Music has released its top 10 tally, with Lauryn Hill's 1998 debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, taking the top honors.
Behind Ms. Hill's iconic albums are Michael Jackson's “Thriller,” the Beatles' “Abbey Road,” Prince's “Purple Rain,” Frank Ocean's “Blonde,” and Stevie Wonder's “Songs.”・In the Key of Life,” Kendrick Lamar's “Good Kid,” “mAAd city,” Amy Winehouse's “Back to Black,” Nirvana's “Nevermind,” Beyoncé's ” “Lemonade” was in the top 10.
Apple Music's list has been a lightning rod on social media since it was released on May 13. Some have taken issue with the absence of Latin, country, jazz and dance albums that helped shape modern music. Others have taken the ranking itself to task for favoring recent albums over older, more foundational works.
The list, which counts down 10 records per day, spans a variety of decades and includes records from SZA's “SOS” and Taylor Swift's “1989 (Taylor's Version)” to Bruce Springsteen's “Born to Run” and The Beach Boys' “Pet Sounds.”
Topping the list, “Miseducation” was Hill's breakthrough album, making her the first rap artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1999. In a statement shared through Apple Music, she said her environment and influences deserve as much credit as she does for the honor.
“I'm grateful, and I truly am, but it would be disrespectful not to also thank all the music and artists that have influenced and inspired me,” she said. “The leaders of the communities and movements that inspired me, both ancient and contemporary, intrigued me with social dynamics and music scenes that inspired me to contribute. A literal educator. My parents, my family, my friends, my community, where I came from, where I came from…I wanted that same flame that inspired me to continue, though. , I couldn't bear to see that lost. I made connections with many people who made what I wanted to see and hear exist in the world at that time, and I will continue to do so. Thank you to everyone who participated, to everyone who supported the release and movement of this work around the world, and to everyone who was initially reluctant. A big thank you to all the careful listeners, and a huge thank you to all the casual listeners, and a huge thank you to all the casual listeners. With love to all the artists and those who support them who fight the good, brave and noble fight of presenting the art you love to a world that needs it.”
Check out the top 10 of Apple Music's 100 best albums below.
10. Lemonade – Beyoncé
9. Nevermind – Nirvana
8. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
7. Good Kid, mAd City (Deluxe Edition) – Kendrick Lamar
6. Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
5. Blonde – Frank Ocean
4. Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
3. Abbey Road – The Beatles
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill