On May 13, 2024, Apple Music presented and started their own top 100 album list, ranking what they think are the best albums of all time and revealing ten albums each day. The list covers artists from many generations and a wide variety of genres. From Tyler the Creator, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny to The Beatles, Pink Floyd, the Wu-Tang Clan, and many others.
Apple Music reported the many people involved in the process of curating the list in a press release on May 13th, 2024.
“[The list was] crafted by Apple Music’s team of experts alongside a select group of artists, including Maren Morris, Pharrell Williams, J Balvin, Charli XCX, Mark Hoppus, Honey Dijon, and Nia Archives, as well as songwriters, producers, and industry professionals,” according to Apple Music.
After ten days of publishing ten albums each day, the list officially culminated, and the best ten albums of all time according to Apple Music are:
- Lemonade by Benyoncé: Lemonade is a well-rounded album with a mixture of musical elements from genres such as Reggae, Soul, and Hip-Hop. With tracks like “Don’t Hurt Yourself” this project staples itself as an impactful, iconic, and empowering statement. Benyoncé brings raw, emotional lyrics throughout the whole project, touching themes of infidelity, braveness, and African American identity. Lemone shows us a strong yet sometimes vulnerable Beyoncé. The track “Freedom” featuring world-renowned artist Kendrick Lamar, is undoubtedly one of the strongest tracks in the album. “Freedom” displays Beyoncé’s struggles with infidelity and addresses institutionalized racism within the US, both recurring themes throughout the project.
- Nevermind by Nirvana: Nirvana’s sophomore album, Nevermind, is a disruptive, culture-shaking, pure, project. Butch Vig’s polished production gave Nirvana a refreshing touch that made the project much more cohesive and processable than Nirvana’s debut, Bleach. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” opens the album in an incredibly energetic way with an overdriven guitar, hard-hitting drums, and Kurt Cobain’s unique, loud vocals that create an eccentric atmosphere that captures the escalating energy that the track starts with. In Nevermind we see some of Nirvana’s most well-written songs. From “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to “Endless, nameless” we can see some of the most genuine, vulnerable writing the band has to offer.
- Back to Black by Amy Winehouse: Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black is a rollercoaster of emotions. From the beautifully crafted and arranged songs like “Tears Dry on Their Own” to the raw, unapologetic, and sometimes concerning songs like her hit leading single “Rehab,” Back to Black makes sure to leave a mark on its listeners. Produced by Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, this album is truly an example of what amazing songwriting and production sound when put together.
- good kid m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar’s good kid m.A.A.d city contains some of the most vivid and delightful storytelling music has to offer. Kendrick’s sophomore album features high quality production from Dr. Dre, Pharrel Williams, Just Blaze, and many other amazingly talented producers. good kid m.A.A.d city beautifully captures the experiences of Black American youth and ignites hope within its 18 songs. Playing this album is like watching a movie. Kendrick’s exceptional flows and storytelling abilities make this album an amazingly entertaining and emotional listen.
- Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder: Impressively consistent, wonderfully creative, and genius. Wonder’s double album, Songs in the Key of Life, is artistry and creativity at its finest. In this album, there’s anything from amazing grooves and amazing lyrics, to massive vocals and brilliant percussive elements. “Sir Duke,” “I wish,” “As,” and many other songs make this album an enjoyable, interesting listening experience. Songs in the Key of Life is a beautifully crafted project, and its influence on music cannot be overstated.
- Blonde by Frank Ocean: A uniquely chaotic yet beautiful project. Frank Ocean’s second album is all over the place in the best sense possible. Blonde is Frank’s most experimental and special album to date. The beautiful melodies and chord progressions of the album’s Neo soul cuts with Frank’s hip-hop influenced vocal cadence gives it the uniqueness that its predecessor, Channel Orange, lacked. Even though there’s nothing worth highlighting about Frank’s lyricism in Blonde, he definitely makes up for it with his amazing creativity and top-notch production. Blonde is an experience from top to bottom, and it is definitely worth a listen.
4. Purple Rain by Prince & The Revolution: A disorienting and beautiful album. Purple Rain is peak musicianship. Prince shows his versatility and artistry on every track, keeping the album interesting throughout. Every listen feels like the first. No matter how many times you listen to Purple Rain, there’s always something new to find within its amazingly written and arranged nine tracks. The massive and “full” vocals on the closing track “Purple Rain” gives the psychedelic experience (that is the album) an amazing, beautiful closure. Prince and the Revolution give amazing chord progressions, delightful harmonies, powerful guitar solos, and hypnotic grooves to their listeners. An unforgettable listening experience.
- Abbey Road by The Beatles: Abbey Road is another album of which its influence on music cannot be overstated. The Beatles’ last album marked a turning point in music as a whole. It is hard to describe how polished and complete every song on the album sounds. The band’s collective creativity is displayed throughout the project. “Golden Slumbers,” “Something,” and “Oh! Darling” are just a few of the songs that make this album special and unmatched.
- Thriller by Michael Jackson: A timeless classic. Thriller is an album that needs no context nor introduction. With only nine tracks, Thriller contains some of Michael Jackson’s most loved and regarded songs. Every track contributes to the delightful compound of hits this album has. Thriller is played and loved by any generation; regardless of your age, there’s at least one song you’ll love from this album. Michael Jackson changed the landscape of pop music and music as a whole with Thriller.
- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill By Lauryn Hill: Lauryn Hill, with only one album, managed to create one of the most bewildering, profound, and gratifying experiences music has to offer. Hill’s only album brings astounding lyricism, beautiful gospel-like vocals, unmatched delivery, and a perfect repertory of songs that make this album simply a masterpiece. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’s authenticity cannot be copied.
