Analyzing Apple Music's Top 100 Albums: Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and More
Discover the top 100 albums on Apple Music's prestigious list, showcasing the talents of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga among others. Dive into the rankings and explore the best music of all time.
Biggest Surprises and Snubs From Apple Music Top 100 Albums List
Getty Images; WireImage; FilmMagic
Apple Music recently unveiled their list of the top 100 albums of all time, sparking lively discussions among music enthusiasts.
The carefully curated ranking was revealed on Tuesday, May 22, and was put together by a prestigious group of artists, songwriters, producers, and other experts from various musical backgrounds and eras.
Apple Music's senior director of content and editorial, Rachel Newman, expressed that the "100 Best" compilation embodies all the elements that make Apple Music a top choice for music enthusiasts. This includes expertly curated playlists, a deep appreciation for storytelling, extensive knowledge and passion for music. The team has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort into creating this project, and they are thrilled to finally share it with the world.
Zane Lowe, the global creative director at Apple Music, admitted that compiling the list for "100 Best" was a challenging task, describing it as "practically mission impossible."
It was also incredible as music fans to pause and reflect on the music, albums, and artists we adore in this setting. If this list ignites more discussions among fans beyond Apple Music and inspires people to talk enthusiastically about the music they cherish, then we have achieved our goal.
For the key highlights from Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list, continue reading:
The Process Behind Apple Music's 100 Best Albums List
Apple Music brought together a team of artists, songwriters, producers, and music industry experts to create a list that was not based on streaming numbers. Instead, it was a heartfelt tribute to the albums that have had a significant impact on music lovers around the world.
The artists on the panel included Maren Morris, Maggie Rogers, Pharrell Williams, Charli XCX, Mark Hoppus and J Balvin.
What Was No. 1 on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums List?
Lauryn Hill Biggest Surprises and Snubs From Apple Music Top 100 Albums List
Lauryn Hill Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella
Lauryn Hill's debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, released in 1998, topped the charts. The album by the former Fugees singer was praised for its raw and profound exploration of spirituality, capturing not just her own journey but that of the entire era.
In response to the achievement, Hill expressed her gratitude to Apple Music, stating, "This award is not just mine, it represents a rich and deep narrative involving countless individuals, sacrifices, time, and collective love."
Was Beyoncé on the Apple Music 100 Best Albums List?
Yes, Beyoncé’s 2016 album, Lemonade, clocked in at No. 10. The singer’s 2013 self-titled album also made the list at No. 36.
Apple Music praised Beyoncé's sixth album, Lemonade, as a powerful mix of emotions - furious, defiant, anguished, vulnerable, experimental, muscular, triumphant, humorous, and brave. The album was released without warning during a time of public scrutiny and private suffering. Every moment of Lemonade is worth examining and appreciating.
On the other hand, Beyoncé's sister, Solange Knowles, also made the list at No. 93 with her 2016 album, A Seat at the Table.
Other Standout Albums in the Apple Music 100 Best Albums Top 10
Thriller by Michael Jackson claimed the second spot, with Abbey Road by The Beatles close behind at No. 3. Purple Rain by Prince & the Revolution secured the fourth position, while Blonde by Frank Ocean rounded out the top 5.
Drake's Album on Apple Music's 100 Best Albums List
Drake's album did not make the cut for Apple Music's 100 Best Albums list. Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life took the No. 6 spot, followed by Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city at No. 7, Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black at No. 8, and Nirvana’s Nevermind at No. 9.
Kendrick Lamar and Drake Biggest Surprises and Snubs From Apple Music Top 100 Albums List
Kendrick Lamar and Drake Getty Images; WireImage
While his rap foe Lamar ranked higher, Drake’s 2011 album, Take Care (Deluxe Version), came in at No. 47.
How Many Taylor Swift Albums Made the Apple Music 100 Best Albums List?
Just one. 1989 (Taylor’s Version), released in 2023, ranked No. 18 and was the only one of Swift’s albums to make the list.
Where Did Adele Chart on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums List?
Is Lady Gaga on the Apple Music 100 Best Albums List?
Lady Gaga's album, 21, released in 2011, made it to No. 15 on the list, featuring hit songs like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You". However, none of her other three studio albums were included in the ranking.
Lana Del Rey's albums did not make the Apple Music 100 Best List.
Lana Del Rey Biggest Surprises and Snubs From Apple Music Top 100 Albums List
Lana Del Rey Kristy Sparow/Getty Images
On the Apple Music 100 Best Albums list, other notable artists included Eminem with The Marshall Mathers LP at No. 80 and Elton John with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road at No. 78.
Kacey Musgraves Biggest Surprises and Snubs From Apple Music Top 100 Albums List
Kacey Musgraves Erika Goldring/FilmMagic
Some other famous albums on the list are Jay-Z’s The Blueprint at No. 13, Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? at No. 30, Rihanna’s Anti at No. 55, SZA’s SOS at No. 72, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti at No. 76, and Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour at No. 85.
Editor's P/S:
The Apple Music 100 Best Albums list is a testament to the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of music. The list encompasses a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to pop to rock, and features a mix of established classics and contemporary favorites. The inclusion of Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill at the top of the list is a fitting tribute to an album that has had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture.
The absence of certain high-profile artists, such as Drake and Lana Del Rey, highlights the subjective nature of any such list. While some fans may be disappointed by the omissions, the inclusion of other critically acclaimed albums ensures that the list remains a valuable resource for music enthusiasts seeking to expand their musical horizons. The Apple Music 100 Best Albums list is an invitation to explore the rich history of music and discover new artists and sounds that may not have been previously on their radar.
