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Upon receiving the news, Lauryn Hill told Apple Music: “This is my award, but it’s a rich, deep narrative, and involves so many people, and so much sacrifice, and so much time, and so much collective love.”

To celebrate, Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden sat down with legendary record producer, writer, and performer Nile Rodgers and Grammy-nominated artist and producer Maggie Rogers to reflect on the list during a special roundtable broadcasting globally today on Apple Music. Watch the full roundtable at music.apple.com *live from 1pm BST.

Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums is a modern 21st-century ranking of the greatest records ever made, crafted by Apple Music’s team of experts alongside a select group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. The list is an editorial statement, fully independent of any streaming numbers on Apple Music — a love letter to the records that have shaped the world music lovers live and listen in.

The full 100 albums can be found here: 100 Best

Explore the top 10 albums here: 

1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s debut — and only — solo studio album was a seismic event in 1998: a stunningly raw, profound look into the spiritual landscape not just of one of the era’s biggest stars, but of the era itself. She was, and remains, a once-in-a-generation talent whose inspiration and innovation can be heard through the decades. Artists exhaust long discographies hoping for a cohesive piece of work resonant enough to reshape culture and inscribe its creator into the pantheon; Lauryn Hill did it in one. 

2. Thriller (1982), Michael Jackson
There are few pop albums, or even works of art, that denote a wholesale shift in time and space the way Michael Jackson’s Thriller did in 1982. It did nothing less than define the modern pop blockbuster and redefine the scope and reach of music. Seven of its nine original cuts were top 10 singles, and it became one of the bestselling albums ever made. 

3. Abbey Road (1969), The Beatles
The Beatles’ Abbey Road is an ageless, unmatched collection of songs by a world-changing band at their creative peak. The band’s 11th and penultimate album sounds like nothing more or less than four extremely gifted humans playing one indelible song after another in the same room together.

4. Purple Rain (1984), Prince & The Revolution
With half its track list comprising top 10 singles, this soundtrack is what truly turned Prince Rogers Nelson into one of the most instantly recognisable and distinctive pop artists ever. Prince often drew comparisons to Jimi Hendrix for the way he mixed music that felt Black and white, sacred and profane. The reality is that he had no precedent then and no comparison now. 

5. Blonde (2016), Frank Ocean
Though Blonde packs 17 tracks into one quick hour, it’s a sprawling palette of ideas, a testament to the intelligence of flying one’s own artistic freak flag and trusting that audiences will meet them where they’re at. They did. And Ocean established himself as a generational artist uniquely suited to the complexities and convulsive changes of the second decade of the 21st century. 

6. Songs in the Key of Life (1976), Stevie Wonder
In 1974, Stevie Wonder was the most critically revered pop star in the world; he was also considering leaving the music industry altogether. So when Songs in the Key of Life was released two years later, demand was so high that it became, at the time, the fastest-selling album in history. The album, which runs nearly 90 minutes, is effortlessly melodic, broad in scope, and deeply personal. Sonically, culturally, and emotionally, Songs in the Key of Life is much more than a gigantic collection of songs — it forms an entire worldview.

7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s sophomore album good kid, m.A.A.d city is one of the defining hip-hop records of the 21st century. West Coast hip-hop elders like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre anointed Lamar to carry on the legacy of gangsta rap, and the legacy of this album is a crucial example of American storytelling that established the future Pulitzer Prize winner as perhaps his generation’s most accomplished writer. 

8. Back to Black (2006), Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s presentation and otherworldly, timeless vocals make her music feel different — not so much an attempt to re-create the past as to honour the music she loved while still being true to the trash-talking, self-effacing millennial she was. The sound of Back to Black might appeal to retro-soul fans and jazz classicists, but the attitude is closer to rap. Yes, she was funny. But she wasn’t kidding. 

9. Nevermind (1991), Nirvana 
Nevermind and its opening salvo “Smells Like Teen Spirit” didn’t just mark an unlikely breakthrough for the Seattle trio, it upended popular culture in ways never before and never since. Punk became pop, grunge became global vernacular, industry walls broke into rubble, and lead vocalist Kurt Cobain was anointed the reluctant voice of a generation in need of catharsis — all seemingly overnight.

10. Lemonade (2016), Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s genre-obliterating blockbuster sixth album is furious, defiant, anguished, vulnerable, experimental, muscular, triumphant, humorous, and brave — a vivid personal statement, released without warning in a time of public scrutiny and private suffering. Every second of Lemonade deserves to be studied and celebrated.

Watch the full roundtable conversation with Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Nile Rodgers and Maggie Rogers at music.apple.com.

As an additional gift to music fans, Apple Music created 100 audio vignettes telling the story of each album and contextualising its significance and position on the list. Written by a team of music experts and edited by award-winning audio editors, these vignettes are sonic companions to Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums. Listen to the stories behind each of the albums and more on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/100BestRadio

Music lovers can also access 100 Best Albums special content across the Apple ecosystem on the App Store, Apple News, Apple Retail, apple.com, and more. Additionally, they can explore a 100 Best Albums dedicated space on Apple Books, which celebrates titles by and about artists from the list.

Quotes on the top 3 from the roundtable:

1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Lauryn Hill
Zane Lowe: "This album doesn’t just resonate with the people who were around when it came out and who hold it dear. It has not dated, not even a fraction. In fact, it feels more fresh and more relevant the more you listen to it… There are a lot of young artists hearing it, and it’s becoming part of their artistic DNA. It’s inspiring and influencing them… It’s timeless."

2. Thriller (1982), Michael Jackson
Zane Lowe: "Not only did it outsell everything in its opening year, it outsold everything in its second year. It changed the way people approached making music, releasing music, distributing, marketing music, and no one ever caught up to it. It set the bar so high."

Nile Rodgers: "When Michael dropped this record, to me, the world changed. It was a seismic shift. Having a Black artist do a music video on the level of “Thriller” just changed the world.

3. Abbey Road (1969), The Beatles

Nile Rodgers: "There’s something about the Beatles that’s always really magical to me. Believe it or not, the first song I ever actually learned to play on guitar was a Beatles song. I knew at that moment that I was going to be a guitar player. Prior to that, I played the clarinet."

Zane Lowe: "The amount of songs that have stayed with people as they’ve lived their lives to a point… played at anniversaries, weddings, funerals, fall in love to, broken up to. There are lots of songbooks that speak to many times in life. I think The Beatles have the songbook of life."

 
Apple Music 100 Best Albums - Full List 
  • 100: Body Talk - Robyn
  • 99: Hotel California - The Eagles
  • 98: ASTROWORLD - Travis Scott
  • 97: Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine
  • 96: Pure Heroine - Lorde
  • 95: Confessions - USHER
  • 94: Untrue - Burial
  • 93: A Seat at the Table - Solange
  • 92: Flower Boy - Tyler, The Creator
  • 91: Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 - George Michael
  • 90: Back in Black - AC/DC
  • 89: The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition) - Lady Gaga
  • 88: I Put a Spell on You - Nina Simone
  • 87: Blue Lines - Massive Attack
  • 86: My Life - Mary J Blige
  • 85: Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves
  • 84: Doggystyle - Snoop Dogg
  • 83: Horses - Patti Smith
  • 82: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ - 50 Cent
  • 81: After the Gold Rush - Neil Young
  • 80: The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem
  • 79: Norman F****** Rockwell! - Lana Del Rey
  • 78: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
  • 77: Like A Prayer - Madonna
  • 76: Un Verano Sin Ti - Bad Bunny
  • 75: Supa Dupa Fly - Missy Eliott
  • 74: Downward Spiral - Nine Inch Nails
  • 73: Aja - Steely Dan
  • 72: SOS - SZA
  • 71: Trans-Europe Express - Kraftwerk
  • 70: Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A
  • 69: Master of Puppets (Remastered) - Metallica
  • 68: Is this It - The Strokes
  • 67: Dummy - Portishead
  • 66: The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths
  • 65: 3 Feet High and Rising - De La Soul
  • 64: Baduizm - Erykah Badu
  • 63: Are You Experienced? - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
  • 62: All Eyez on Me - 2Pac
  • 61: Love Deluxe - Sade
  • 60: The Velvet Underground and Nico (45th Anniversary Edition) - Velvet Underground & Nico
  • 59: AM - Arctic Monkeys
  • 58: (What's The Story) Morning Glory - Oasis
  • 57: Voodoo - D’Angelo
  • 56: Disintegration (Remastered) - The Cure
  • 55: ANTI - Rihanna
  • 54: A Love Supreme - John Coltrane
  • 53: Exile on Main Street (2010 Remaster) - Rolling Stones
  • 52: Appetite for Destruction - Guns 'N Roses
  • 51: Sign O’The Times - Prince
  • 50. Hounds of Love (2018 Remaster) - Kate Bush
  • 49. The Joshua Tree - U2
  • 48. Paul’s Boutique - Beastie Boys
  • 47. Take Care (Deluxe Version) - Drake
  • 46. Exodus ((2013 Remaster) - Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • 45. Homogenic - Björk
  • 44. Innervisions - Stevie Wonder
  • 43. Remain in Light - Talking Heads
  • 42. Control - Janet Jackson
  • 41. Aquemini - Outkast
  • 40. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You - Aretha Franklin
  • 39. Illmatic - Nas
  • 38. Tapestry - Carole King
  • 37. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) [Expanded Edition] - Wu-Tang Clan
  • 36. BEYONCÉ - Beyoncé
  • 35. London Calling - The Clash 
  • 34. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back - Public Enemy
  • 33. Kid A - Radiohead
  • 32. Ready to Die (The Remaster) - Notorious B.I.G.
  • 31. Jagged Little Pill (Remastered) - Alanis Morisette 
  • 30. WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? - Billie Eilish
  • 29. The Low End Theory - A Tribe Called Quest
  • 28. The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd 
  • 27. Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin
  • 26. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
  • 25. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis 
  • 24. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (2012 Remaster) - David Bowie
  • 23. Discovery - Daft Punk 
  • 22. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
  • 21. Revolver - The Beatles
  • 20: Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys
  • 19: The Chronic - Dr. Dre
  • 18: 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
  • 17: What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
  • 16: Blue - Joni Mitchell
  • 15: 21 - Adele
  • 14: Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan
  • 13: The Blueprint - JAY-Z
  • 12: OK Computer - Radiohead
  • 11: Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
  • 10. Lemonade - Beyoncé
  • 9. Nevermind - Nirvana 
  • 8. Back to Black, Amy Winehouse
  • 7. good kid, m.A.A.d city, Kendrick Lamar
  • 6. Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder
  • 5. Blonde, Frank Ocean
  • 4. Purple Rain, Prince & The Revolution
  • 3. Abbey Road , The Beatles
  • 2. Thriller, Michael Jackson
  • 1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Lauryn Hill

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

BPI opens nominations for election of Independent Representatives on its Council

  The BPI is holding elections for two independent representative places on its Council BPI Council plays a key role in determining the trade association’s strategy and policy goals Deadline for nominations is 1pm Thursday 15 January 2026, with voting opening in early...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

PRS for Music pays out record £274.9 million in final royalty distributions of 2025

Nearly 400 music creators receive a royalty payment for the first time    PRS for Music has announced its largest-ever royalty payout, distributing £274.9 million to rightsholders worldwide. The December distributions mark a 4% increase on last year, cementing its role as...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Music Venue Trust Announces New Co-Chairs and Expanded Board Governance as Sector Faces Critical Year Ahead

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced key changes to its Board of Trustees as the organisation prepares for the challenges of 2026. Chris Prosser and Jane Beese have been...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Beatchain deepens emerging market presence with West African launch of WAVVI in partnership with Tom Russell & Y’akoto, Founders of AFROSON1C X

New platform will connect talent from one of the world’s fastest growing music regions with global opportunities Beatchain, the AI-driven A&R, artist and label services platform for the independent music sector, is expanding into West Africa through a collaboration with British...more

17 Dec 2025 | Press release

Eric Wong promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at Warner Music Group

Esteemed Exec Takes On New Post Alongside His Role As President, East West Records US & President, Warner Music Canada    Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced that Eric Wong has been promoted to EVP, Recorded Music at WMG alongside his post as President,...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Alain Lanceron named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato

NONESUCH RECORDS PRESIDENT DAVID BITHER TO OVERSEE WMG'S CLASSICAL DIVISION MARKUS PETERSEN APPOINTED EVP & GENERAL MANAGER, WARNER CLASSICS    Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato, effective January 1, 2026. The widely admired leader has worked...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Boomtown appoints new Managing Director

Boomtown Festival has announced the promotion of Toby Gwazdacz to the newly created role of Managing Director, marking an evolution in the festival’s leadership structure. In his new position, Gwazdacz will work strategically alongside Boomtown co-founders Luke Mitchell and Chris...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

The BRIT Trust announces its beneficiary charities for 2026

Grants totalling more than £30 million have been awarded by the BRIT Trust since its foundation in 1989, supporting causes that share its mission to improve lives through the power of music and the creative arts    The BRIT Trust – the principal charity of...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Cherry Red Records acquires Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment

Cherry Red Records is proud to announce the acquisition and representation of three significant and culturally influential catalogues: Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment. Each brings a unique catalogue to the Cherry Red roster, expanding the label’s repertoire in...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

New Study Warns Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule Is Silencing Southeast Europe’s Music Scene

Read the study here     A comprehensive new report entitled Impact Analysis of Spotify’s 1,000-Stream Rule, conducted by ANMIP-BG - IMPALA member and national association representing Bulgarian independent labels - in association with SoAlive Music Conference and Flat Line Collective, has uncovered...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

UK Music Chief Executive response to Government AI & Copyright Statement of Progress

In response to the Government’s Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Statement of Progress published today, UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “UK Music welcomes the findings from the Government’s AI consultation, which vindicates the position taken by UK Music and the...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

Divo appoints Ashok Parwani as Head Of Music

Strategic Hire Will Accelerate Regional Catalogue Expansion and Strengthen Artist Partnerships in Key South Indian Markets   Divo, one of South India's leading digital media and music companies, which is majority owned by Warner Music India, today announced the appointment of Ashok...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

RoEx Announces Studio Pro

Hits 5 Million Track Milestone  Audio technology company RoEx has introduced Studio Pro, a premium subscription tier for its Mix Check Studioplatform, marking the release alongside a significant milestone: 5 million tracks enhanced across its suite of AI-driven audio production tools. Studio Pro offers unlimited access to Mastering+...more

16 Dec 2025 | Press release

[PIAS] Announces Retirement of Nick Hartley, Group Chief Operating Officer & Group Chief Financial Officer

Longstanding Board Director to Step Down after 26 Years   [PIAS], one of the world’s leading music groups, has announced the retirement of Nick Hartley, the company’s Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After a distinguished career spanning...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Nile Rodgers honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award at 65th MPA Christmas lunch

Iconic CHIC co-founder and global hitmaker recognised for five decades of musical innovation as the MPA celebrates a Disco-themed 2025 Christmas Lunch   The Music Publishers Association (MPA) today presented the legendary Nile Rodgers with its prestigious Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting &...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

FAC & Amazon Music offer a step up boost to five more UK artists

  Gigi Moss, lleo, Maya Lane, Nia Wyn and Richard Carter will all receive three days of studio time at The Breakthrough Lab - the bespoke, state-of-the-art production facility operated by Amazon Music and Metropolis Studios This expansion of Step Up Fund...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

‘You could go for years without knowing you can earn a penny’: Kojey Radical on songwriter royalties

Exclusive recording of 101 Part Time Jobs podcast with BRIT, Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize-nominated Kojey Radical out now.   The launch of the Livelihood campaign from PRS for Music highlights the crucial need for greater education  around live performance royalties. An...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Over 137,000 Hate Crimes in England and Wales Last Year - Ask For Clive Leads the Charge Against Hate and Builds Inclusive Nightlife Spaces

  Hate crime isn’t just a statistic, it’s a harsh reality affecting thousands daily. Over 137,000 hate crimes were recorded in England and Wales last year, though the true figure is closer to 176,000. Marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+ people and disabled...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

rekordbox for iOS/Android now supports SpotifyDJ on mobile devices – rekordbox for Mac/Windows supported

AlphaTheta announces that its DJ application rekordbox for iOS/Android is now compatible with Spotify. Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, offering over 100 million tracks and billions of playlists. With this update, in addition to rekordbox for...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Rebecca Allen promoted to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at Universal Music Group UK

 ALLEN TAKES ON BRAND NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE FOLLOWING SUCCESS AT THE HELM OF EMI, DECCA, AND UMG UK’S AUDIENCE, MEDIA & STRATEGY DIVISION   Universal Music Group UK (UMG UK), the UK’s leading music company, has today announced the promotion of Rebecca...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Ticket Fairy announces deal to provide millions in funding for promoters worldwide

Ticket Fairy expands global financing, unlocking funding of up to £5M in the UK, €3M across Europe and $3M in the US, for venues, festivals and events promoters   Ticket Fairy has announced a significant expansion of its global financing capabilities that...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

Warner Chappell unifies music publishing and production music sync teams under Rich Robinson

Well respected creative leader also adds Audio Asset team to remit   Warner Chappell Music (WCM) today announced it has unified its global sync operations, bringing its frontline, catalog, and now Production Music sync teams together under Rich Robinson, EVP, Global Synchronization and...more

12 Dec 2025 | Press release

MIT Climate Machine with support from Coldplay, Warner Music Group, Live Nation, and Hope Solutions release first ever total emissions of live music in US and UK

Findings from over 80,000 shows across the U.K. and U.S. provide a foundation to decarbonize the future of live entertainment Click HERE for the full report The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Climate Machine (formerly part of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative) with support from Coldplay,...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

2025 Through Music Video: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” Was the Biggest U.K. Premiere on Vevo

  Skye Newman and Olivia Dean were also among the chart newcomers in the UK on Vevo  A first for K-Pop, JENNIE’s “like JENNIE” was the most watched premiere on Vevo globally UK fans rewatch “Die With a Smile”, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”,...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

It's Beginning to Sound A Lot Like Last Year - new analysis finds Christmas music is on repeat

New study finds 63% of the songs in the 2024 Christmas Top 40 were exactly the same as the year before  In contrast no songs were repeated in any of the Christmas Top 40s between 2000 and 2005 Fairytale of New York has...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Music Studios Business Rates

The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves 11 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA Dear Chancellor, 7 December 2025 As you are doubtless aware, the United Kingdom is famous for its music industry, and part of that is being home to the finest recording studios in the...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Chancellor's budget sparks alarm as nightlife businesses say Treasury modelling fails reality, new flash poll shows

  The lights are dimming on Britain’s night-time economy. From buzzing pubs to packed music venues, local businesses are sounding the alarm after a new flash survey of 345 night-time economy businesses revealed that the Chancellor’s latest Budget will hit them...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Producer/musician/multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin signs worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic

  Global independent music publishing company, Peermusic, has signed producer, musician, and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin to a worldwide publishing administration deal as announced today by Jamie Cerreta, President U.S. and Canada, Peermusic and Tuff Morgan, Vice President of A&R, Peermusic. Through the deal, Peermusic will also represent Terrace Martin...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Drowned in Sound Announces Partnership with Qobuz

25 year old music publication and ethical streaming platform partner to support mission-driven journalism and music discovery   Drowned in Sound, the independent music publication, podcast and online community, has today announced a new partnership with Qobuz, the independently-owned high-quality music streaming...more

11 Dec 2025 | Press release

Saudi Arabia’s EIF and Legends Global score big joint venture announcement

  Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF) and Legends Global have announced a joint venture to support the Kingdom’s vision and investment in its fast-growing venue industry.   This partnership will become the venue operator for venue projects within the Kingdom of Saudi...more

17 Dec 2025

  • The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)

16 Dec 2025

  • Looking ahead to 2026 (see Opinion)

  • Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan (see News)

15 Dec 2025

  • Music discovery: More channels, more problems (see Reports)

12 Dec 2025

  • The 10 biggest AI music stories of 2025 (see Features)

11 Dec 2025

  • Do pop stars write their own hits—and if not, who does? (see Analysis)

10 Dec 2025

  • TikTok unveils its Year in Music Report (see Digital)

09 Dec 2025

  • Coldplay, U2, Ed Sheeran named most popular touring artists of the millennium (see News)

  • King Gizzard, having pulled music from Spotify in protest, find genAI clones on the platform (see Digital)

08 Dec 2025

  • UK parliamentarians join call to regulate most powerful AI systems (see News)

  • Martin Mills is trying to thwart a record industry takeover by Universal (see Features)

05 Dec 2025

  • IMPF says members should reject AI deals that do not value songs properly (see News)

  • Which songs do we replay the most? (see Analysis)

04 Dec 2025

  • Spotify Wrapped 2025 goes live (see Digital)