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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

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WMA announces expansion of UK & European Publicity, Social and Marketing Divisions

Andy Saiker appointed as Head of PR, Social & Marketing (UK & Europe) Global digital marketing and creative agency, WMA are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Saiker as Head of PR, Social and Marketing (UK & Europe), effective immediately....more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative, Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Music

APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS JULY 13TH   Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Tems announces today the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform designed to support, connect and amplify young women in music across Africa, with a vision to...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WeAre8 Announces 8fest: The World's First Social Media Music Festival, curated by industry insiders

The next generation of music talent is about to transform your social feed experience. WeAre8, the social media bringing social and economic freedom to artists worldwide, today unveils 8fest - a global, three-day virtual festival running next week from11-13 July 2025,...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast celebrates its first anniversary with two new headline sponsors

The podcast curated by Mark Sutherland and executive producer Mike Walsh will launch its 50th episode with the support of SoundOn and Tixel    The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland (‘TMT’), is celebrating its first anniversary with...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Cyanite and ON AIR strengthen partnership to deliver AI-driven insights for playlist curation in MusicMaster Scheduling

To redefine music programming for broadcasters and audio platforms, ON AIR has integrated Cyanite's industry-leading AI music tagging into the familiar MusicMaster Scheduling environment. This collaboration unlocks entirely new, data-driven pathways for playlist curation, helping radio stations and content creators...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music buys Skorpioni Music's catalogue

Independent label's strong legacy in Finnish music will endure   Warner Music Finland has bought the catalog of renowned independent record company Skorpioni, which had announced earlier this year that it would be ceasing operations.   This is a significant transition in the local...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bauer Media Audio Appoints Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement

Bauer Media Audio has appointed Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and trust in audio measurement across all its markets.   Paul brings over 15 years of experience in media measurement, audience analytics and advertising technology. He...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Music industry unites to raise over £715,000 for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy at O2 Silver Clef awards

David Gilmour, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party, The Corrs, Chase & Status and more honoured at glittering evening ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House The UK music industry joined together tonight to honour some of its most iconic and...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. Announces Tom Greene as New CEO

Today, Apple Corps Ltd. announces the appointment of Tom Greene as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025.  Since 1968, Apple Corps Ltd. has overseen The Beatles’ creative and business interests. During that time The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tees Reborn: Bravado's Radical Upcycling Project Aims to Thread a Greener Future for Merch Business

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02 Jul 2025 | Press release

BandLab Expands Licensing Platform to Connect Artists and Rights Holders to AI Companies, Opening the Door to Legal AI Music Models

BandLab, the world's largest social music creation platform, today announced a major expansion of BandLab Licensing (licensing.bandlab.com), introducing a structure with clear guidelines that allows artists, labels, and publishers to signal interest in licensing their music to train AI models....more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music Group and Bain Capital announce launch of joint venture to invest up to $1.2 billion in iconic music catalogs

  Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), the global music entertainment company, and Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, are launching a joint venture to allow for the purchase of up to $1.2 billion of legendary music catalogs across both recorded music...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Chrysalis Records announces Tina McBye as Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations

Chrysalis Records, which is part of the Reservoir group of companies, has announced the promotion of Tina McBye to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations. Based in the company’s London offices Tina will report directly to Alison Wenham,...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

BRIT School Chair of Trustees Josh Berger CBE Hosts Fundraiser Event at Ronnie Scott's for the UK’s leading free Arts School

Current and former students staged a showcase - representing all areas of the creative industries from dance and music to spoken word and musical theatre. Former student and Ivor Novello award winning songwriter, Dan Gillespie Sells performed, and newly graduated rising...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

RSA announces David Joseph CBE as new Chief Executive Officer

Former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK to lead Royal Society of Arts into bold new future The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its new CEO. David will formally...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

Exclusive after show tickets released for sold-out Ladies Who Rock event

  In addition, an online auction offers chance to win works from top contemporary artists, as well as film memorabilia, and VIP experiences    Now in its 5th year, Ladies Who Rock fundraiser which takes place on 10 July at Hotel Café Royal...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

TikTok and Tomorrowland announce a global partnership to bring the best of electronic music to global audiences

TikTok today announces a new partnership deal with Tomorrowland (7m followers), the world-famous electronic dance music festival, to deliver unprecedented digital festival experiences for global music fans.   The new wide-ranging, year-long partnership will see TikTok serve as Tomorrowland's Official Content Partner, offering 24/7 festival...more

02 Jul 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums of 2025 so far revealed

Alex Warren overtakes Lola Young to land the biggest single of the year so far with Ordinary (OCC)Sam Fender scoops the biggest new album release of 2025 Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet deluxe edition and UK tour keeps her in front in...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Open letter from WIN CEO to European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera

Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera European CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 30 June 2025 Dear Ms. Ribera, I am writing regarding the investigation by the Directorate-General for Competition into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Taylor Swift and Charli XCX Help Attract Record 23.5 Million Music Tourists Spending £10 Billion at UK Music Events - New Report Reveals

UK Music Calls on Communities to Get Behind Music in new Hometown Glory Report    Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, a...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

BMG Brings Seeed catalog under one roof

  BMG has acquired the artist and label rights of the German band Seeed. The agreement covers their first five albums: New Dubby Conquerors (2001), Music Monks (2003), Next! (2005), Live (2006), and Seeed (2012).    With the release of Bam...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Amazon Launches the Ultimate Oasis Fan Destination

Plus Chance To Win Tickets To Live ‘25 tour   Amazon announces exclusive CD and Vinyl products available to pre-order on July 8 - with up to 15% off selected CD, Vinyl, and Merch for Prime members in celebration of Prime Day (July...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a new global hub for artists designed to foster creativity and connection

Tune in to Apple Music Radio for a broadcast celebration with hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and special guests as they reminisce about their favourite moments from the past 10 years while looking toward the future     As Apple Music marks its...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Casio Sessions applications close soon!

  With only one month to go applications to enter Casio Sessions 2025 are opened until the 31st July, 2025.  Musicians will compete to win a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio’s premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Zebralution Announces Promotions and New Appointments

William Hallström Promoted to Head of International Business Development in addition to current role as Senior Vice President (SVP) UK, Ireland & The Nordics Harry Barrett and Zhenya Ivanova Join Team in Key Sales & Marketing Roles Zebralution, the leading independent digital...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music establish the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship to honor the legacy of a music pioneer

The endowed scholarship builds on UMG’s Sounds of the Future initiative and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of music industry leaders.    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Breakthrough Singer-Songwriter Noeline Hofmann

  Sony Music Publishing announced today the signing of rising Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician Noeline Hofmann to a global publishing agreement. Noeline Hofmann has quickly garnered widespread acclaim across the country music scene with the release of her debut EP, Purple Gas,...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Framework to feature Keinemusik's Adam Port for rare Hollywood Boulevard takeover

  The historic open-air performance marks Framework's third event on the iconic Los Angeles street, further solidifying their impact on LA nightlife   'Framework presents Adam Port on Hollywood Boulevard'Saturday, September 27, 2025 Pre-sale begins Wednesday, July 2 @ 10am PT before public on-sale...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

AEG officially takes the reins at Watford Colosseum following major refurbishment milestone

Watford Borough Council has officially handed over the keys of the refurbished Watford Colosseum to AEG Presents UK, marking the practical completion of the venue's multi-million-pound upgrade and a significant milestone in the Town Hall Quarter regeneration. With the building now...more

30 Jun 2025 | Press release

PPL makes payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders

PPL is making a Q2 payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders. This distribution is comprised primarily of payments for UK collections across public performance and broadcast licensing in 2024, as well as some additional revenue from international...more

03 Jul 2025

  • Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)

  • AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)

02 Jul 2025

  • The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)

  • Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)

01 Jul 2025

  • WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)

  • If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)

30 Jun 2025

  • Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)

27 Jun 2025

  • Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)

  • Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)

26 Jun 2025

  • Retiring Arista CEO David Massey shares his top 10 career highlights (see Features)

  • Budweiser’s royalty loophole ad: How AI and social have changed the value of creators (see Comment)

25 Jun 2025

  • When did making music get so lonely? (see Comment)

24 Jun 2025

  • How will Taylor Swift’s masters ownership saga be remembered? (see Audio&Visual)

23 Jun 2025

  • The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives (see Comment)

  • Interview: Lyor Cohen, the head of YouTube Music (see Features)

20 Jun 2025

  • The ‘pure’ songwriter is disappearing – and it’s everyone’s problem (see Comment)