Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé top Apple Music’s list of best albums of all time

After more than a week of counting down its top 100 albums of all time, Apple Music has released its top 10, with Ms. Lauryn Hill’s landmark 1998 debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” taking home top honors .

Behind Ms. Hill’s iconic album are Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” The Beatles’ “Abbey Road,” Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Frank Ocean’s “Blonde,” Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life,” “Good kid, mAAd city”, “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse, “Nevermind” by Nirvana and “Lemonade” by Beyoncé which complete the top 10.

Apple Music’s roster has been a lightning rod on social media since its launch on May 13. Some have taken issue with the lack of Latin, country, jazz, and dance albums that have helped shape contemporary music; others have criticized the ranking itself for privileging recent albums over older, more foundational albums.

The full list, which counts down in increments of 10 albums per day, featured an assortment of records spanning decades, from SZA’s “SOS” and Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” to Bruce’s “Born to Run.” Springsteen and Beach Boys’. “Pet Sounds.” »

“Miseducation,” which topped the list, was a breakthrough for Ms. Hill, who became the first rap artist to win Album of the Year at the 1999 Grammy Awards. In a statement shared via Apple Music, she said her environment and influences deserve as much credit as she received this honor.

“I appreciate this recognition, I really do, but I would be remiss if I didn’t also recognize all of the music and artists that have informed and inspired me,” she said. “The community leaders and movements that inspired me, the social dynamics and music scenes, both old and current at the time, that intrigued me and inspired me to contribute. The educators, both literal and not so literal, and the experiences that shaped me. My parents, my family, my friends, my community, where I come from, who I come from… I wanted this same flame that inspired me to stay, I couldn’t bear to see it lost. I brought into existence in the world of the time what I wanted to see and hear. I’m grateful that he connected and continues to connect with so many people. Thank you to EVERYONE who participated, to EVERYONE who supported its release and distribution throughout the world, even those who were reluctant at first, because it has unleashed an indomitable creative will that illustrates once again how much love has been invested in me. Many thanks to every attentive listener, many thanks to every casual listener, and love to all the artists and those who support them in the good, courageous, and noble fight of bringing the art you love to a world that desperately needs it.

Discover the top 10 of the 100 best Apple Music albums below:

10. Lemonade – Beyoncé

9. Whatever – Nirvana

8. Back to Black – Amy Winehouse

7. good child, mAAd city (Deluxe version) – Kendrick Lamar

6. Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder

5. Blonde – Frank Océan

4. Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution

3. Abbey Road – The Beatles

2. Thriller – Michael Jackson

1. The Bad Education of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill