Apple Unravels The ‘Top 10 Albums’ Of All Time, With Beatles Only Placing 3rd

Photo 271670873 © Waingro | Dreamstime.com

Apple Music has picked the cream of the crop of the 100 Best Albums of All Time—but whether it harmonizes with your personal ranking is a story for another day. Curated by a team of in-house experts alongside artists, songwriters, and industry veterans, the list of 10 captures some of the most influential and enduring albums across genres.

With that, it was Lauryn Hill’s landmark 1998 debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, that dethroned perennial contenders by the likes of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Nirvana to claim the coveted number one spot.

Lauryn Hill poses with her 100 Best Albums award, which is made of blasted anodized aluminum, sourced entirely from recycled Apple products. Photo by Irma Mchedlishvili via Apple

Hill’s critically acclaimed album, a fusion of neo-soul, hip-hop, and R&B, resonated deeply with critics and audiences for its raw honesty, powerful vocals, and insightful lyricism that explored themes of love, loss, and identity.

The list itself boasts a diverse range of musical titans, with classics sharing space alongside contemporary powerhouses like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Frank Ocean.

While debate will undoubtedly continue about each entry, the list serves as a valuable conversation starter, prompting audiophiles to revisit these cornerstones of popular music and explore the rich tapestry of sound they represent. See the lineup below.

1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), Lauryn Hill

2. Thriller (1982), Michael Jackson

3. Abbey Road (1969), The Beatles

4. Purple Rain (1984), Prince & The Revolution

5. Blonde (2016), Frank Ocean

6. Songs in the Key of Life (1976), Stevie Wonder

7. good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), Kendrick Lamar

8. Back to Black (2006), Amy Winehouse

9. Nevermind (1991), Nirvana 

10. Lemonade (2016), Beyoncé

[via Apple, images via various sources]