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Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is No. 1 on Apple Music’s inaugural 100 Best Albums list. Apple revealed the final ten on May 22, 2024; the ranking is an editorial selection, not a chart based on Apple Music streams.

Apple Music’s top 10 albums, in order

  1. Lauryn Hill — The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)
  2. Michael Jackson — Thriller (1982)
  3. The Beatles — Abbey Road (1969)
  4. Prince — Purple Rain (1984)
  5. Frank Ocean — Blonde (2016)
  6. Stevie Wonder — Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
  7. Kendrick Lamar — good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version) (2012)
  8. Amy Winehouse — Back to Black (2006)
  9. Nirvana — Nevermind (1991)
  10. Beyoncé — Lemonade (2016)

Apple’s final reveal and its 100 Best Albums microsite show the same order. The deluxe label and styling of Kendrick Lamar’s title reflect Apple’s listing.

What kind of ranking is this?

Apple described the countdown as an editorial statement made independently of listening numbers on its service. Its team worked with a select group of artists, songwriters, producers, and music-industry professionals. The word “best” therefore reflects a curated judgment, not a measurable universal result.

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The Associated Press reported that Apple’s internal team and selected outside voters submitted ranked album lists, with votes weighted by placement so a higher position counted more. Apple’s global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, said, “This list isn’t a popularity contest.” He also said voters were asked not to choose only their personal favorites.

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How Apple revealed the albums

Apple announced the project on May 13, 2024, and revealed ten albums a day for ten days, concluding with the top ten on May 22. The inaugural list contained 100 albums. Apple paired the countdown with a dedicated microsite, editorial material, and Apple Music Radio episodes. Its launch announcement named contributors including Maren Morris, Pharrell Williams, J Balvin, Charli XCX, Mark Hoppus, Honey Dijon, and Nia Archives.

Why Lauryn Hill’s album took No. 1

Apple placed Hill’s 1998 debut above Thriller at No. 2 and Abbey Road at No. 3. In response to the result, Hill said, “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.” The quote captures her response to the recognition; it does not establish a universal standard for ranking albums.

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Where to verify the announcement

Apple’s May 22, 2024 announcement gives the final ten and Hill’s response. The May 13 launch announcement describes the schedule and accompanying features. The Associated Press’s May 22, 2024 report describes the reported voting mechanics and quotes Darden.

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