Lauryn Hill’s ‘Miseducation’ Tops Apple Music’s All-Time Best Albums List

1. Lauryn Hill, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998)
   • DARDEN: Lauryn Hill’s debut album is celebrated for its profound songwriting and personal narrative. Hill’s life, including her new motherhood, is intricately woven into the music. The album blends R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall, featuring collaborations like “Nothing Even Matters” with D’Angelo. Hill’s independent and powerful voice shines through tracks like “Doo Wop (That Thing),” which includes significant social commentary. This album is multifaceted, even including the notable fact that Hill’s son, mentioned in the album, is Bob Marley’s grandson.
2. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1982)
   • LOWE: “Thriller” is the quintessential blockbuster album, long assumed to be the greatest due to its historic impact and sales. Released when music was the premier form of entertainment, Jackson’s album dominated the cultural landscape. Despite its near-perpetual status as number one, Lowe acknowledges that Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation” deservedly took the top spot this time.
3. The Beatles, “Abbey Road” (1969)
   • DARDEN: “Abbey Road” has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly through platforms like TikTok, which may explain its high ranking. The album reflects a joyous time for The Beatles, showcasing a rawer sound compared to their pop hits. Each track contributes to its lasting legacy.
4. Prince and the Revolution, “Purple Rain” (1984)
   • DARDEN: “Purple Rain” stands out as a significant work by Prince, blending rock and pop in a way that was groundbreaking for a Black artist. The accompanying movie and the album itself evoke strong, positive memories. While Darden prefers other Prince albums like “Sign O’ The Times,” he recognizes “Purple Rain” as an iconic cultural milestone.
5. Frank Ocean, “blond” (2016)
   • LOWE: Lowe holds this album in high esteem, likening Frank Ocean to legendary artists like Prince and Marvin Gaye. “Blond” didn’t achieve massive commercial success, but its emotional depth and artistic integrity make it a standout. The album resonates differently with each listen, making it a personal favorite for many.
6. Stevie Wonder, “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976)
   • LOWE: Wonder’s album starts with a powerful message and ends with a reflective tone, providing listeners with a chance to process its rich content. The entire album channels something major, making it a profound listening experience.
7. Kendrick Lamar, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” (2012)
   • DARDEN: Lamar’s debut album is lauded for its narrative depth, effectively serving as an audio movie about his experiences growing up in a chaotic environment. The album captures his efforts to find a way out and create opportunities, making it a powerful and significant work.
8. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black” (2006)
   • LOWE: Winehouse’s album tackles themes of heartbreak, rejection, and unrequited love with raw honesty. It transforms these painful experiences into music that makes listeners sing and dance, creating one of the most tasteful albums about heartache ever recorded. It’s a deeply human and emotionally resonant work.
9. Nirvana, “Nevermind” (1991)
   • LOWE: “Nevermind” combines skill, instinct, and vulnerability, capturing the essence of Kurt Cobain’s emotions. The album’s deeper themes resonated with millions, making it more than just music to dance and scream to—it was a starting point for open conversations about anxiety and depression.
10. Beyoncé, “Lemonade” (2016)

• DARDEN: “Lemonade” provided an unprecedented glimpse into Beyoncé’s personal life, addressing her family drama and personal struggles. Despite not being Darden’s favorite Beyoncé album, he acknowledges the cultural impact it had during its release, especially following the public incident involving her sister and husband.

Source: tribelive.com