Lauryn Hill's 'Miseducation' Tops Apple Music's All-Time Best Albums List
Lauryn Hill’s ‘Miseducation’ Tops Apple Music’s All-Time Best Albums List – LOS ANGELES — Let the debate commence: Who holds the title for the greatest music albums ever?
Apple Music has weighed in. On Wednesday, the streaming giant unveiled its top 10 greatest albums of all time, with Lauryn Hill’s iconic 1998 debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” taking the top spot.
Hill’s album triumphed over classics by Beyoncé, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, and Nirvana.
“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,” Hill remarked upon receiving the news.
The top 10 list is part of Apple Music’s inaugural ranking of the 100 best albums, revealed over a 10-day countdown. Five artists have two albums on the list: The Beatles, Wonder, Prince, Radiohead, and Beyoncé.
The selection process began months ago with Apple Music’s editorial team, including editors and music experts like Zane Lowe (global creative director and lead anchor for Apple Music 1) and Ebro Darden (global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B), compiling candidates from the past 65 years.
“This list isn’t a popularity contest,” Darden explained. “We challenged everyone to avoid voting based on personal favorites. You’re invited to the panel because of your extensive music knowledge, not just your gym playlist.”
Members of Apple Music’s internal team submitted their personal lists of albums through the company’s voting microsite. Votes were weighted based on an album’s ranking, with higher placements receiving more points.
Now, with commentary from Lowe and Darden, here is Apple Music’s top 10 best albums list:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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