A Stunningly Raw and Profound Masterpiece Takes the Crown
Apple Music has crowned Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” as the number one album of all time in its inaugural 100 Best Albums list. This iconic 1998 debut solo project from the Fugees star has been hailed as a “stunningly raw, profound look into the spiritual landscape not just of one of the era’s biggest stars, but of the era itself.”
A Diverse Panel of Experts Curated the Definitive List
The highly anticipated list was curated by a diverse panel of Apple Music experts, artists (including Maren Morris, Pharrell Williams, and J Balvin), songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. Apple Music emphasized that the rankings were “an editorial statement, fully independent of any streaming numbers” and described the list as “a love letter to the records that have shaped the world music lovers live and listen in.”
Iconic Albums Make the Top 10
While Hill’s masterpiece claimed the top spot, the list’s top 10 is a who’s who of iconic albums. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” came in at number two, followed by The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” at number three. Prince & The Revolution’s “Purple Rain” and Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” rounded out the top five, with Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life,” Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” and Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” completing the top 10.
A Celebration of Artistic Brilliance
In a heartfelt video shared by Apple Music and Hill, the artist expressed her gratitude, saying, “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. This is our celebration.” The recognition of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” as the greatest album of all time is a testament to Hill’s artistic brilliance and the enduring impact of her music.
Controversy and Criticism
While the list has garnered praise for its diversity and inclusion of iconic albums, it has also faced criticism. Some have questioned the lack of bylines, with Pitchfork’s Jeremy D. Larson suggesting that “a canon made by a faceless cabal is literally meaningless.” Despite the controversy, Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list has sparked a lively debate and celebrated the enduring power of music.
