Apple Music celebrates the greatest records ever made with the launch of inaugural 100 Best Albums list
- Apple Music launches a 100 Best Albums celebration featuring a countdown revealing 10 albums each day over 10 days, culminating in a broadcast special for the top 10 albums of all time.
- The 100 Best Albums list is curated by music experts and industry professionals, reflecting a 21st-century ranking that is independent of streaming data, and accompanied by exclusive content, radio episodes, and a detailed microsite.
- The celebration includes special awards for the top 100 albums, extensive media coverage across Apple's ecosystem, and 100 audio vignettes detailing the significance of each album on Apple Podcasts.
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Apple Music is bringing its 100 Best Albums to life with a countdown celebration beginning today, revealing 10 albums each day for the next 10 days, along with a brand-new 100 Best microsite, new and exclusive content, dedicated Apple Music radio episodes, and much more. The countdown will culminate on the final day with the reveal of Apple Music’s top 10 albums of all time during a broadcast radio special.
A Modern 21st-Century Ranking of the Greatest Records Ever Made
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list is a modern 21st-century ranking of the greatest records ever made, crafted by Apple Music’s team of experts alongside a select group of artists, songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. The list is an editorial statement, fully independent of any streaming numbers on Apple Music, a love letter to the records that have shaped the world we live and listen in.
The Countdown Begins Today
To accompany the list, today Apple Music also revealed a dedicated microsite that will update every day of the countdown, making it easy for listeners to follow along. Available now at 100best.music.apple.com, the new 100 Best microsite spotlights in-depth analysis of each album, archival interviews, and more, and makes it easy for fans to share their favorite albums with friends and on their social channels.
Follow Along on Apple Music Radio
Fans will also be treated to a full 100 Best Albums Radio takeover on Apple Music Hits, broadcasting round-the-clock specials with Apple Music Radio hosts, daily specials at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET), plus exclusive content dropping every day on demand on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
The Final Countdown
The last 10 albums will be revealed on Wednesday, May 22, with a special roundtable discussion broadcasting globally on Apple Music that features guest artists Nile Rodgers and Maggie Rogers reflecting on the list alongside Apple Music’s own Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. Lowe will also curate a special mashup-style DJ mix featuring songs from all 100 Best Albums.
The Awards and Beyond
Apple Music will keep the momentum going after the countdown ends with an additional week of 100 Best Albums Radio takeover on Apple Music Hits. All 100 Best Album recipients will be given an award comprised of blasted anodized aluminum, sourced entirely from recycled Apple products, in a unique polished PVD gold. The design on the back of the award takes its cues from a vinyl LP record and is inscribed with the artist’s name, album’s title, and album’s year of release.
Explore the Top 10 Albums
The top 10 albums of all time, as revealed by Apple Music, include:
- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
- Lemonade by Beyoncé
- Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
- Blonde by Frank Ocean
- The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie
- The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
- Thriller by Michael Jackson
- The Joshua Tree by U2
- Ok Computer by Radiohead
- The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
The Story Behind Each Album
As an additional gift to music fans, Apple Music created 100 audio vignettes telling the story of each album and contextualizing its significance and position on the list. Written by a team of music experts and edited by award-winning audio editors, these vignettes are sonic companions to Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums. Listen to the stories behind each of the albums and more on Apple Podcasts at apple.co/100BestRadio.
Special Content Across the Apple Ecosystem
Music lovers can also access 100 Best Albums special content across the Apple ecosystem on the App Store, Apple News, Apple Retail, apple.com, and more. Additionally, they can explore a 100 Best Albums dedicated space on Apple Books, which celebrates titles by and about artists from the list.
Conclusion
Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list is a comprehensive celebration of the greatest records ever made, reflecting a true labor of love and dedication to the art of storytelling. With its innovative countdown celebration and extensive media coverage, Apple Music is bringing the world’s best music to the forefront, ensuring that these timeless records continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
