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The 10 Must-Listen Albums According to Apple Music’s 100 Best List

Artists, Media Influence, Music

Are you ready to dive into a musical wonderland curated by Apple Music’s 100 Best List? Get your headphones on and prepare for a journey through the top 10 must-listen albums that have captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. From iconic classics to groundbreaking new releases, these albums are sure to elevate your listening experience and leave you craving more. Let’s explore the melodies that have earned their spot on this prestigious list and discover the artists behind these unforgettable creations.

Top 10 Albums featured on the list

Are you ready to dive into a musical journey like no other? Apple Music’s 100 Best List has curated the top 10 albums that are an absolute must-listen for any music lover. These albums have captured hearts, minds, and ears with their exceptional artistry and creativity.

Among the chosen ones is Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” a groundbreaking album that seamlessly blends R&B, pop, and soul with powerful storytelling. Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” is another standout on the list, hailed for its raw lyricism and social commentary.

The iconic Fleetwood Mac made it to the list with “Rumours,” an album filled with timeless classics that continue to resonate decades later. Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” also secured its spot as a modern masterpiece of hip-hop production.

From Frank Ocean’s introspective “Blonde” to Taylor Swift’s confessional “Red,” each album offers a unique sonic experience worth exploring further. These artists have not only topped charts but also pushed boundaries in music creation.

Whether you’re looking for soul-stirring ballads or energetic anthems, these top 10 deliver an unforgettable listening experience that will leave you wanting more. So grab your headphones, hit play on Apple Music, and immerse yourself in the magic of these musical gems!

Reasons for their inclusion in the list

Apple Music’s 100 Best List is a curated selection of albums that have resonated with audiences worldwide. The top 10 albums featured on this list stand out for their innovation, creativity, and impact on the music industry. Each album offers a unique sonic experience that transcends genres and captivates listeners.

The inclusion of these albums in Apple Music’s prestigious list highlights their cultural significance and enduring appeal. From groundbreaking production techniques to compelling storytelling, each album showcases the artistry and vision of its creators. These albums have not only received critical acclaim but have also left a lasting impression on music enthusiasts around the globe.

With diverse musical styles and themes, the artists behind these albums bring a fresh perspective to the contemporary music landscape. Their bold experimentation and boundary-pushing sounds push the boundaries of what is possible in music today.

Listening to these must-listen albums on Apple Music provides an immersive experience that transports listeners into the world of each artist. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or just looking to discover new sounds, exploring these top 10 albums will undoubtedly enrich your musical journey.

Top 10 Must-Listen Albums

1. Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

Lauryn Hill’s first and only solo album made a huge impact in 1998. It offered a deeply candid exploration of not just her own spiritual journey, but also that of the entire era. Her talent is truly unparalleled, with her influence spanning decades. Many artists strive to create a cohesive body of work that can reshape culture and solidify their place in history, but Lauryn Hill achieved this with just one must-listen album.

2. Michael Jackson, Thriller (1982)

There are few pop albums, or even works of art, that denote a wholesale shift in time and space the way Michael Jackson’s Thriller did in 1982. It defined the modern pop blockbuster and redefined the scope and reach of music. Seven of its nine original songs were top 10 singles, making it one of the bestselling must- listen albums of all time.

 3. The Beatles, Abbey Road (1969)

The Beatles’ Abbey Road is a must-listen album, that is ageless and unmatched collection of songs by a world-changing band at their creative peak. It sounds like four extremely gifted humans playing one indelible song after another in the same room on the band’s 11th and penultimate album.

4. The Purple Rain (1984), Prince & The Revolution

One of Prince Rogers Nelson’s most instantly recognizable and distinctive pop artists ever was created by this soundtrack, which features half the track list in top 10 singles. When it came to mixing music that felt black and white, sacred and profane, Prince often drew comparisons to Jimi Hendrix. The reality is that he did not have a precedent then, and there is no comparison now, which makes this a must-listen album.

5. Frank Ocean, Blonde (2016)

Blonde packs 17 tracks into one quick hour, but it’s a sprawling palette of ideas, a testament to the wisdom of flying one’s own artistic freak flag and trusting audiences will meet one where they’re at in this must-listen amlbum. Ocean was a generational artist who was uniquely suited to the complex and convulsive changes of the second decade of the 21st century.

6. Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

In 1974, Stevie Wonder was highly esteemed as a pop star and was contemplating leaving the music industry. Two years later, when his album Songs in the Key of Life was released, it quickly became the fastest-selling must-listen album in history due to high demand. This nearly 90-minute album effortlessly combines melody, broad scope, and personal depth. It transcends mere song collection and instead presents a complete worldview through its sonic, cultural, and emotional aspects.

7. Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012)

One of the defining hip-hop must-listen albums of the 21st century is Kendrick Lamar’s sophomore album good kid, mad city. Hip-hop legends like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre anointed Lamar to carry on the legacy of gangsta rap, and this album remains a crucial example of American storytelling, establishing the future Pulitzer Prize winner as one of the most accomplished writers of his generation.

8. Amy Winehouse, Back to Black (2006)

Amy Winehouse’s presentation and otherworldly, timeless vocals make her music feel different — not so much to re-create the past as to honor the music she loved while still remaining true to the trash-talking, self-effacing millennial she was. While Back to Black may appeal to retro-soul fans and jazz classicists, the attitude is more like rap. Yes, she was funny, but that’s not all she was talking about in this must-listen album.

9. Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991)

In the opening salvo of Nevermind, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the Seattle trio not only broke into popular culture for the first time in history, but also upended it in unprecedented ways. In an instant, pop became pop, grunge became global vernacular, industry walls broke down, and Kurt Cobain became a reluctant voice for a generation seeking catharsis with this must-listen album.

10. Beyoncé, Lemonade (2016)

A vivid personal statement released without warning in a time of public scrutiny and private suffering, Beyoncé’s genre-destroying sixth album is furious, defiant, anguished, vulnerable, experimental, muscular, triumphant, humorous, and brave — a blockbuster that destroys genres. Lemonade is a must-listen album that deserves to be studied and celebrated in its entirety.

Critical and popular reactions to the selected albums

The albums featured on Apple Music’s 100 Best List have sparked diverse reactions from both critics and music enthusiasts alike. Some listeners praise the raw emotion and authenticity conveyed through the lyrics, while others admire the innovative production techniques employed in these records.

Critics often highlight the seamless blend of genres and thought-provoking themes explored in these must-listen albums. The artists behind these projects have managed to captivate audiences with their unique soundscapes, pushing boundaries and redefining musical norms.

Popular reactions to these selected albums range from sheer excitement to deep introspection in Apple Musics must-listen albums list.

Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or simply looking for new tunes to groove to, exploring the top 10 albums on Apple Music’s curated list promises an unforgettable auditory journey that resonates long after the final note fades away.

Additional recommendations from the list

Dive deeper into Apple Music’s 100 Best List and discover more musical gems waiting to be explored. Apart from the top 10 albums, there are plenty of additional recommendations that deserve a listen. From classic hits to hidden indie treasures, this list offers a diverse range of music genres for every listener’s taste.

Explore albums by emerging artists who are making waves in the industry with their unique sound and fresh perspective. Take a chance on lesser-known albums that might just surprise you with their creativity and originality. Expand your musical horizons by delving into different cultures and languages through internationally acclaimed albums featured on the list.

Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, hip-hop, or electronic music, there’s something for everyone on Apple Music’s curated list of must-listen albums. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover new favorites and broaden your musical palette with these additional recommendations.

Why you should check out these albums on Apple Music:

Immerse yourself in the diverse sounds of these top 10 must-listen albums featured on Apple Music’s 100 Best List of must-listen albums. From groundbreaking classics to contemporary masterpieces, each album offers a unique musical journey that is sure to captivate your senses and leave you wanting more.

By exploring these carefully curated selections, you can discover new artists, genres, and perspectives that may resonate with your own tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a music connoisseur looking for hidden gems or simply seeking to expand your playlist with fresh tunes, Apple Music provides the perfect platform to access these iconic albums at your fingertips.

So why wait? Dive into the world of music magic today by tuning in to these essential albums on Apple Music. Let the melodies transport you to different realms and emotions as you experience the power of music in its purest form. Happy listening!