Apple Music's Best 100 Albums of All Time: A Thoughtful Dive

Apple Music's top 100 albums list is an ambitious endeavor to encapsulate the essence of music history, capturing seminal works that have shaped the landscape of sound over the decades. As we delve into this compilation, a few intriguing points and omissions catch the eye, sparking both admiration and debate.

One of the most surprising omissions is Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly." Widely regarded as a groundbreaking work in contemporary hip-hop, its absence leaves a significant void. The album's intricate production, profound lyrics, and cultural impact make it a glaring oversight. Kendrick's ability to blend jazz, funk, and spoken word into a cohesive narrative is unparalleled, and its exclusion feels like a missed opportunity to honor modern musical genius. However, Kendrick Lamar's debut project "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" was featured in the top ten, clocking in at #7 on the list.

Interestingly, 7 of the top 10 albums were created by black artists, a testament to the profound influence of black musicians on the music industry. This dominance underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of black artists who have often defined the sound and direction of entire genres.

Taylor Swift, despite her massive popularity and undeniable impact on the music industry, only has one album on the list, #18 "1989". This may surprise some, given her prolific career and numerous critically acclaimed works. However, it highlights the competitive nature of such lists and the subjective criteria that often govern them.

The list also presents an intriguing comparison between two of hip-hop's greatest legends: The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Notorious B.I.G.'s album "Ready To Die" ranks higher than 2Pac's "All Eyez On Me", a point that will undoubtedly fuel ongoing debates among fans of both artists. Biggie's "Ready to Die", #32 and Tupac's "All Eyez on Me" #62, are both monumental works, each defining the East and West Coast rap scenes, respectively.

On a positive note, it's great to see several classic rock acts such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, and Steely Dan featured prominently on the list. These bands have not only left an indelible mark on rock music but have also influenced countless artists across various genres. Their inclusion is a nod to the timeless nature of rock music and its enduring legacy.

However, not every inclusion on the list seems warranted. A few albums that arguably should not have made the cut include Guns N' Roses "Appetite For Destruction", Lorde's "Pure Heroine", and "Blue Lines" by Massive Attack. While these albums have their merits, their impact and longevity may not compare to some glaring omissions. Are we really going to take those albums over many classic rap albums from the early 2000's that inspired such cultural change? What about the albums of early rock such as works made by Elvis or Chuck Berry? Sure, they are popular albums that many tend to enjoy, but the inspiration from the generations before objectively represent so many generations of change in music that really makes me question why they were not mentioned on this list.

Finally, our MVP of the list is undoubtedly Stevie Wonder. His albums, celebrated for their innovation, emotional depth, and sheer musicality, stand as pillars of excellence. Stevie's ability to cross genres and his profound influence on both his contemporaries and future generations secure his place as a central figure in music history. His work epitomizes the blend of artistry and cultural significance that this list aims to capture.

In conclusion, Apple Music's top 100 albums list is a fascinating snapshot of musical excellence. It invites us to reflect on the transformative power of music and the artists who have shaped its course. While some choices may spark debate, the list ultimately serves as a celebration of the diverse and rich tapestry that is the world of music.