Apple Music’s Top 100 Best Albums

Finding the Best Seats in a Broadway Theatre for Your Next Show

November 6, 2024

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Apple Music has curated a list of the top 100 albums that every music enthusiast should explore. This diverse collection spans various genres and eras, showcasing the best of what music has to offer. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, these albums highlight the incredible talent and creativity of artists worldwide.

Diving into this list is more than just a musical journey; it’s an opportunity to discover the best artists and albums before experiencing them live in concert. Stay engaged with the music scene and elevate your concert-going experience by immersing yourself in these iconic albums. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, these albums provide the perfect gateway into the rich world of music.

Get ready to explore and enjoy the best music has to offer with Apple Music’s top 100 albums!

Rank	Album
100	Body Talk – Robyn Robyn’s “Body Talk” is a definitive pop masterpiece. The album’s futuristic beats and heartfelt lyrics captivate listeners, making it a must-listen for fans of electronic pop.
99	Hotel California – Eagles “Hotel California” by Eagles is a timeless classic. The album’s iconic title track and the hauntingly beautiful “Wasted Time” showcase the band’s masterful blend of rock and storytelling.
98	ASTROWORLD – Travis Scott Travis Scott’s “ASTROWORLD” is a psychedelic journey through the artist’s creative mind. Tracks like “SICKO MODE” and “STARGAZING” are highlights of this genre-defining work.
97	Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut album combines aggressive rock with politically charged lyrics. Songs like “Killing in the Name” continue to resonate with listeners worldwide.
96	Pure Heroine – Lorde Lorde’s “Pure Heroine” offers a minimalist yet deeply emotional exploration of teenage life. The hit single “Royals” catapulted Lorde to stardom, making this album a pivotal release in pop music.
95	Confessions – Usher Usher’s “Confessions” is a cornerstone of modern R&B. The album’s smooth production and candid lyrics on tracks like “Yeah!” and “Burn” solidify its place in music history.
94	Untrue – Burial Burial’s “Untrue” is a hauntingly beautiful electronic album. Its atmospheric soundscapes and subtle rhythms create an immersive listening experience.
93	A Seat at the Table – Solange Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” is an empowering R&B album that tackles themes of identity and resilience. Tracks like “Cranes in the Sky” showcase Solange’s unique artistic vision.
92	Flower Boy – Tyler, The Creator “Flower Boy” by Tyler, The Creator is a vibrant exploration of self-discovery and acceptance. The album’s lush production and introspective lyrics make it a standout in hip-hop.
91	Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 – George Michael George Michael’s “Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1” is a soulful and introspective album. Hits like “Freedom! ’90” highlight Michael’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills.
90	Back in Black – AC/DC “Back in Black” by AC/DC is a rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut. The album’s electrifying energy and anthems like “You Shook Me All Night Long” have made it a timeless favorite.
89	The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition) – Lady Gaga Lady Gaga’s “The Fame Monster” delivers infectious pop hits with a dark twist. Tracks like “Bad Romance” and “Telephone” showcase Gaga’s theatrical flair.
88	I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell on You” is a powerful blend of jazz, blues, and soul. Simone’s emotive delivery on tracks like the title song is unforgettable.
87	Blue Lines – Massive Attack Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines” is a seminal trip-hop album. The haunting “Unfinished Sympathy” remains a highlight of this innovative release.
86	My Life – Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” is a deeply personal R&B album. The soulful production and Blige’s raw vocals make this album a poignant listening experience.
85	Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves is a beautifully crafted country-pop album. Tracks like “Slow Burn” and “Butterflies” capture the warmth and introspection of Musgraves’ songwriting.
84	Doggystyle – Snoop Dogg Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle” is a cornerstone of West Coast hip-hop. The album’s laid-back grooves and Snoop’s smooth delivery make it a classic.
83	Horses – Patti Smith Patti Smith’s “Horses” is a revolutionary punk rock album. Smith’s poetic lyrics and raw energy on tracks like “Gloria” have influenced countless artists.
82	Get Rich or Die Tryin’ – 50 Cent 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” is a hard-hitting hip-hop album. Hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions” showcase 50 Cent’s commanding presence.
81	After the Gold Rush – Neil Young Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” is a folk-rock masterpiece. The album’s introspective lyrics and timeless melodies make it a standout in Young’s discography.
80	The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathers LP” is a provocative and influential album in hip-hop. Tracks like “Stan” and “The Real Slim Shady” showcase Eminem’s lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities.
79	Norman F*g Rockwell! – Lana Del Rey Lana Del Rey’s “Norman F*****g Rockwell!” blends melancholic pop with vivid storytelling, highlighted by tracks like “Mariners Apartment Complex” and “Venice Bitch.”
78	Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John is a seminal work in rock history. The album’s diverse sound and hits like “Candle in the Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets” demonstrate John’s versatility.
77	Like a Prayer – Madonna Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” is a groundbreaking pop album that tackles complex themes with hits like the title track and “Express Yourself. To learn more about her live performances, check out the Madonna tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.”
76	Un Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti” is a vibrant reggaeton album. Tracks like “Dákiti” and “Yonaguni” highlight Bad Bunny’s ability to fuse Latin rhythms with modern pop. To learn more about his live performances, check out the Bad Bunny tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
75	Supa Dupa Fly – Missy Elliott Missy Elliott’s “Supa Dupa Fly” is a pioneering album in hip-hop. The innovative production and hits like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” showcase Elliott’s unique style.
74	The Downward Spiral – Nine Inch Nails Nine Inch Nails’ “The Downward Spiral” is a dark, industrial rock album. Tracks like “Closer” and “Hurt” highlight Trent Reznor’s intense and introspective songwriting.
73	Aja – Steely Dan Steely Dan’s “Aja” is a sophisticated blend of jazz rock. The album’s complex arrangements and tracks like “Deacon Blues” and “Peg” make it a standout.
72	SOS – SZA SZA’s “SOS” is an introspective and soulful R&B album. Tracks like “Good Days” and “Hit Different” showcase SZA’s emotive vocals and poignant lyrics.
71	Trans-Europe Express – Kraftwerk Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” is a pioneering electronic album. Its innovative use of synthesizers and tracks like the title song influenced countless artists.
70	Straight Outta Compton – N.W.A N.W.A’s “Straight Outta Compton” is a revolutionary hip-hop album. Its raw depiction of urban life and tracks like the title track and “Express Yourself” made a significant impact on the genre.
69	Master of Puppets – Metallica Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” is a thrash metal classic. The album’s aggressive sound and intricate compositions, like the title track, have cemented its place in metal history. To learn more about its live performances, check out the Metallica tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
68	Is This It – The Strokes The Strokes’ “Is This It” is a defining album of the early 2000s indie rock scene. Tracks like “Last Nite” and “Someday” showcase the band’s catchy melodies and raw energy.
67	Dummy – Portishead Portishead’s “Dummy” is a trip-hop masterpiece. The album’s moody atmosphere and tracks like “Sour Times” and “Glory Box” highlight its unique sound.
66	The Queen Is Dead – The Smiths The Smiths’ “The Queen Is Dead” is a seminal alternative rock album. Morrissey’s poetic lyrics and Johnny Marr’s jangly guitars on tracks like the title song and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” are iconic.
65	3 Feet High and Rising – De La Soul De La Soul’s “3 Feet High and Rising” is a groundbreaking hip-hop album. Its eclectic samples and playful lyrics on tracks like “Me Myself and I” set it apart.
64	Baduizm – Erykah Badu Erykah Badu’s “Baduizm” is a defining neo-soul album. The album’s smooth grooves and introspective lyrics on tracks like “On & On” and “Next Lifetime” make it a standout.
63	Are You Experienced – The Jimi Hendrix Experience “Are You Experienced” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is a revolutionary rock album. Hendrix’s virtuosic guitar playing on tracks like “Purple Haze” and “Hey Joe” is legendary.
62	All Eyez on Me – 2Pac 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me” is a seminal West Coast hip-hop album. The album’s raw energy and hits like “California Love” and “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” showcase 2Pac’s enduring influence.
61	Love Deluxe – Sade Sade’s “Love Deluxe” is a soulful and elegant album. Tracks like “No Ordinary Love” and “Cherish the Day” highlight Sade’s smooth vocals and sophisticated production.
60	The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground & Nico This self-titled album is a landmark in rock music. Its avant-garde sound and tracks like “Sunday Morning” and “Heroin” have influenced countless artists.
59	AM – Arctic Monkeys Arctic Monkeys’ “AM” is a modern rock classic. The album’s infectious riffs and hits like “Do I Wanna Know?” and “R U Mine?” showcase the band’s evolution.
58	(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis Oasis’ “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” is a Britpop masterpiece. Tracks like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” remain anthems to this day.
57	Voodoo – D’Angelo D’Angelo’s “Voodoo” is a landmark neo-soul album. Its organic sound and tracks like “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” highlight D’Angelo’s artistry.
56	Disintegration – The Cure The Cure’s “Disintegration” is a goth rock classic. The album’s lush soundscapes and tracks like “Lovesong” and “Pictures of You” capture its melancholic beauty.
55	ANTI – Rihanna Rihanna’s “ANTI” is a bold and experimental pop album. Tracks like “Work” and “Needed Me” showcase Rihanna’s versatility and artistic growth.
54	A Love Supreme – John Coltrane John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is a spiritual jazz masterpiece. The album’s intricate compositions and Coltrane’s virtuosic playing make it timeless.
53	Exile on Main St. – The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main St.” is a raw and eclectic rock album. Tracks like “Tumbling Dice” and “Rocks Off” capture the band’s gritty energy.
52	Appetite for Destruction – Guns N’ Roses Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” is a hard rock juggernaut. The album’s explosive sound and hits like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle” are legendary.
51	Sign O’ the Times – Prince Prince’s “Sign O’ the Times” is a genre-defying double album. The album’s eclectic mix and tracks like the title song and “If I Was Your Girlfriend” highlight Prince’s genius.
50	Hounds of Love – Kate Bush Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love” is an art pop masterpiece. The album’s experimental sound and tracks like “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting” showcase Bush’s unique vision.
49	The Joshua Tree – U2 U2’s “The Joshua Tree” is a monumental rock album. Tracks like “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” capture the band’s anthemic sound.
48	Paul’s Boutique – Beastie Boys Beastie Boys’ “Paul’s Boutique” is a groundbreaking hip-hop album. Its innovative sampling and tracks like “Shake Your Rump” and “Hey Ladies” make it a standout.
47	Take Care – Drake Drake’s “Take Care” is a defining album in modern hip-hop and R&B. The album’s introspective lyrics and hits like “Marvins Room” and “Headlines” highlight Drake’s versatility. To learn more about his live performances, check out the Drake tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
46	Exodus – Bob Marley & The Wailers “Exodus” by Bob Marley & The Wailers is a reggae masterpiece. The album’s uplifting tracks like “One Love” and “Jamming” continue to inspire listeners worldwide.
45	Homogenic – Björk Björk’s “Homogenic” is an avant-garde electronic album. Tracks like “Jóga” and “Bachelorette” showcase Björk’s innovative sound.
44	Innervisions – Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions” is a soulful and socially conscious album. Tracks like “Higher Ground” and “Living for the City” are timeless classics.
43	Remain in Light – Talking Heads Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light” is a groundbreaking post-punk album. Its polyrhythmic sound and tracks like “Once in a Lifetime” are influential.
42	Control – Janet Jackson Janet Jackson’s “Control” is a defining album in pop and R&B. Tracks like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” showcase Jackson’s assertive style.
41	Aquemini – OutKast OutKast’s “Aquemini” is a pioneering Southern hip-hop album. Tracks like “Rosa Parks” and “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” highlight the duo’s innovative sound.
40	I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You – Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” is a soul classic. Franklin’s powerful vocals on tracks like “Respect” and “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” are legendary.
39	Illmatic – Nas Nas’ “Illmatic” is a seminal hip-hop album. The album’s gritty portrayal of urban life and tracks like “N.Y. State of Mind” and “The World Is Yours” are iconic.
38	Tapestry – Carole King Carole King’s “Tapestry” is a timeless singer-songwriter album. Tracks like “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend” showcase King’s heartfelt songwriting.
37	Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) – Wu-Tang Clan Wu-Tang Clan’s “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” is a cornerstone of hip-hop. The album’s raw energy and tracks like “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Protect Ya Neck” are legendary.
36	BEYONCÉ – Beyoncé Beyoncé’s self-titled album is a bold and innovative pop album. The visual album’s hits like “Drunk in Love” and “Partition” highlight Beyoncé’s artistic growth.
35	London Calling – The Clash The Clash’s “London Calling” is a defining punk rock album. Tracks like the title song and “Train in Vain” capture the band’s rebellious spirit.
34	It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back – Public Enemy Public Enemy’s “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” is a politically charged hip-hop album. Tracks like “Bring the Noise” and “Don’t Believe the Hype” are powerful.
33	Kid A – Radiohead Radiohead’s “Kid A” is an experimental rock album. The album’s atmospheric sound and tracks like “Everything in Its Right Place” are groundbreaking.
32	Ready to Die – The Notorious B.I.G. The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die” is a seminal hip-hop album. Tracks like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” highlight Biggie’s storytelling skills.
31	Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” is an iconic alternative rock album. Hits like “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic” capture Morissette’s raw emotion. To learn more about her live performances, check out the Alanis Morissette tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
30	WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? – Billie Eilish Billie Eilish’s “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” is a dark pop masterpiece. Tracks like “Bad Guy” and “Bury a Friend” showcase Eilish’s unique sound.
29	The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest A Tribe Called Quest’s “The Low End Theory” is a jazz-influenced hip-hop album. Tracks like “Check the Rhime” and “Scenario” are essential listens.
28	The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” is a progressive rock masterpiece. The album’s psychedelic sound and tracks like “Time” and “Money” are iconic.
27	Led Zeppelin II – Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin’s “Led Zeppelin II” is a hard rock classic. Tracks like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Ramble On” highlight the band’s powerful sound.
26	My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is a grandiose hip-hop album. The album’s ambitious production and tracks like “Power” and “Runaway” are standout.
25	Kind of Blue – Miles Davis Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” is a jazz masterpiece. The album’s modal compositions and tracks like “So What” and “Freddie Freeloader” are timeless.
24	The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars – David Bowie David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars” is a glam rock classic. The album’s theatrical sound and tracks like “Starman” and “Suffragette City” are legendary.
23	Discovery – Daft Punk Daft Punk’s “Discovery” is an essential electronic album. The album’s infectious beats and tracks like “One More Time” and “Digital Love” are dancefloor staples.
22	Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is a rock ‘n’ roll epic. Tracks like the title song and “Thunder Road” capture Springsteen’s storytelling prowess.
21	Revolver – The Beatles The Beatles’ “Revolver” is a revolutionary album in pop music. The album’s diverse sound and tracks like “Eleanor Rigby” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” are iconic.
20	Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” is a landmark in pop music. The album’s lush production and tracks like “God Only Knows” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” are timeless.
19	The Chronic – Dr. Dre Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” is a seminal hip-hop album. The album’s G-funk sound and hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” are influential.
18	1989 (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” is a pop triumph. The album’s catchy hooks and tracks like “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” highlight Swift’s evolution as an artist. To learn more about her live performances, check out the Taylor Swift tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
17	What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is a soulful and socially conscious album. Tracks like the title song and “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” are poignant and timeless.
16	Blue – Joni Mitchell Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” is a singer-songwriter masterpiece. The album’s intimate lyrics and tracks like “A Case of You” and “River” are deeply emotional.
15	21 – Adele Adele’s “21” is a powerful pop-soul album. The album’s heartfelt ballads and tracks like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You” showcase Adele’s vocal prowess. To learn more about her live performances, check out the Adele tour page for concert tour dates and tickets.
14	Highway 61 Revisited – Bob Dylan Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is a folk rock classic. The album’s poetic lyrics and tracks like “Like a Rolling Stone” are iconic.
13	The Blueprint – JAY-Z JAY-Z’s “The Blueprint” is a defining album in hip-hop. The album’s soulful production and tracks like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and “Renegade” highlight JAY-Z’s lyrical skills.
12	OK Computer – Radiohead Radiohead’s “OK Computer” is a groundbreaking alternative rock album. The album’s innovative sound and tracks like “Paranoid Android” and “Karma Police” are essential listens.
11	Rumours – Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” is a pop rock masterpiece. The album’s timeless hits like “Go Your Own Way” and “Dreams” capture the band’s personal turmoil and musical brilliance.
10	Lemonade – Beyoncé Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” is a bold and personal album. The visual album’s tracks like “Formation” and “Sorry” showcase Beyoncé’s versatility and powerful storytelling.
9	Nevermind – Nirvana Nirvana’s “Nevermind” is a grunge rock classic. The album’s raw energy and tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come as You Are” defined a generation.
8	Back to Black – Amy Winehouse Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” is a soulful and haunting album. Tracks like “Rehab” and “You Know I’m No Good” highlight Winehouse’s unique voice and emotional depth.
7	good kid, m.A.A.d city (Deluxe Version) – Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d city” is a cinematic hip-hop album. The album’s vivid storytelling and tracks like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” are standout.
6	Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” is a soulful and expansive album. Tracks like “Sir Duke” and “Isn’t She Lovely” are timeless classics.
5	Blonde – Frank Ocean Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” is a groundbreaking R&B album. The album’s introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes on tracks like “Nikes” and “Ivy” are captivating.
4	Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution “Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution is a genre-blending masterpiece. The album’s iconic tracks like “When Doves Cry” and the title track highlight Prince’s genius.
3	Abbey Road – The Beatles The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” is a landmark in rock music. The album’s seamless production and tracks like “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun” are timeless.
2	Thriller – Michael Jackson Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is a pop juggernaut. The album’s groundbreaking production and hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” remain influential.
1	The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is a profound blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. The album’s introspective lyrics and tracks like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor” highlight Hill’s artistry.

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