Apple’s release of its top 100 albums of all time has met with mixed reactions. While some praise the inclusion of influential and critically acclaimed works, others criticize the list for its recency and popularity bias.
The list, curated by Apple in consultation with music artists, places Lauryn Hill’s ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ at the top, a well-received choice for its groundbreaking impact on R&B. The top 10 includes other iconic albums by Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Kendrick Lamar.
However, critics point out that Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde,’ ranked number five, is a questionable choice for an all-time best album list, given its release in 2016 and its debatable influence compared to albums like Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue.’ They argue that the list suffers from recency bias, prioritizing recently released albums over older, more established masterpieces.
Another criticism is the lack of diversity in the list. Popular genres like rock, R&B, hip-hop, and pop dominate, while other genres like jazz, classical, and non-Western music are largely unrepresented. Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue’ and John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme’ are the only two jazz albums featured, a glaring omission considering the genre’s profound impact on popular music.
Critics also point out the absence of experimental and influential artists like Captain Beefheart and the lack of non-Western music, which has significantly shaped global music. They argue that a comprehensive list of the best albums deveria be more inclusive and reflect the diverse contributions to music history.
In conclusion, while Apple’s list offers a glimpse into popular and critically acclaimed albums, its recency and popularity bias, as well as its lack of diversity, raise questions about its accuracy and completeness as a representation of the best music of all time. Critics emphasize the need for inclusivity and a broader perspective when compiling such lists to truly capture the richness and diversity of music history.
