Apple Music: 100 Best Albums. Image credit: Assouline
Apple Musicis turning its “100 Best Albums” list into a luxurious collectible book, bringing iconic records from the screen to your shelf.
Earlier in 2024, Apple launched its “100 Best Albums” list directly in the Apple Music app, sparking plenty of lively debates among fans. Now, the company is releasing the list in a different medium.
The Apple Music: 100 Best Albums book is a heavyweight in more ways than one. It weighs 8 pounds and has luxurious touches like a linen cover, gold page edges, and an acrylic slipcase. Each copy is hand-numbered, making it a unique piece of music history.
For the book’s intro, Apple Music brought in Zane Lowe, who’s well known for his in-depth interviews with artists and his passion for music. He sets the tone for what’s inside, offering a bit of background on the chosen albums and why they deserve the spotlight.
“What we found,” says Lowe, “is that truly great albums are more than just a collection of songs — they become a part of you, a part of your life story. They’re heartbreak, pain, trauma, joy, revolution, and resolution.”
Alongside Zane, the book includes insights from a star-studded group of musicians and music industry insiders, like Pharrell Williams, Maren Morris, and Charli XCX. Apple really wanted this to feel like a true celebration of music, not just a greatest-hits list.
These picks are all about artistry and impact. A panel of Apple Music experts and artists curated these albums, looking for records that left a mark on music, culture, or both. Some of the albums are globally known, and others might be surprises, especially to anyone looking to expand their music horizons.
With 208 pages and 97 illustrations, the book, as first discovered by 9to5Mac, offers a visual experience for readers. High-resolution images of album covers, iconic photographs, and custom artwork accompany each entry.
Each album represents a chapter of music history, spanning rock, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic genres.
With a limited print run of 1,500 copies and a $450 price tag, each book becomes a rare piece. For music fans who value their vinyl collections or have strong memories attached to their favorite albums, Apple’s music book offers an additional analog experience.
