How did a tech giant create a music list that challenges conventional rankings?

  • Apple Music unveiled a ranking of the 100 best albums ever made
  • The list was determined by human judgment, not streaming data or algorithms
  • Apple enlisted about 250 employees, artists, and industry executives to vote on the albums
  • The list includes a mix of classic and contemporary albums
  • The top three albums on the list are ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, ‘Thriller’, and ‘Abbey Road’

Apple Music has released a ranking of the 100 best albums ever made, determined by human judgment rather than streaming data or algorithms. The list, which includes a mix of classic and contemporary albums, was created by about 250 employees, artists, and industry executives who voted on their favorite albums. The top three albums on the list are ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, ‘Thriller’, and ‘Abbey Road’. Apple’s goal with the list is to spark conversation and debate among subscribers and the industry. The company believes that these albums, although more contemporary, will be remembered as classics in the future. The list is a mix of well-known artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, as well as newer artists like Billie Eilish and Frank Ocean. Apple’s decision to create a human-curated list in a time dominated by algorithmic recommendations is a bold move that sets it apart from other streaming platforms. The list has already generated controversy and discussion, proving that it has achieved its goal of getting people talking about music.·

Factuality Level: 3
Factuality Justification: The article focuses on Apple Music’s release of a list of the 100 best albums ever made, determined by human judgment. It provides details about the selection process, the rankings, and comparisons with Rolling Stone’s list. The article contains no misleading information or propaganda, but it lacks depth and relevance to broader issues or events in the music industry.·
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article primarily focuses on Apple Music’s list of the 100 best albums ever made, detailing the process of how the list was created and comparing it to Rolling Stone’s list. It provides insights into the selection criteria and the human judgment involved in curating the list. The article also discusses the controversy and discussions surrounding the list, as well as Apple Music’s marketing strategy. While the article may contain some filler content and repetitive information, it stays on topic and supports its claims with examples and quotes from relevant individuals.·
Public Companies: Apple (AAPL)
Key People: Zane Lowe (Apple Music’s global creative director), Neil Young (Artist), Carole King (Artist), Erik Brynildsen (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL), Lauryn Hill (Singer and Rapper), Michael Jackson (Artist), The Beatles (Band), Frank Ocean (Artist), Stevie Wonder (Artist), Kendrick Lamar (Artist), Amy Winehouse (Artist), Nirvana (Band), Beyoncé (Artist), Marvin Gaye (Artist), Joni Mitchell (Artist), Jay-Z (Artist), The Beach Boys (Band), The Beastie Boys (Band), The Smiths (Band), Patti Smith (Artist), Bob Dylan (Artist), Bruce Springsteen (Artist), Bad Bunny (Artist), Billie Eilish (Artist), Taylor Swift (Artist), Oliver Schusser (Apple’s vice president of Apple Music), Ebro Darden (Apple Music’s global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B), Rachel Newman (Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial)


Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: This article does not pertain to financial topics or events that impact financial markets or companies. It is about Apple Music’s ranking of the 100 best albums ever made, determined by human judgment.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: ·

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com