CELEBRITY
Taylor Swift Fans Up in Arms: Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums List Sparks Outrage
Apple Music’s recent release of its 100 Best Albums list has sparked controversy among music fans, with many taking to social media to express their discontent. The list, which was compiled by Apple Music’s editorial team, including radio hosts Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden, has been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation of certain genres.
One of the most notable snubs is the underrepresentation of country music. Despite being one of the most popular genres in the world, country music only accounts for 1% of the albums on the list, with Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour being the sole country album included.
Taylor Swift, who has been a dominant force in country-pop crossover, barely made the list with her 2014 album 1989 coming in at number 18. Swift’s fans have taken to social media to express their outrage, citing her influence and impact on the music industry as reasons for her deserving a higher spot on the list.
The list has also been criticized for its heavy bias towards hip-hop and rap music, with over 22% of the albums falling under this genre. While some have praised the inclusion of iconic albums such as Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which topped the list, others have pointed out the absence of legendary artists such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Brandy.
Apple Music’s editorial team has defended the list, stating that it was compiled based on music knowledge and expertise, rather than popularity or sales figures. However, fans continue to express their discontent, calling for a more inclusive and diverse list that represents the vast range of music genres and artists.
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about the music industry’s lack of diversity and representation, with many calling for more inclusive lists and awards shows that accurately reflect the music landscape.
Only time will tell if Apple Music will take the feedback on board and revise its list to better represent the diverse range of music genres and artists. Until then, the debate continues.