Apple Music has just announced the release of a limited edition coffee table book to accompany its 100 Best Albums list, which was curated earlier this year.
The Apple Music: 100 Best Albums book is a luxurious, 208-page tome that will be available for pre-order starting today (November 13, 2024). Priced at a steep $450 (which is approximately a whopping Php 26,403.97), the book is being produced in collaboration with high-end print publisher Assouline and is set to ship by January 9, 2025. While the shipping fee is free worldwide, its hefty price tag has sparked plenty of discussion.
The book’s exclusivity is reflected in its production, as only 1,500 copies will be made, with each one individually numbered on both the back cover and inside the book. The design has been described as premium, featuring a custom-made translucent acrylic slipcase etched with the iconic Apple Music logo. The book itself is housed in a white linen hardcover, with gold streaks adorning the page edges and spine lettering — a detail that adds a touch of opulence to the overall package.
While Apple has released high-end books before, this edition stands apart by offering actual content in the form of a curated list of the top albums across genres. The book’s foreword is penned by Apple Music’s Creative Director, Zane Lowe — who has been a vocal advocate for the list — noting its purpose is to spark conversation and debate among music fans. Lowe’s commentary on the project emphasizes that the book is more than just a collector’s item; it’s an invitation for fans to engage with music on a deeper level.
“The idea is that if our list sparks more debate among fans outside of Apple Music and gets people talking passionately about the music they love, then we’ve done what we set out to do,” Lowe said in the book’s promotional material.
However, there’s a notable catch for those considering adding this to their collection. While the physical book includes the text from the digital 100 Best Albums list, it lacks the additional media that accompanied the online version, such as videos and other interactive elements. This means the book serves more as a static tribute to the albums, rather than a fully immersive experience. For those looking for a more expansive dive into the list’s rich multimedia content, the digital version of the 100 Best Albums still offers the complete package.
View Apple Music’s digital list of their 100 Best Albums here.