The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill created a perfect album here. Which is so sad because of her mental instability we'll never get anything like this from her again. The Fugees are pretty high up on my bucket list artists. But with Pras in prison and her inability to get it together enough to do shows, we just have to live in The Score and Miseducation. Which again, perfect albums that serve as a sad reminder of what could have been.

Oddly, I'm giving this 5, but begrudgingly. I've had this held up multiple times as one of the greatest albums ever, and in several places I have to agree. Doo-Wop and Everything is Everything are both great songs, and Ex-factor is one of my favourite pieces of music ever. The concept ties it together nicely and several other tracks are enjoyable. It's a great album, and one I would heartily recommend to others. So why begrudgingly? Because in a few places it really didn't feel that great, and it had been hyped up so much that the disappointment was noticable. Can't take my eyes off of you felt pointless, and as impressive as the layered vocals were, sometimes I just wanted to hear Lauryn's voice alone. I kept thinking I'd drop it to a 4, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So yeah. A 5, but just.

A masterpiece!

Incredible album by a terrible person. I wanted to give this a 5 until I got til about song 9. I really think that was the perfect spot to end the album, everything else after that feels like filler. Sure, they're still decent songs, but it really takes away from the credibility of how good the first 9 songs or so are on this record. This was my first listen of this album ever, despite knowing how critically acclaimed it is. It's just a shame that the last several songs aren't up to scratch and just makes the album drag on and on and on and on.

Enjoyable political rap. Lauryn Hill has solid and soulful delivery and each track has great produ-HOLY FUCK CARLOS SANTANA FEATURE. I can’t find much to relate to in songs about being a black woman being pressured to get an abortion. I suspect this woman talks louder than the average.

This is a great album, that’s undeniable. Hip hop and R&B is just not to my taste. Listening to this in one sitting was genuinely a chore. This is someone’s favourite album of all time, it’s not mine. There’s great songs on here but this isn’t for me. The production is good, the skits are bearable unlike a lot of rap albums I’ve heard and there is a good mix of genres here. Highlights: Doo Wop (That Thing), Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Lyrics, flow, instrumentals, content, this album has it all. Beautifully smooth front to back. Santana and the classroom interludes were the perfect additions that push this record over the top. 5 outta 5 classic

Eh. I always had a feeling this album wouldn't be for me despite its acclaim and this listen confirms it. I know how celebrated this album is, I remember it being huge back in the day. I'm just really not into the more r&b influenced side of hip-hop.

Not my usual style, feels a bit stilted. Solid album with some definite high points, enjoyed To Zion, Dop Wop (That Thing) and Everything is Everything.

So many songs on here I didn’t realize that I knew, absolutely loved this album.

Didn’t really enjoy this all. Good for what it is, but it sounded just tired, clichéd and dull to me - despite it being highly rated. Some really poor lyrics stood out too (“He was like the ocean and I was the sand” and “He came to me like a thief in the night”). Yeah. Scraped to a 2.

I’ll allow the 2 duds

Its not perfect but it sort of is

Perfect Album

The singles on here are as good as it gets. There is a warmth and heart to this album that counts for a lot. Unfortunately, it is a little too long with some songs not lingering long in the memory banks.

fun throwback...

It‘s „Ok“. Some tracks are good. Some are not. The filler story between the tracks is too much.

what a way to come out as a solo artist man Would I listen again: yes Deserves to be on this list: definitely 4.4

Beautiful album

One of the greatest hip-hop/r'n'b albums of all time. Lauryn is an incredible singer and rapper. Almost 80 minutes and it doesn't overstay it's welcome for a single second. If I were to nitpick, I would've excluded the cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You. Other than that, this is perfection, 5/5

Classic ‘90s R&B with hip-hop influences & undertones. I understand the broader influence to the scene contextually, but—controversially?—this also doesn’t really do it for me, unfortunately.

One of the greatest ever.

I don't know what all the excitement is about. It's good but not great.

Long & tedious. I struggled to finish this one, but I will certainly not struggle to completely forget that it even exists by supper time. I want peach cobbler for dessert.

Very good - early 2000s vibe barley any skips

Franchement j’ai pas trouvé ça ouf et c’est des anglais donc 1

So beautiful and personal. You can feel a lot of grief, hope and wisdom in this record. Several amazing singles that defined the era, wonderful flow from song to song. A tremendously deep and meaningful experience.

Fuck whoever made this racist account.

My wife and I met around the time this was released. She was a fan. Needless to say, listening to it now is a trip down memory lane. That’ll affect my rating. If I had heard it now for the first time and without any personal attachment, I don’t think I would have found it quite as interesting. So it’s three stars for merit, plus one for the good stuff that came with it.

Really good album, love the concept and the vocals are just amazing. But, I can’t stand the rhythmic “uhs” and “yeahs” just over and over which makes the whole thing a lot less enjoyable for me.

It’s really good rnb like really really good rnb but my mind isn’t a blown as I was kind of expecting

well the worst part of this is that Lauryn hill didn't drop another album. I love the skits where i usually hate them in albums idk these ones are awesome.

This album feels so complete and rich and miraculous. Like, how are all the harmonies and vocalizations exactly right every time? Hill takes us on a varied, personal, and profound journey musically and thematically. It's a statement, it's a confession, it's a vision of paradise. Some albums feel like grenades, some like immersive films -- this album is a crossbow dart piercing the veil of the invisible world. It's probably a top 10 album for me.

I've *thought* a lot about this album in the last several years. The album managed to land at the very top of Apple's top albums of all time list, a list that was certainly divisive, but for my money was a valuable attempt to measure cultural impact on the moment in time the list was created. I was surprised both that it was voted #1 and that I was totally fine with that ranking. Is it the greatest album of all time™️? Probably not. Is it the most culturally impactful album of the last 30 years? At first blush I'd say an obvious no, but then I consider how many pantheon pop albums since this came out were created by women bursting past soul & r&b trappings and I think it's fair to say that dozens or even hundreds of groundbreaking albums can trace at least part of their lineage back to the Miseducation of LH. It's a real shame that she seems to have completely punted on a follow-up, and rode the good will of this record and The Score for 30 years. But it's a testament to its greatness that it's able to be ridden at that level. How many artists ever created an album that could have stood as their only output and still commanded headlining tours for decades? What I haven't done in a very long time is to actually listen to it front to back. Doing so felt like rediscovering a companion album to Songs in the Key of Life (another album I wouldn't have a problem landing at the top of an all-time list.) Every song was a masterclass in American black music, traveling through rock, hip-hop, soul, r&b, blues, latin, Motown, and pop, but never feeling like homework. The lyrics are dripping with substance and specificity and display a real deftness with flow. Her voice if gorgeous. The arrangements are bursting with life. A masterpiece.

I quite like some of The Fugees tracks so was interested to hear this. Hasn’t grabbed me initially though, but only part way through my first play through. That said, I’ve already fast forwarded a couple of tracks so it’s not sounding overly promising… Going into this I really hoped I’d enjoy it, but sadly I haven’t. Whilst it pains me in many ways I’m going to have to give this a lonely 1.

Not listened to this before and enjoyed it. Could well score higher after more listens

This ended up on a 3 in the middle because I really liked some stuff, but also found other tracks just did not engage me.

Looking back on this album I am not sure if it was worth as much hype as it received. Don't get me wrong its good (Zion is beautiful) and she takes on deep subjects. Her voice is unique and different and really soulful. But as it went on it seemed to drag and each song sort of bled into another. Her take on love and hurt was important but at times it seemed repetitive. I liked song Every Ghetto, Every City and the way she highlighted the small details of beauty of every day of life. I waiver on a 3 or a 4. It is soo much better than some 3's but it doesn't draw me in as much as I expect from a 4.

My favorites are Final Hour and Everything is Everything.

This album exists in my life solely because I am a huge fan of The Score by The Fugees. What I hear is a good album but it is nowhere near best of the 90’s as some people say.

With all the awards and accolades this album has received, I was hoping for a masterpiece. It mostly delivered. I liked the structure of a full circle story being told, with the added element of the classroom she was absent from. My favorite thing about the album was her reflecting on having a baby, especially in To Zion. Those felt like deep and emotional moments. And Doo Wop (That Thing) is such an awesome hit. I like the effect she uses with layering her vocals over each other to create a richer, almost instrumental sound with her voice, though that effect feels a tad overused as the album goes on. I don’t think enough of these songs hooked me to give it a five, it’s not an album I’d put on to listen all the way through. But it is masterful in its own right.

One of the greatest albums of all time. 10/10. No notes

Classic R&B album.

best r&b album

Sone songs I really like and some that don't do much for me.

I can't believe I hadn't listened to this album before. I don't know if it was subconscious misogyny, but I regret the 37 years I missed with this album. The Miseducation of Lauren Hill is amazing!

iconic.

Solid album. Some really great songs. Not as many punchy or gritty tracks as I would have guessed but I enjoyed this.

It was good, except for the skits. I'm glad this isn't happening much anymore.

Too track: Doo Wop (That Thing) / Forgive Them Father

Pretty great album

Pure Soul-Hip Hop-R&B perfection. So much authenticity to this album and beauty, and heartbreak and other appropriate adjectives. ~ I wish I could find my CD, but I settled on Spotify, which feels like a disservice. DOO WOP obviously, superb and TO ZION, purely exceptional

Top notch. Her voice is pristine

Excellent tunes. I understand why Lauryn Hill just tours one album

I can appreciate the artistic merit here but still feel like it’s just not for me.

DFL kako bismo rekli, dosta faking loše. Ne mogu taj loš hip hop slušati, jedva dobar mogu poslušati. 1/5, 1/10

Pros: fantastic 90s R&B + hip-hop, good use of skits, a couple great individual tracks (Doo Wop (That Thing) if nothing else), fantastic vocals throughout (if a little overdone). Cons: repetitive lyrics, over-reliance on the same style of chorus. Most of the songs have a refrain that's repeated over and over with an oversung call and response. It wouldn't have bothered me once or twice but it got pretty samey pretty quickly.

It's a shame about basically everything that happened after this album, and in retrospect you can kinda hear some of the things in her performance that would pop up later in that MTV Unplugged performance. The interstitials disrupt the album's flow. Rating on this one could fluctuate depending on the day honestly but after sitting with it for a while I feel ok with where I landed. (It's also hard to not side-eye some lyrics knowing "Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)" exists but) favorite track: Forgive Them Father already in collection

1. I've definitely heard of Lauryn Hill before, but I probably couldn't name any song titles off the top of my head 2. After a first listen through the album, I really like the fact that there's kind of a story being told along with every song about the students in class with the teacher trying to educate them 3. Apparently I actually have 2 liked songs by her and they're both from this album (Doo Wop & Can't Take My Eyes Off of You)? Seems that'd make sense since they're her 2nd and 5th most popular song of all time respectively. 4. The fact that even within the first 3-4 songs it felt like I've listened to (what sounds like) entirely different artists is a testament to the quality and skill of Lauryn. From rap, to hip-hop, to R&B/soul she really melds a lot of genres together which normally I'd say wouldn't work, but maybe that's where the overarching story tying the songs together helps 5. Damn, she's apparently still even touring to this day, plays in Vancouver in November actually 6. This entire album is REALLY good, definitely deserves to be on the 1001 list 7. Favorite song that I hadn't heard before is probably Nothing Even Matters

Some classics, I think she has a great voice with good beat work. Some of the narrative aspects of the album detracted from the listenability of the album for me.

I liked her work better as a part of the Fugees. This certainly wasn't bad, just wasn't the spirit of the music I liked from her before.

Love her soul music. But do not like her hip-hop/rap stuff.

Classic album .

Solid. Such a great artist.

I like it. Thats it. Thats the review.

There are moments of joy and many lessons learned on this album, to the background of incredibly soulful funk and hip hop. In a word, beautiful. Liked Songs Added: Do Wop (That Thing) Forgive Them Father Everything Is Everything

Successful concept Hip-Hop album - written out of the persoective of a pregnant Woman.

I’m not generally a fan of hip hop, but Lauryn Hill’s enormous talent, including her ability to morph from gritty street rap to smooth R&B, is mesmerizing. Not something I’ll pull out often if ever, but it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer talent.

Someone who understands the history of hip hop will know why this is a classic album, but it’s not working for me

I have been looking forward to this album as I am familiar with the high-praise it usually receives. Lost one- Really good chorus, has a mix of hip-hop and gospel which compliment each other very well. Ex Factor- Good, not great. I have heard this sampled before. To Zion- Santana on this really elevates the song for me.

Wooooo I’ve been waiting for this one! A truly flawless album, it’s so cool to listen and hear all the songs that artists today continuously sample. No notes, Lauryn Hill you will always be famous!

Cool album. Standout songs: Lost ones Every Ghetto Every City Everything is Everything

a perfect easy flawless 5

I love this album so much, by far one of the most refreshing hip hop projects out there. With themes of love and taking so much influence from soul, it truly is just so unique and almost in a way wholesome.

Yet another album where IT and I have nothing in common. Don’t want to be rude about it so will leave it there. 1/5 27/10/25

Certainly not the greatest album ever. Loses me midway through.

When Apple announced this album as their greatest of all time a few years ago, most critics were totally fine with that choice, despite the rest of the list being a joke. I'm not sure I agree that this is the best album of all time, and it's certainly not in my constant rotation, but it is a great album.

Very smooth and easy to listen to. Surprised she never pursued a solo career. Soulful and literate, mixing sounds and rhythms effortlessly.

My favorite track was admittedly a cover

A classic album I was really looking forward to. And it was a thoroughly great listen, though it didn't blow me away. Maybe a hot take, but I even enjoyed the skits, which I don't normally do.

R&B, hip hop and soul. Not normally my thing. But this album transcends it's genres and sends out important messages that were ahead of their time. Personal highlights include Ex-Factor, Forgive Them Father and Everything Is Everything, but there are many more. I can hear Stevie Wonder influences in some of the songs, and you can see how this album has gone on to influence more recent artists, male and female, from a range of genres. It's a shame that her solo output was limited to pretty much this album. She had important things to say.

Not for me. För mycket röstwankery. Gitarrsolot på ex factor kändes som ett skämt

I really like the Fugees. The score was phantastic. I always felt Lauryn was the most gifted of the group, so I had high expectations for this album. And I was somehow - disappointed? I can see how it was groundbreaking and influential. I like Alicia Keys "Song in A minor" a lot and understand that Lauryn somehow coined this new sound (sorry I'm horrible at naming genres and I also think it's kind of stupid), but the album only had a few bangers (Everything is Everything). The stints were fun but then they prevented a cohesive album. Still 4 stars for influencing some great artists.

Nope.

The true last classic this list is gonna give me. By that I mean one that's always in the conversation when talking about classic albums. And this hits nowhere for me. Too R 'n B/soul for me and too little what I loved about the Fugees.

What I'm learning here is I really love her voice. I love it in spoken word, as rap, and her vocal range in song is also gorgeous. I find it impressive she produced this on her own, and I also think that's why it falls short for me. I was really expecting to be blown away, maybe the expectations were also too high. The way she raps is starting to sound dated, but it's still aesthetically pleasing. A lot of the work with the pen is intimate, delicate with a punch, but I've been exposed to enough material for it to occasionally feel slightly superficial to me. Conceptually, not very raw. 3.2/5

22/10/2025 I just didn't enjoy this, i didn't think it was very good. Spotify listeners: 14.3 million

Have listened to this album before. While not my favorite Lauryn hill album, it is still really good. This and Fugees the score.

Not really my thing. I prefer jazz and blues.

put simply: very cool and smooth

A classic with great tunes. I wish I could pay closer attention to the lyrics.

excellent album

don't understand the hype

Absolute Classic for a reason. great listen

Love this 🧡

Soulful

Damn. I remember all the acclaim this album got when it came out, but this is the first time I’ve listened to it all the way through. What a groove it has and Lauryn Hill’s voice is amazing. I’m torn on how I feel about all the classroom interludes, but overall, loved the whole album. Highlights: “Lost Ones”, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “ Everything is Everything”

A great and unique fusion of styles.

A modern classic - the production is unreal as well. Lauryn Hills talent is amazing

Unexpectedly good.

Miseducation has a pretty unassailable first half where Lauryn Hill brings a string of impressive hits that would win over even those with little interest in soul and R&B. It was Final Hour which particularly stood out to me though, showing off how versatile Lauryn is. She does very little rapping across this LP but its some of the best I've ever heard. A real achievement.

Lauryn Hill gets a solid 4, great record, love a lot of it, could even grow on me

Seminal masterpiece

Näin kehutuksi ja korkealle kaikissa listoissa arvioiduksi levyksi todellinen pannukakku. 2/5.

If there’s one thing this album should be remembered for, aside from the music, it’s that iconic cover. Back in the late 90s, it felt like I saw that image everywhere. Musically, it’s a blend of neo-soul and conscious hip hop, and while I’ve personally lost some appetite for this sound over time, it definitely had its moment. When it first came out, it stood in stark contrast to much of the mainstream hip hop of that era. This album was lighter, groovier, and more uplifting, both emotionally and spiritually compared to the harder, more aggressive edge of commercial rap at the time. It brought something fresh and genuine, and even if it’s not in rotation for me anymore, there’s no denying its impact.

I really enjoyed this. The themes were clear although tut album flowed a bit haphazardly (and ended on a damp squib) but lots to love in this. The big singles and Forgive Them Father the highlights. I even loved the interlude which were cute and authentic.

I wasn't really into this. It's not really what I like and I'm afraid the in your face religiousy-ness of it just put me off further. Doo wop and everything is everything stood out a lot as tracks that I preferred. The backing music was alright in places, but then that click in nothing even matters was driving me mad. I'm sure she is making valid statements and from what I've read makes some good female perspective views, but I just didn't get on with it.

Raw & Memorable One of my favorite albums

Slept on this album for a while before finally listening to it for the first time a few years ago. Now I fully understand why it gets all the praise and accolades constantly thrown its way. I don't think there is anything else I can say about this album that hasn't already been said so I'll just say that this is one of the easiest 5/5s I've given during this experience.

One of the best albums of all time. IMO the best hip hop album, top to bottom. Hill put everything she had into this, and it shows.

Good

An essential 90’s album. Blending soul, R&B and rap into a concept album and production that feels timeless

A top Rap/Hip Hop all time. Love it all.

Classic

if only

Really really liked this. I liked how she plays with different genres and sounds while maintaining a cohesive final product. Lost ones, Ex-factor, forgive them father, etc. are fantastic.

she has vocal runs that remind me of Stevie Wonder

This was everywhere when it came out and is one of the defining albums of the later 90s, without the "Extra" songs this would be a 3, thankfully those two tracks push it over the line for a 4.

Clever and warm with lovely soul nods but a little too long and drifts in places

This record still holds up. The grooves and flow are unmatched. It’s too bad Lauryn turned into such a weirdo.

Perhaps this is a good album for it's genre but I would never intentionally seek this out or listen to it. This is admittedly not my kind of thing and I skipped through every song.

A perfect album. Too bad there is controversy around Lauryn Hill as a person and her not giving writing credits.

Can’t believe how many shit albums are in this list.

Good album

A shame she seems to be not the best person but this is a masterpiece.

This is a very good album that ranges from R&B to hiphop. I’m not sure it deserves the lofty position that critics give it, but it is strong.

Powerful, beautiful, emotional, and also at parts fun. I wish she could have given us more than one album from this period, but my God what an album it is. The guests all compliment her but that tracks where she is alone stand out to me and highlight the vulnerability she shows. Ex-Factor, Doo Wop, and Lost Ones are all certified classics. Easy 5.

8/10

Usually I don't like these extra long albums, but this is a very pleasant exception.

Really loved so much of this album but it didn’t blow me away the way that mama’s gun did. I think maybe all the hype around it set my expectations really high. I think perhaps the album was too long for me and if it were condensed it would have stuck more. But a lot of really great bangers

Loved her voice. I am not a fan of rap, but found it very catchy!

Groovy, conscious, stylish, critique. I really like this. I think it can sound a bit same-y and is perhaps not my exact genre but this is masterful

So many samples finding their origin here. Great album

No idea why this album gets so much hate. Independent of the hype at the time, it's a solid R&B/rap album from a female star. Everything about it is good: lyrics, beats, production - everything. Influence 5. Hits 4. Quality 5. I love it 4.

It's good, it just doesn't really resonate with me.

Not my rhing

Excellent. Soulful. Should revisit soon.

Good effort out of Ms. Lauryn Hill here. Some songs on here are wonderful, some miss. Overall I like the vibe and what it did for chill hip hop / RnB. 7/10

The algorithm must've heard me complaining. The intentional cracking on the backing track was confusing but now it kinda feels like a vinyl player if you close your eyes. TBH no notes. Seeing her tour with Outkast would've been bucket list.

The Score is one of my top 10 all time favorite albums so when Lauryn released a solo project I was eager to listen. The Miseducation is good but not great album. She definitely used this platform to express an anger on behalf of an impoverished community. Her voice talent is exceptional and the melodies, samples and beats demonstrate a superior musical talent. It’s too bad that she didn’t continue to be a prolific musical artist.

A landmark album that blends soul, hip-hop, and R&B with real purpose and conviction. Lauryn Hill’s voice and writing are undeniable, and several tracks hit classic status. Still, the interlude “classroom” moments broke the spell for me a bit—they add concept but cost some momentum. A record I deeply respect and admire, even if it stops just short of that personal five-star connection.

Good record. Not my bag of tea but it is very good.

3.4. Some greatness to be sure.

Æ vet ikke om det e en tidløs klassiker, men æ synes helt klart den har tålt tidens tann – like utmerket nu som da æ gikk på videregående.

Splendid album. What a great record this was!

The first time I heard this, it didn't really do too much for me. The second time I heard it, I liked it better, but still nothing really stood out. I actually really enjoyed the classroom interludes though!

Great album 8/10

An undeniable classic, the first half is pure, genre-defining —that neo-soul sound is absolutely timeless. Still, the ten minutes of hidden, preachy skits are kind of unnecessary.

9.5/10

I see how this is critically acclaimed but I don’t get it. Not my favourite style and it didn’t grab me in a way that moved me. Wouldn’t listen again, but also didn’t hate any of it, it just reminded me of that era of music.

This is one of the greatest full albums I’ve ever heard. From lyrics to production to sound engineering, sequence to skits and theme. This is beautiful music period!

Pas du tout mon style mais une grande artiste qui a joué dans Sister Act 2 !!!

Great Album. I am picky when it comes to female artists and she does not disappoint. There are a couple of songs that are just eh, and weird, but that is a cost of having such a staple from the 90s that doesn't get old.

Amazing

Oh boy oh boy where do I begin. My glorious queen Lauryn Hill can have my kids, my house, tbh anything. An absolute masterpiece.

** Don‘t Like the Songs on which she does Rap. Which is the majority. And the Songs she sings Are unbelievable boring.

Classic.

gets better as the album goes on. Classic

Rapping or singing Lauren Hill has a great voice.This is a good LP very well produced LP. Which if a few tracks had been left off would be a brilliant LP

Uh huh, huh, yeah, yo, etc etc. This sort of stuff just gets on my wick. I don't feel qualified to judge it on merit, only that it doesn't do anything for me.

I understand why this album is so loved

one of the easy ones to rate 🙂

Well, this is actually better than I remembered. Chill vibes, a feminine perspective , no macho posturing and misogyny, a great voice, not strident, even the skits work, the concept is rather lovely and not at all ludicrous.. Some interesting musical choices. Forgot how much I loved To Zion. And this has absolutely stood the test of time

2 and a half but 2 in unfair

It was quite good

A great album, Lauryn Hill is such a god damn talent

When I listened to Lauryn Hill’s album, I found it unbelievably bad. On the first play it got under my skin so much that I almost quit, but I forced myself to listen again. The second time was slightly less awful, maybe because I was distracted. Still, the whole album feels like one long low point. “Superstar” stood out negatively, and the cover of Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You was, in my view, ruined beyond belief. The only track that made me pause was Final Hour, because it has a flute that actually sounds musical. Carlos Santana also plays a short acoustic guitar part, but it gets buried in the rest. I simply can’t connect with this modern version of R&B at all. Sorry.

If there’s one thing this album should be remembered for, aside from the music, it’s that iconic cover. Back in the late 90s, it felt like I saw that image everywhere. Musically, it’s a blend of neo-soul and conscious hip hop, and while I’ve personally lost some appetite for this sound over time, it definitely had its moment. When it first came out, it stood in stark contrast to much of the mainstream hip hop of that era. This album was lighter, groovier, and more uplifting, both emotionally and spiritually compared to the harder, more aggressive edge of commercial rap at the time. It brought something fresh and genuine, and even if it’s not in rotation for me anymore, there’s no denying it’s impact.

good

Too long

I have been miseducated

Great voice and some really nice songs on here. I really liked the Can't Take My Eyes Off You cover and Everything Is Everything. I found a lot of the songs to be kind of filler though. It's a long album and I didn't really care for a lot of it. Good album, but not really my thing.

Went in expecting another overrated album, but came out pleasantly surprised.

Music is supposed to inspire

Made me feel very cultured.

Good vibes!! Even if I don’t listen to this every day, it itched my brain in a way modern music doesn’t. So 90s, so girl!

I went in to this record a little skeptical. I knew a little of its reputation, but I was completely unfamiliar with the music. This is one of the few records I’ve heard so far that completely lives up to the reputation. Bursting with life—organic and rich. Blends so many different flavors of hip-hop, R&B, gospel, funk, etc. to create a masterfully diverse and refreshing experience. The tracklist exhibited tremendous versatility. Love the sonic weight of this album. Basslines are so powerful and punchy. Drums are heavy and tight. The vocal harmonies create dense textures that are enthralling—awesome. Some of the tracks are a little long, but groove so well I don’t think this is a negative. So glad to hear this one. 9/10 Standouts: To Zion Forgive them Father Everything is Everything There was so much to enjoy, I imagine next listen will have different standouts.

Sooo good

Not bad for a hip hop album. I liked the guitar solo on that one song.

beautiful harmonies, and a lovely time capsule with the skits.

I don't know how this would be classified. Mostly rap with some borderline R&B? Not for me.

I love Lauryn Hill's voice. It is soulful and smoky and communicates more than just words. I liked the album but not as much as I wanted to. When the album shines it shines brightly but at times it gets lost in itself and tends to drag.

I adore this album. I'm not typically a listener of rap, hip-hop or RnB... and yet I cannot help but love this album from the bottom of my heart. Lauryn Hill delivers a "soft concept" album that is full of deep reflections, big questions and buckets of soul - exploring love, faith, parenthood, pain and hope. The composition is stunning, and her performance is captivating from the moment her name is called to no answer. To write so evocatively, compose with such precision and perform with such feeling is rare. I wish I understood more about where this album comes from, and indeed Lauryn herself. This is the second time I've heard this album and it won't be the last. A true masterpiece, the likes of which don't come around often.

A good album, I liked Ex-Factor, Do Wop (That Thing) and Everything Is Everything the most.

Not my favourite genre, as has become plainly evident. This one was ok at best. The tracks are repetitive but at least not oppressive to the ears. It is very long though, and not really holding up as listening progresses. 2/5

So boring. Really just glazed over my ears. Wasn't painful enough for 1, though. Just uninteresting.

Wow! First listen ever, I get the hype. Will listen again for certain.

Great sound

What even is there to say. Miss Hill really will teach you about loving yourself

Literally the GOAT

Iconic

A huge sprawling statement album fusing reggae, R+B, hip-hop, rap, doo-wop and more. I like the fuse but not as much the sprawl. I know I am supposed to love this as one of the great records of the 90s and all time, but I only really like it.

It has been a minute since I listened to this one all the way through. I think had they cut 10-15% this would ranked a bit higher. Still love the vibes. Would be 3.5 if I could.

Truly an all-time classic. The lyrics, the production, the arrangements, the hooks—all are stellar, and Lauryn Hill is the magnetic center of it all.

I really love the overall vibes of this album! “Ex-Factor” and “Lost Ones” are my favorites so far. ✏️🤎🌿

This is a pleasant for ears record. Good balance of rap and singing. Appreciate positive narrative of the album which is rare for black community music nowadays. Couple of songs have been added to playlist.

Lauryn has a beautiful and soulful singing voice, but she also has a pretty good flow when she raps. Favorite track: Lost Ones

All time great r&b album

Starts with a strange mix of reggae and hip-hop. I really like the sections where it just turns into a monologue. Unfortunately, I feel it is not nearly as impactful by modern standards. Favorite Songs: Final Hour

When this album came out, I was living in Japan, and even there it was everywhere. A friend of mine actually became a Lauryn Hill fan because of it. I do like her voice, and for some reason To Zion, which was played a lot in Japan at the time, is a track I quite liked. The guitar that comes in during the interlude of Ex-Factor is also surprisingly cool. Listening to this album made me realize that I’m not really into hip-hop, but I do quite like soul.

This album is an insane powerhouse of 90s RnB. I was shocked at how many songs I knew, though I couldn't tell you who Ms. Hill was before this! I adore her rich alto voice and the mix of rap and harmonies. Fascinating storytelling, too. The classroom bits imply that Hill missed the day in class where they talk about love. Such a cool album- I really enjoyed this.

Done well just not my cup of tea

I had forgotten how complete this album is, from first track to last it’s an absolute masterpiece.

Is it wrong of me to say Ms. Hill really needs Mr. Jean? Props to her for bringing this level of musicality to the genre, but the genre still leaves me cold. Kind of a mashup of two genres, neither of which I enjoy. But she's a very good vocalist in need of better writing.

This album is a vibe. It has a very relatable message, especially to young people or people who are looking back on the time they were young. Lauryn is an excellent vocalist and the sound is not only good, it has an effortless coolness to it that isn't often found on every song on a whole album.

It's a good album, well arranged & well produced. Classroom intervals are a cool touch that makes the listener think & binds it all together. That all said, just not something I could see myself choosing to put on.

Surprisingly I'd never listened to this before, I enjoyed it but as much as this album is put on a bit of a pedestal in the hip hop genre. I much prefer her work with The Fugees. That thing is obviously still a HUGE banger.

Hard not to enjoy this one. Nice chill beats, soulful vocals and harmonies, Reggae influences and a feature from Carlos Santana. Runtime is perhaps a touch too long though.

Does me no harm. But far too long! Therefore weak two stars. 1,5

What a great voice and selection of styles on this strong debut album that still sounds fresh 25 years later!

It's criminal that I never listened to this before now. Honestly, I have no excuse. It's going to be in rotation though, for sure.

Some bangers, some filler. Starts very strong and gets a bit slow for my liking towards the end. Feel good. Lost Ones and Doo Wop the highlights.

Banger

Great idea but less so the execution. Lauryn Hill's singing did not always hit the mark and the album as a whole was dragged down by some superfluous skits.

I understand why some say its a classic because its a very good album from front to back. It has some lows but still good

She is talented. I just never got all the hoopla about this album. Sue me

1998 File under 90's MTV fodder. It's OK, but not for me Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ ★★★☆☆ (5/10)

I was encouraged by the intro track with the school teacher-ish reading of names. Lauryn Hill was missing. Imagine my disappointment when she turned up on the very next track! The tracks are not a screaming horror show as some offerings on 1001, but none were ticking boxes. Its a no from me. NO! About 1 hour 16 minutes too long. No, changed my mind, 1h 17mins too long.

A staple in the neo soul/ R&B realm. One of the most smoothest and recognizable voices ever!

Great stuff.

It’s fine. Great voice, good vibes, just the poster child of a very middle of the road album in general. It’s overly long and well outstays its welcome, it’s very bloated, and once again this is another album where the skits completely take me out of the flow of the album. I know it matches with the premise of the album, I’m just not the most fond of them, especially with all the bloat in the mix. Again, it’s fine. Nothing really much I can say about it. It’s fine to chill out to and let it play in the background, but I wouldn’t really call any of these songs something I would immediately want to come back to hear again. My favorite song on the album is “Forgive Them Father.” I’m sure this was revolutionary at the time, but it’s extraordinarily average sounding listening to it today, I may even go so far as calling it overrated?? Apologies Ms. Hill, I enjoyed it enough, but I’m not likely to remember it after a little while. Great little feature by Santana though, he makes any album better with his presence.

Loved this, great grooves, Every Ghetto Every City a real stand out for me

The songs released as singles from this album give you the impression it should be a belter. It’s not really. It’s too long and a lot of the other songs on it don’t hit nearly the same level. Pity, as she has a lovely voice and it’s clearly well produced.

Great album, I can see why Apple Music would rate this as the greatest of all time, and it would also be amongst many top albums of all time lists. Personally though, I really liked most all of the songs, but after an hour in or so I just checked out. I can tell it’s great music and an amazingly made album, I just don’t think it’s all my thing. Just don’t imagine returning to it much. 100% an album you need to hear at least once before you die though.

This was good but we don't really remember it so 3 stars.

Great album but goes on a little too long

Separating the person from the music, this album is excellent. The songwriting, performances and instrumentation is amazing - almost like a Hi Records sound updated with hip-hop influence. If I have a complaint it would be the length of the album, which was a problem for most albums released around this time, but otherwise it is definitely worthy of being on this list.

me gustoo

Neo soul is very much not my bag, so it's no surprise that parts of this didn’t interest me. *But* there were quite a few decent tracks scattered throughout the album that did. It sounds musically and lyrically mature - impressive for someone in their early 20s - and it's undeniably impressive and influential piece of work, all told. Furthermore, in a rare twist, I actually enjoyed the skits; rather than breaking the momentum I think the classroom discussion theme holds the album together well and is kinda endearing rather than irritating. 3.5 stars.

If I was strictly rating this album off of production quality and how clean the sound is, this would definitely get a 5. This album just does nothing for me. The best song on the album for me is To Zion. I really loved the guitar parts of that song. But that’s as far as the compliments go. I just feel the album is boring for lack of a better word. Despite how clean and buttery the music may sound, there are times where it’s just a wall of harmonizing tracks that don’t feel as angelic as they are intended to be, and end up feeling overwhelming and drowning. Oh the other positive is that I appreciate the interludes with the classroom. Those are actually endearing and cute. I think I might be harsh on this album, but it’s just nowhere near as good as the Fugees album this list had me review already. I guess I was just disappointed. Nothing on this album hits like “killing Mr softly with his song”.

Such a beautiful voice.

Love this album. Absolute clasic

This felt like a good mix of 90s hip-hop and R&B. In the first half of the album, I was into more of the hip-hop songs like Lost Ones and Doo Wop. Wasn't feeling as much of the slower R&B stuff. In the second half I only found Everything Is Everything and Can't Take My Eyes Off You compelling. It's a pretty long album and while Hill is definitely a talented artist going between both genres seamlessly, I found my interest waning in and out. I probably land at about 3.5 stars, but skew more towards a High 3. Good listen with a handful of standout songs.

I am aware that there is a certain cult appeal surrounding Lauryn Hill and this album in particular. Her career is weird in that she is highly regarded for producing quality work, and yet her output is quite the opposite of prolific. Where most artists build upon the inertia of success, she released effectively this one highly-regarded solo album and never bothered with a successor. While this isn't an entirely unique trajectory it is certainly remarkable as a solo act. Listening through, I can certainly see some of the appeal. Her writing is tight and delivery often soulful bouncing between hard-hitting hip-hop (Lost Ones, Doo Wop), 90s R&B (Ex-Factor, To Zion, Nothing Even Matters), and some funkier undercuts (Every Ghetto, Every City). While she succeeds on all fronts, my gut feel is that (a) this album is entirely too long and (b) I really don't have a huge amount of love for 90s R&B. I think if I had more love for the 90s R&B sound this would be my jam. As it stands, this is certainly above average, but not something I would repeatedly come back to. For that this straddles the high 3, low 4 divide. Using relistenability as a differentiator, I'm rounding down.

Standouts are "Doo Wop" and "Forgive Them Father". Great voice, great beats. Not much wrong about this album! Not really my favorite genre, but had a good ride.

Pretty long but broke it up in 2 listens with about 30 minutes in between so not terrible. Was a good listen with some great singing and good beats. Caught myself zoning out in some points though. Didn't expect to know a song on here but definitely knew Can't Take my Eyes off You

I've tried getting into this before and while I can recognize it's influence and acclaim, it never really did a whole lot for me. There are some fun sounds in it that I probably glossed over before. Not many songs stood out much to me (besides Everything is Everything and Can't Take MY Eyes Off of You) but it all seemed to flow really well. This is definitely somewhere in the 3-4 area for me. Going to bump up because I liked this significantly more than the other R&B we have gotten. Still on the lower end for me though.

Music can be repetitive. Good beat and melody, voice is great. Not really my favorite type of music though, doesn't resonate with me.

Garbage

It's a pleasant enough album. At it's best when it reaches into soul music. Carries a bit too much 90's R&B vibes for my tastes in spots, but could be worse for sure.

It's OK

Ok but tracks samey. Didn’t really hit home.

Masterpiece

Hill's lyricism really carries this album. It's so long and it's hard to say exactly what should go since there are at least pops of excellence on every track. The track lengths are also long, but her message and musicality is nuanced and the length is rewarded. But ultimately I found myself checking the clock for when things would wrap up rather than finding the time to settle in like I do when something really grabs me. Overall an excellent album, but not to the level I want from someone as crazy talented as Ms Hill.

Some of these songs are so good, but they don't carry the album as a whole.

5/10

Chill 90s hip hop with reggae tones

Have always liked Lauryn’s voice.

I already know I am going to rate this 5 and I haven't started listening yet.

I love when I listen to an album outside of my wheelhouse and can hear and appreciate the genius that went into its creation.

Surprisingly good in that Soul/R&B some Hip-hop is not my goal to genre. Concept album, 'educating oneself about love' (fairly long at 77:39). Quite different than the Fugees material, light on hip-hop heavy on soul. Has Carlos Santana as a guest musician. I think what I liked most is the album sounded raw (underproduced) for 1998. Contains radio hit Doo Wop (That Thing)

Favorite Track: Doo Wop (That Thing)

Classic.

Not my genre, but some sharp lyrics and flows throughout songs. 3/5

Quite samey but okay background noise. 90s r&b on the head

Ahora entiendo un poco la locura por éste disco. Muy lindo el storytelling. Nota: 3.7

Feels a little written by committee

Pretty good, just not my type of music 3/5

Beautiful!

Fine

4/5

Great soulful vibes

Top 10 album of the '90s for me

embarrassingly, my very first listen of this classic. just an absolute miracle on every level...one of the most masterfully dexterous records ive ever heard. on a surface level theres ofc lauryn's obviously hyper-versatility in singing and rapping, but theres also just a precision and color that effortlessly turns all the late 90s hip hop album "weaknesses" into strengths...its long but feels refreshing all the way through, and its built around a series of pseudo-skits that have to be close to the very best in the entire genre with how well they genuinely enhance and contextualize the music. and for all this, the lyrical content is kind of starkly un-grandiose...just a bunch of Emotional Truths given the most effortful delivery possible. in a weird way, maybe the most humble album that also loudly screams I AM A CLASSIC. glad to finally check this one off!

Most songs are quite good. I'm not a fan of most of the outros because they're spoken word.

A beautiful melodic rap album. Incredible voice and songwriting.

Ебать мать чувствует.

This album is so cool, and makes you feel 10% cooler listening to it. As a nerd, I need all I can get.

Yea was alright

honestly felt a bit overhyped? I liked the middle-end part more than the fan favorites at the beginning also. I think the message is really good, I just find it a little boring.

It is quite clear why this album became the generation defining record it did become. Lauryn Hill comes in with such utter confidence and the way she ties in the sounds of the classroom talking about love is deeply masterful. The neo soul sound, the moments of reggae, her lyrical power all come together into this great melange that fills the listener up with feeling. Because of the intricate work on display here I do get tiered by the end. This is not even to say the back half is weaker more that for me the 77 min runtime feels overmuch and pushes me away from the album. I think that's the reason it has not ever been in my own too albums but that doesn't mean I don't have a deep respect for it.

A smooth blend of rap, r&b, pop and other influences. I enjoyed bits and pieces of this, definitely nostalgic and super well produced just not really the kind of music I reach for.

I've seen this album pop up all over the place recently and it seems to be portrayed as some kind of masterpiece, but I don't know, I just didn't really like it. There were maybe 2-3 tracks that I enjoyed, but the time spent between those tracks was boring and far too long.

Not bad. Has it's vibe. But repetitive.

So I do really enjoy this ex-factor, doo wop etc. but the constant ad-libs have always grated with me. Same with fugees. If I got a pound for every y-y-yo, yo, yo, yo then it would only be fair that I evade taxes on it in honour of Ms. Hill

just fucking awesome

This is great but longer than my morning commute so had to drop a star, rules are rules

Vahva kolmepuol pyöristyy tällä kertaa alaspäin, koska kyllä The Score nyt vaan kolahtaa kovempaa.

What a gift of an artist and a gift of an album. Wow. Top notch, spiritual, deeply creative, taking you on a journey from start through to the bitter end. One of the best hip hop/r&b albums I think I have ever heard.

Pretty decent, for some reason this album sounded great in my car but less good on my headphones, though. Anyways, I liked this more than most hip hop. Favorite tracks: "When it Hurts So Bad," "Ex-Factor"

Well done, Lauryn Hill. Smooth and rich all the way through.

This album is fun, upbeat, the bass is amazing. I recognized "that thing". It sounded so cheerful and took my mind off stuff. I really liked this album, it was perfect energy and vibe. 8/10

ive listened to this 3 times and it still doenst connect with me

I know that people love this. I do not.

Needs more listens as it's very long and I know it's very well loved. Will say she's probably the best singer & rapper in one that I can think of.

This one was a miss. A couple of highlights, but I mostly wanted it to be over.

Not my preferred genre of music, but I get it. I especially like the music intermissions with the classroom recordings. I hope Lauren found what she was looking for.

Great album. Never listened to much Lauryn Hill but this was awesome

I can tell this is a 5. Creative, compelling, lush, Lauryn equally adept at rapping and singing. Great interludes. It’s just not a 5 for me. The album goes 75% r’n’B and neosoul - genres that read bland to me. I’m also not a fan of vocal theatrics like trills and glissandos etc, which she uses judiciously but they’re still there, drawing out the slow songs even longer. Still, it’s high-quality with some beautiful classics, like “Everything is Everything” and the earworm “That Thing.” 4 stars

Better than I thought. More diverse in terms of grooves and arrangements

Hiphop isn't my thing, so I'm not the right person to write or rate about this genre. For me it's really boring and repetitive. I like Hill's voice and the overall sound is organic compared to many other genre's albums, though.

Loved it

Tenía muchas expectativas de este disco, porque era referente de otras artistas que he escuchado ultimamente. 4.5/5 porque los tracks hablados no me gustaron tanto.

Not for me.

Muy buen álbum, él primer álbum de estudio de Lauryn Hill, combina R&B, Soul, Raggue, Hip hop y otros géneros qué se complementan bien en él álbum, mis favoritas fueron la famosa doo wop y superstar, en general le doy un 8.4 por qué no eh escuchado muchos álbumes de este género, cuando lo haga lo más probable es qué suba mi calificación respecto al álbum.

Every night my partner and I talk about the albums that we listened to that day and what we thought of them (we both travel for work so it's usually done over the phone). I was telling her about Lauryn Hill and that I remember buying the album (on cassette tape) and that I remember the Fugees but I don't remember anything of them after this album came out. That's the thing, no albums did come out it's like Lauryn Hill leaving the Fugees killed the Fugees and then there was nothing. It's an influential album for the ages but now that I listen back to it, it's not what I remember.

At last, a hyped hip-hop album on this list that I actually enjoyed.

It was fine

I can see why people like it but its just not for me

I hope Lauryn Hill eventually got her education