Reviews (page 7 of 13)
Just a flat out classic album. Orange Crush is prob my fave REM song. Poetry set to mind blowing music.
This is a great album! Really enjoyed it!
Always has been a solid album all around though has been years since listening to it.
Damn!!! What an amazing album. Another gem I’ve never heard before.
Really great album. Glad that I listened to it again. Even better than I remember from last time.
A classic hip-hop album that feels its length at 1hr 17mins, but undoubtedly a great listen. Crisp production, slick flow. Cool cameos from Mary J Blige, Santana, and D'Angelo
This is a truly great album but I would love to have a version without all the vibe-interrupting interludes.
I think this is the first time I’ve listened to this in full and I see the hype, although I wasn’t totally and completely blown away like I’ve been with other critically acclaimed albums. It’s nice and smooth and kind of refines a clunkier early 90s hip hop sound while also adding enough pop, soul, and r&b elements to become something wholly new. 4/5
First listen I didn't really get into it. But On my second I really enjoyed it.
Perfect boom bap beats, gorgeously soulful melodies from an incredible singer, and a few too many vocal runs
Surprisingly good - not the sort of music I'd usually choose, but I liked it.
Brilliant.
Already heard it
Chido. Quiero escucharlo otra vez.
Rather great album 3.8
Album Name: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill # Artist: Lauren Hill # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: LH has a fantastic voice. That deep soul kind. Ex factor is a brill song. That guitar solo. feels like santana. Zion is with Santana! nice tune. Did not like the ending though. Not sure why they need to talk out the track. Good song apart from that. This talking thing happens way too often on the album. That thing - a classic song which everyone knows The first half of the album is very good! The problem i find with the rap/rnb from this era is there too much album. This goes on for nearly 1hr 20. The length detracts from the overall quality. When i look back at the number of songs ive saved - its a decent number. But theres a helluva lot filler too. Some is tedious. Some not bad. If they streamlined this album down to 10 tracks or so it would of been hugely effective. An easy 5. But the length detracts away from that 5. This album is probably a 4 or 4.5 tops for me. Overall a very good listen - and thats coming from someone who doesnt like the genre! # Top Tunes: X factor / Zion / that thing / lost ones / final hour / Everything is everything # Would I listen to it again? Yes, most of it.
So far it’s ok. I really like “ex-factor”. “To Zion” starts off amazing. This album is getting better. “Doo woo” is another great song. This keeps getting better. Ok. This album did not resonate with me at first, but it keeps getting better. The musicians are great. The songs are great. This is a great album. The version of can’t take my eyes off you is wonderful. Great album.
An incredible classic with so much influence in the world of r&b. Even though I am not a music officianado, I have seen firsthand how many artists have incorporated some aspect of this album into their music. Legends like Kanye, J. Cole, and The Doors all paid homage to this album. I loved the harp in "Superstar", the piano laced throughout and enjoyed the guitar in "To Zion"! Listening to this album for the first time in a while gave me some rose colored lenses I think. While there are only three songs I would add to a playlist, I can appreciate the story behind the album. Some of the songs felt really similar, but it felt excusable because of the substance in the lyrics.
Keep Your Eyes On The Final Hour 1001 Albums Generator 18 (04/28/2025) Last week kind of sucked. Work was annoying, my dog regressed in her behavior, and I was dealing with a lot of negative thoughts about myself. On Sunday, we had a problem with our garage door that cost us almost a full dollar for every album on this list. Ouch. In addition to that, the 5 albums last week, while varying in quality, did not contain a single album that would be on my version of this list. There was no stone cold classic, with the closest thing being Billion Dollar Babies. The same will not be said about this week, which is opening with the eternal neo-soul classic The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I think this is going to be a good week. Lauryn Hill, along with Jeff Buckley, is the platonic ideal of a one-album wonder. Unlike Jeff Buckley, Lauryn is still alive; she just... hasn't made any new music. Noone can truly say why, as Lauryn seems to blame everyone but herself and everyone but Lauryn blames her. What is certain is her one album, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, is more acclaimed than many artists' whole discographies. This album lives on both indirectly through its influence on hip hop, neo-soul, and R&B and directly through the nearly 200 professional examples of this album being sampled. Drake, Logic, Kanye, J. Cole, Lizzo, Cardi B, Vince Staples, and hundreds of other artists have paid homage to this album through the art of sampling. However, I would argue that influence alone is not necessarily equivalent to quality. Does Miseducation deserve its acclaim? I will have lots of hot takes as we work through this list (wait till we get to Loveless or VU&N), but my take on this album is as cold as it gets. This is a fantastic album, deserving of all the praise it gets. People often focus on the vocals of it all, but I'd like to start with the instrumentation. Many of the beats on this album are played live in the studio and arranged by Lauryn Hill. I think she deserves as much praise as an arranger as she gets as a writer and vocalist. She said "The first day in the studio I ordered every instrument I ever fell in love with: harps, strings, timpani, organs, clarinets. It was my idea to record it so the human element stayed in. I didn't want it to be too technically perfect." Her goal was achieved: this is a deeply human album. This is an album that a machine would not be able to create; the way the drums are often just so slightly early on some songs, the way the lyrics and melodies change slightly from chorus to chorus. These are things that require a human touch. That's a huge part of where the beauty of this album lies. The first four songs (after the intro) start the album off really strong. Lost One, which is firmly planted in a hip hop sound, features strange guitar chords and heavy turntablism. Ex-Factor, which is sampled in what is perhaps Drake's best song, Nice For What, is as soulful as it gets and has a legendary bridge with beautiful, soaring harmonies. To Zion, which features guitar giant Carlos Santana, has a distinctly Latin flavor and features powerful lyrics about Lauryn's choice to have a child in spite of outside pressure to do otherwise. Doo Wop (That Thing) is perhaps Ms. Lauryn Hill's most popular song for good reason. With an iconic piano beat behind her, Lauryn speaks directly to her African American community, telling the men and the women to not distract themselves with "things". For the men, this is in a literal sense ("timbs and rims") and for the women, the "thing" is more metaphorical. Lauryn tells the women of her community to have self-respect and to value themselves. Other highlights include the beautiful Christian imagery on the jazzy boom bap Final Hour (which has a similar message to Doo Wop) and the reggae-inspired Forgive Them Father. Additionally, the cover of Frankie Valli's Can't Take My Eyes Off You is a beautiful piece at the end of this album. Amazingly, it wasn't meant to be included originally, but thank God it was. The second half of this album is a bit weaker in general. The D'Angelo collab Nothing Even Matters is a sleepy bit of soul and the title track is a minimalist song that fails to stand out. The piano is nice, but this song felt a bit boring. Over half of the songs on this album are over 5 minutes, and I feel as though some of these songs are stretched out maybe 30-60 seconds longer than they need to be. I also found the skits, primarily present in the first half of the album, to really take away from my enjoyment. Especially as they are mastered much quieter, so when listening to this album in my car, I had to keep adjusting the volume. Although Lauryn Hill only released one album as a solo artist, her influence on modern hip hop, neo-soul, and R&B cannot be overstated. This album is chock full of beautiful harmonies, interesting orchestral instrumentation, and boom bap beats. However, some dim spots in the track list, slightly overlong songs, and the school gimmick keep it from a 5 for me. 4.5, rounded down to a 4/5. Favs: Doo Wop (That Thing) Final Hour Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You Least Fav: Nothing Even Matters
There's a dichotomy here, between the Sunday School "skits" of teaching about love and what it should be, and the music, talking about how love really is. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The music is really good, even though it's not my thing.
The start of this album is so great. First 4 tracks (excluding the intro) are quality. From there it dips, but always maintains a decent level - there might truly be no skips - but I could give or take most of the middle of the album. Last two tracks are also great, perhaps that is why the album feels so strong (Apple Music’s favourite album of all time after all…) Fave Tracks: Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wap (That Thing), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Tell Him 4.2/5
ok cool this is an interesting album to get. i've heard plenty of great things about it but i've never listened to lauryn hill, all i know is that she was in the fugees. i get the impression i should pay attention to the lyrics. TRACK BY TRACK 1 INTRO. we enter into the album. this is an interesting intro; we hear a roll call that goes silent when lauryn hill's name is called, over a nice acoustic guitar. 2 LOST ONES. man this is catchy. pretty simple but infectious beat with lyrics about breakup. i could see myself returning to it, it's very cool. 9/10 3 EX-FACTOR. wow. this song is beautiful. to be honest i expected this album to be a lot more conscious than it is but lyrically it's all about heartbreak so far. musically this is very rewarding; her vocals are gorgeous, the piano is so simple yet effective, and that's all before the guitar comes in. the guitar made me bump up the rating, wow. it'll be hard to beat this. 10/10 4 TO ZION. hey it's the guy from the last album. i have gathered that this song is about her newborn child. this song is majestic. just so listenable. i could easily see myself putting this on in the background (in a good way obviously). i wish i had more to say but i'm enjoying it. 9/10 5 DOO WOP (THAT THING). pretty broad lyrics but man this song is cool. so cool. the beat is soo cool. i cringe at myself using the same words over again but it really is that cool. 10/10 6 SUPERSTAR. artistic integrity is lost in favour of money and fame. all of these topics so far are pretty timeless. chill song, cool beat, timeless lyrics. there's nothing else to say. 8/10 7 FINAL HOUR. god makes an appearance. apparently the instrumental is completely original and live which is really cool, i've always thought more rappers should try it. her flow is actually crazy. nice flute too. 9/10 8 WHEN IT HURTS SO BAD. this is just beautiful. these instrumentals sounds so alive, i love it. this instrumental is so pretty. 9/10 9 I USED TO LOVE HIM. silky smooth vocals and a silky smooth beat. kind of reminds me of amy winehouse for some reason. so good. not a single misstep on this album so far. 9/10 10 FORGIVE THEM FATHER. i can absolutely see why this album is hailed as a classic. it just has that sound about it. she's such a great singer and this song just furthers that. 8/10 11 EVERY GHETTO, EVERY CITY. funky beat. effortlessly cool song. not much about it has sprung thought into me clearly but it's just a cool song praising her hometown. 8/10 12 NOTHING EVEN MATTERS. i know of d'angelo and i expect one of his albums to pop up here someday (i actually listened to black messiah, when did that happen?) but this lowered my expectations a bit. generic smooth soul about love. 5/10 13 EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING. as soon as this started playing i got back into it, that beat is everything (ha). honestly i wasn't even listening to the lyrics because the beat is so good, that's not particularly a good thing but i was enjoying it. 9/10 14 THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL. how did i only just notice the cover was etched into a school desk? anyway this song is gorgeous and the lyrics are pretty general lyrics about finding your path or something. 9/10 15 CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU. wasn't expecting this. great song, i love the original so this was a nice surprise. reading the origin of the song is very impressive too. 9/10 16 TELL HIM. more biblical lyrics. very pretty song with a cool beat. wraps the album up nicely. 9/10 this album is widely hailed as a classic (in soul, hip hop, the 90s) and i can completely see why. it's a very enjoyable album with deeply personal lyrics and i would definitely return to it. i knew of it but this got me to actually listen to it so that's great. overall a 9/10
Solid but probably twice as long as it needed to be.
I haven’t heard this album in a long time. I started it with high expectations, but was disappointed as I listened to the first few tracks. But then something clicked, I think after Doo Wop (That Thing), which I knew too well. I turned the volume up, sliding into the lyrics and the beats, and was transported. It does go on a little too long, I’m not a big fan of the spoken interludes. But what a powerful album.
Hemmer and I saw Lauryn at “Ed’s” about 10 years ago. The show was supposed to start at 9 and she came on stage around 11:30. She seemed miserable but she still sounded unbelievable regardless. This was a 5 from memory but listening again, downgrading to a 4. It so long and while I like the classroom skit through line, it doesn’t need to be at the end of every song. Too many forgettable songs to be a 5.
Sounds more R&B now than it sounded in 1998.
Rap
Charming and lovely. I could background this all day.
I've had several listens to this album before; because of its acclaim. This is the first listen that really clicked with me. Sometimes an albums prestige sets unfair expectations, and I think this is a prime example. Sometimes too, and album requires more than one listen to really sink in. Which can be an issue when ranking the albums on this list.
The singles are still spectacular. Too much singing and too little rap for me. A lot of songs feel like repetitive vocals over hip hop beats rather than genuine soul or R&B. But her vocals and lyrics along with the production made this album very pleasant to listen to several times throughout the day.
A really great record. Stunning. Groundbreaking. I don't think Lauryn Hill has sounded better. "Ex-Factor," "Doo Wop (That Thing)," "I Used To Love Him," "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," and "Tell Him" are the standout tracks, but there's a lot to like in the other tracks as well. This album suffers from some of the trappings of other hip hop/R&B albums of the time, which is too many interludes and songs that go for too long. Not that a 5+ minute song can't be good, but a lot of these songs just kind of drifted along by the end. I wish I could give this a 4.5, but I have to round down because it doesn't quite do it for me in the same way the other albums I've rated a 5 do. That being said, still an absolutely fantastic record.
Love it. Bought it when it came out and loved it then.
I know The Miseducation is an easy 5/5 for a number of people, but I’m not entirely convinced. This is a great album with some absolutely great songs, singing and rapping performances, beats, instrumentation (just ask Robert Glasper about that) and so on.. Doo Wop and Ex-Factor are classics. Final Hour is bars and bars and more bars that prove Ms. Hill to be a top tier MC. But as the record moves on, it’s somewhat evident the concept doesn’t quite carry its weight the whole way through. The classroom sketches only end up offering so much sustainability and to me there’s not really that big of a payoff or punchline given the concept. There are a couple tracks that don’t feel all that connected to the core of this record as well (I’m really not into the D’Angelo duet on this record.. feels shoehorned). So.. anyway.. One of 1001 Albums you need to hear, absolutely! The tenth greatest and single greatest album ever according to Rolling Stone and Apple respectively? Not for me. 8.5/10
Es ist gar nicht meine Musik aber paar Banger sind schon dabei und allgemein kann ich nicht schlechtes sagen aber es ist einfach nicht mein Geschmack.
4/5 Vähän vanhemman koulukunnan räppiä. Maistuu makialta lämpimällä terassilla auringossa istuen.
This is still a beautiful, singular album, but damn those songs take forever. No wonder she's always late for her shows.
Lauryn Hill is an incredible talent and this is a diverse and heartfelt album full of top-notch bangers. You can definitely hear how its influence reverberates decades later. But the interstitial chatter gets tiresome.
I've listened to this album before but never closely. This was a good excuse to pay attention. I didn't realize it was basically a break-up album about her split from Wyclef. And it's crazy that the guy she is singing to in the love songs led the 1993 Miami Hurricanes in tackles. I really enjoyed the game I saw him play in that year. I think this album is great but it doesn't blow me away like it seems to everyone else.
Erg leuk album! in een rits uitgeluisterd :) Ik vond de soundbits voor en na sommige nummers leuk. Favorites: - Doo Wop
SO GOOD
it's one of those albums that has had such cultural influence that goes beyond the music. There are so many life lessons baked into this album. You are taken on a journey of love and pain. I didn't always love the melodies, but then would be drawn back in by some very emotional lyric that hits right at home. It's an important album for music and one of greats of all time.
I did not listen to this other than the singles when it came out because it was everywhere and unavoidable. I always loved "To Zion" but until now have not heard the entire album. It is a solid 4. I wish she would have released more music.
A bit too long and too many low points to be a 5. Too bad this was the only solo album she put out.
Nice body of work. Her voice is very distinct which I believe carries this album further. There were some bops and there were some lulls. My enjoyment of this album overall was a 3.5ish but the artistry would be a 4.2ish. I would listen to a good portion of these songs again.
The ultimate one-album-wonder. (please don't tell my wife I didn't give this a 5)
First Listen: May 03 2023 I liked it on my first listen but I wasn't really seeing the hype. I hope I like it more on relisten yeah this pretty good idk what 17 year old me didn't see in this
Obvious classic (aside the LH Racism)
En ole mikään erityisen kova räp/hiphop/r&b kuluttaja mutta tämä oli kelpo kuunneltavaa, huomaa kyllä aikakauden, jolloin tehtiin vielä hyvää hiphoppia.
A flash in the pan moment of brilliance for a terrible person.
Epic!
the story telling is amazing with the lyrics and she was definitely ahead of her time, the breakdown in ex-factor is one of my favorite things ever, despite this not being my primary music taste i can still tell the album was iconic
Beautiful, heartfelt - bought it when it came out and I still listen to tracks on here and use a few in spin class (guess which) she is a vocal powerhouse with a depth and richness few possess - only she could've covered Killing me Softly and only she could do the tribute last week at Flack's funeral.
Remarkable effort. Not my favorite genre but much respect for her ability to both rap, sing, play guitar, and compose / craft such creative songs. Lyrically she is expressive, vulnerable, and to my surprise talks a lot about her faith in God and how much it affects her. I felt like I was on a journey through her personal experiences of motherhood, failed relationships, and recovery. It’s a shame her artistic output was so short lived; she burned brightly albeit brightly.
There are some real gems in here, like Doo Wop. Her incredible voice mixed with vulnerable lyrics create an impactful album. You can sense her gravitas and ability to command a room.
Really liked the message and the femme energy. Good beat, just not sure if it was 100% my vibe, definitely deserves a second listen.
I really thought I’d be torn between rating this a 4 or a 5, but here I am, unsure whether to give a 3 or a 4. It’s definitely great and close to perfect, but it doesn’t hit as hard as it used to.
a classic, and one I grew up listening to while cooking dinner
Those classroom recordings are a distraction from what is an excellent album. I'm sure many people think they are profound - but they are actually close to mentally retarded. That abomination aside, the album is peppered with some really excellent songs, especially the first half which is quite magnificent - 'Lost Ones' is pumping, and seems to have some of the Marley reggae influence; 'Ex-Factor' is glorious with a motown-worthy chorus; similarly 'Doo Wop' is like a lost 60s classic and, quite frankly, genius songwriting; 'I Used to Love Him' is elevated by the Motown backing harmonies; 'To Zion' a heartfelt ballad; 'Forgive Them Father' draws on 'Concrete Jungle's bassline really effectively. It does lose its way for a bit, and I find 'Every Ghetto, Every City' (the Wonder-style clavinet notwithstanding), and especially 'Nothing Even Matters', as too neo-soul and dispensable. It's a great album that's for sure, in spite of the classroom shit-skits and its fatty length. These points drag the album down. But the Motown feel, classic feel, the amazing vocals, great production make it a classic. Its as close to five as I can imagine. I really really really wish it was shorter.
Really interesting and enjoyable. The skits between songs were fun and the diversity of instruments and styles was very cool.
Хороший альбом для движения и легкого танца
Honestly, this is the first time I’ve listened to this album in full. It’s so good. I was prepared to find it overrated, and there are a couple songs on the second half that I feel could have been left off, but this album deserves every accolade it’s been given. Hill’s artistry combines several genres seamlessly across the every single song. Glad I finally listened to it.
So good. Still.
great album her singing and flow is crazy good beats are great big fan of “when it hurts so bad” mess of a situation and person
Better than most of the rap we’ve heard, as far as content is concerned (mostly from male artists). Better on the second listen.
some powerful lyrics messages, 2000s hip hop style. pretty great tbh 4/5
One of the best productions the genre has to offer. I was a little sad to be reminded, that the music of the skits doesn’t always lead directly into the next song - I expected that from Ms. Hill. It’s stellar, no doubt about it. But it’s also 77 minutes long and the hidden tracks could easily have been cut.
Pretty good, some of what makes it feel complete as an album I don’t prefer, but the songs themselves are pretty good
slay
Ya lo había escuchado claramente, ya me gustaba en general sin embargo en lo personal no lo valoro tanto como la opinión popular, sin creer que es malo porque es todo lo contrario creo que es espectacular solo no al nivel que se le tiene.
I loved the latin-influenced beats on this album. Lauryn's voice is also super good, and the harmonies are so cool. It was a little long but I was never bored. Liked this way more than I thought I would.
Very powerful...creative
Smooth jazz feel, I can see the cultural influence this has had on music and her consistent beats makes this an easy listen
I hoped this album would help me to understand why so many of these critically-acclaimed hip hop albums are always over an hour long. It didn’t do this, but it did keep a solid rhythm for all of its runtime, even if the songs merged into a general R&B/soul conglomerate after around track 7. Ms. Hill is exceptional both in her vocals and lyricism, and it’s not hard at all to see why this is so well-loved. Again, it’d benefit by being cut by about 20 minutes. But that’s just in terms of the overall value at a glance, not the storytelling and album structure, which becomes fully fledged. Yeah, it’s a great album. But I feel it can’t go much further than this. Certainly not into ‘greatest of all time’ discussions. I hate those anyway.
crazy listening to this again. i have lots of questions about the content of the album though. like what does she mean about zion
Well, this was huge album in '98, winning awards, elevating Hill to iconic spiritual neo-soul/r&b star status and made the Fugees kind of an afterthought. I had the cd but never REALLY listened to it, I think. Now it's 26, 27 years later. Do people in this genre still have intros and between song "skits" still? How long did that trend last? It's kind of distracting now. The other thing that's distracting is all of the vocal overdubs (or additional people singing call-and-response vocals). They're just relentless. Can we ever get a song where Hill just sings by herself on one track? Is she so insecure that she always has to cover herself up with other voices and sonics? Glad to have listened through this with fresh ears. I love how VARIED it is from track to track, without sounding schitzo... it's held together by her performances, words and ethos. It's essentially a double album, and it sure feels like it. It's LOOONG. ....but it's full of REAL INSTRUMENTS played by real people, and both the instruments and vocals are all kind of UNDERproduced, left to sound just as they are for the most part, without flashy effects or even much reverb at all. "Forgive Them Father", "Superstar" stood out to me, and the Stevie Wonder-esque "Every Ghetto...". The lyrics don't hit me hard... my life experience is worlds away from hers, but I appreciate how she's able to convey her point of view through these songs, from heartbreak to different kinds of love (for a new child, God, a new love, for self), to the pitfalls of the music biz. My main criticisms are: 1) many of the songs seem done, but then go on for another two minutes, 2) too often there are too many cooks in the kitchen (too many singers/voices/rappers), 3) the skits take away from the flow. This is still a significant achievement that certainly belongs on this list.
This album definitely means a lot to me. I gave it on vinyl as a gift to my old doctor, who as it turns out went to school with Lauren Hill. Love the schoolhouse sounds between tracks. Also Everything is Everything is one of my favorite tracks of all time. Still don't love it enough for five stars, but damn is it close.
Lauren Hill är en artist som jag hört mycket om men typ aldrig lyssnat medvetet på. Detta var riktigt bra tycker jag! Ett konceptalbum med rap, hip-hop, RnB och lite gospel till och med. Gillar variationen som inte känns tillgjord utan naturlig. Kommer definitivt lyssna igen! 4/5
Intressant och välskrivet konceptalbum. Lauryn Hill har väldigt bra flow. Blir dock lite uttråkad mot slutet, så inte ett perfekt album.
J'aime bien sa voix, j'aime bien son style, j'aime bien ses utilisations d'accumulations de voix.
this is not my first time listening to this album. Dissect did a season on this (which I believe has been removed since), but I was gearing up for that by listening to this before. this album is smooth like buttah. between the rapping, the lyrics, and the melodies, this album wraps you up in a blanket and gives you a really amazing snapshot into Lauryn Hill's life and her experiences. I feel like if I had read the lyrics all the way through for this album, it could be bumped to a 5 but for now it will rest at a mighty 4.
Low 4 or high 3 for me. Really enjoyed X factor specifically. The rapping itself is fine for my taste, but the songs are good throughout. I really enjoyed the singing and the musical aspect of the album the most. I’m doing this review after listening to this and jungle bros back to back. Very crazy to see the development in the genre over about a decade. This is another album that permeates across the culture. I will give it a 4 because it was consistently good and had a few standout songs. This album doesn’t garner a five because it’s too long, which results in some troughs in quality, and the rapping (while better than the late 80’s) doesn’t hold up to her contemporaries.
This is an album that I have seen in every top album list. The cover art is in the background anytime people are talking about greatest records of all time. I'm glad I finally listened to it, and I can see what the hype it was all about. It's a really great piece of art with meaning and depth to it. I like how the song genres vary and blend back and forth between hip-hop and reggae. This is a tough one because I do think it deserves a five, but it's not really a genre I typically enjoy. I'm going to go with a 4 but I reserve my one time a year edit right to bump it up to a 5 later.
Riktigt skön pipa. Fyra.
classic but not my favorite genre
I need give it a few relistens. Mostly liked it but kind of blends together at points
God hiphop rnb afro ting. Massere af gode sange. Åbenbart kendt for at slå igennem med at bryde normerne omkring kvindelige rappere i sin tid. Virkelig cool
Really enjoyed this! Ex-factor, Doo wop and Superstar were bops
This album never gets old. What a bop. 4.5
"Doo Wop (That Thing)" has been a regular on my listens for a while but I've never listened to the full album so was excited for this one! Definitely more my vibe and can see myself having repeated listens. This album is clearly here for a reason, it's the entry into an obsession with '00s R&B, I'm here for it. "Ex-factor" has a chorus that you'll be singing on a night out with the girls after another bad break-up. I loved Carlos Santana on "To Zion", those soulful sassy guitar melodies with Lauryn's more bassy, husky vocals is fantastic. A highlight for me was "Final Hour", great lyricism with a hypnotic backing track. This one FINALLY gets a 4. Good to have a break from all the white machismo posturing.
Again with another classic! I have vivid memories of loving this album when I first heard it and just having it on repeat for a solid couple of weeks. So I was super excited to return to it as a full project instead of just having a couple songs in playlists. And what a pleasure it was to give this another listen, it’s an album that has this amazing ability to make you smile. The writing and rapping on this album is some of the very best, it’s funny heartfelt and always relevant with its commentary. The skits don’t feel out of place, they are quite heartwarming and they really add to the flow of the album. I think the only thing that disappointed me on a relisten was the sheer length of the album, it feels pretty front loaded and a couple of the tracks at the backend drag the project on unnecessarily. Still an incredible all time great project just overstays it’s welcome a tiny bit. 4.5/5
Truly a classic hip hop album. -1 for her personality after. 4/5
нормалек. я уже повторяюсь, но к такому хип-хопу, недалекому от джаза, с живыми иснструментами отношусь положительно. напомнило алисию кис.
This is a classic that mixes hip-hop, R&B, and soul that is full of toe tappers. Released way back in 1998, it’s all about love, heartbreak, finding yourself, and speaking your truth. Songs "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is super catchy, "Ex-Factor" is full of raw emotion and "To Zion" is a beautiful song about her love for her child. The music still feels fresh after all these years and is one of the best time tested albums ever and a must-listen for anyone who loves music that hits deep.
Classic hiphop, kende het album al 3.8
On one hand, I’m ready to get an album from an artist I’m not familiar with. On the other hand, this album is a classic and I don’t think I’ve listened to it front to back in ages. So… bring it on! Solid album… probably a 3.75 for me. A little skit heavy, a little samey samey by the time it’s said and done… but still great to revisit.
I actually enjoyed this album overall. Lauryn's vocals, the melodies, the lyrics. Solid album.
Voice like butter
Amazing vocals, great backing beats, interesting takes on classic hits, 40 syllable two letter words. The big hits are noticeable and the filler songs start to sound very similar. Great album but a bit long. 7/10
there were some real bops in there thats for sure, and her ability to change between rap and some real soulful singing effortlessly is extremely impressive. HOWEVER i dont think it's quite as good as the pedastal it's held on would suggest, in that people say that this album is an uncontested great, to which i say that it is a great album, perhaps even up there with the greatest, but i dont think i can see this being a GOAT for me. swimming between a 4 and a 5 on this one.
Solid but not many standouts other than Doo Wop
Banger. Great. Had no idea about this album or Lauryn Hill. Can’t believe she only has one solo album. Hoping the fugees comes up down the road. This was really good.
3.75 Best songs: Ex-factor To Zion Doo Wop I used to love him Tell Him (best on the album)
9/10
This is one of those albums I remember being huge when I was younger, but I never got to listen to it. I'm glad I did.
Good.
The first half of this so good. Meanders a bit around two thirds in but still very good.
Easy classic
83% Best: Ex-Factor; Doo Wop (That Thing); Superstar; Final Hour; Forgive Them Father; Every Ghetto, Every City; Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - (I Love You Baby) Must-Hear? Sure
She's an OG. Need to listen to more Lauryn Hill
Some absolute belters here. Doo Wop (That Thing), Ex Factor, To Zion, Forgive Them Father and Every Ghetto Every City are awesome. Some tracks meander a bit for a full 5
Love her voice. One and done. Can’t be replicated.
I understand Apple Music a little better now. Also another case of "great album that deserves better scores on this website than it has, but won't get them because it's not a rock album from the 70's or 80's or whatever"
Per usual, I can always go without the skits and dialogue at the end of songs. It felt good in the 90's and early 2000's but not quite as much now. I don't care to have to hit "skip" on a CD or even on streaming at this point. Every song has a discussion between students and a teacher about love and I'm not hear for it. This was a known issue for me since I heard this album a lot in the late 90's when it came out and was a sensation. Lost Ones Ex-Factor Doo Wop When It Hurts So Bad Nothing Even Matters Everything is Everything All of these are great songs. It's still a very good album but not quite the classic that I seem to remember.
I listened to this album for the first time not that long ago. Excellent debut (and only) album. Not something I'll listen to often as it isn't my style, but great songwriting, performance, and production throughout.
Not bad.
Awesome, non violent, chill
Great RnB classic from the 90s.
Solid album with some great tracks.
Great album
Classoc
Didn't like the filler songs as much as I thought I did. great in general
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill could either be the best or worst album to listen to after a break up, and is preferably consumed alongside a pint of ice cream and a cool pillow to lie down on. "Ex-Factor" and "I Used to Love Him" have the right bitter quality to them about separation, while songs like "To Zion" and "Forgive Them Father" uplift the listener by reminding them that there are more important things to focus on in your life than licking your wounds; for Lauryn it's her son, her (at the time) romantic partner, and God. it's a reminder that the power to rise above hurt lies in you. unfortunately there's the semi-regular reminder that Lauryn Hill is a real human being and that her life is, generously, a bit of a mess. she's had tax issues, relationship issues, performance issues, and hasn't released a full studio project since 1998. sometimes, you can see through the cracks in the project, whether it's the judginess of "Doo Wop (That Thing)" or sort of cornball throwback of "Every Ghetto, Every City" that feels a bit too desperate to return to the "good old days". on record, Lauryn Hill is probably doing fine, but i wouldn't blame you if you thought otherwise. and if she's working hard to cover her hurt instead of remove it, how are you ever gonna get rid of yours? what i'm saying here is that your mileage may vary. i, personally, think that regardless of the external circumstances of Ms. Hill's life, it's still a really enjoyable, often comforting piece of soul. maybe we're like the children in the skits -- we're stumbling around, still unsure of what love is, but always discovering what it could mean through trial and error.
As a kid, I liked The Fugees but this record didn’t appeal to me at all. Now I think it’s actually way better than The Score. My only complaint is that all the songs are way too long (which is typical of albums of the cd era.)
Widely regarded as a top 100 album of all time (and even number 1 on a lot of lists). Clearly an excellent work of art and a wonderfully composed album. Not necessarily my favorite, per se but the talent and work spent on these songs is evident. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
Muy buen disco. Es un rap pero con bases melódicas de distintos géneros (algunos temas es sólo rap).
For me I always saw this album EVERYWHERE and heard all of the rave reviews but I never actually gave it a proper listen. I’m now so in love with this album that I want to be trapped in a dark room with only this album for 24hours. I now understand the hype, and a great album considering its now my usual style
lush & personal, the combination of several genres with apt, standout guitar work. complete & mostly but not perfectly consistent, a side effect of ambition. a mature understanding of love, but youthful & energetic often. a classic & the blueprint for modern funk in hip-hop & the epitome of neo-soul.
Not huge into rap/hip-hop but every so often I find a gem. My coworker told me she is a huge racist lol who knew Good shit
This album is 100x better if you are already familiar with The Fugees. Lauren Hills style is way more refined here. This album will really hit if your a fan of Common, instrumentally, and conscious rap wise. I also love the concept of this record. The skits really make it a full album experience. I have to remove a point though because I do think its a bit too long. This would have been great at 45-50 mins
Banger album
mola mola pepsicola hipi hapa
I liked this album and even though I personally wouldn't listen to it I can see the charm.
Soulful, genuine and really cool.
Many wise texts, several songs which I added to favourites. Many thoughts about love while listening to it.
Exceptional
Great hip-hop/R&B record, such an easy listen even with how long it is. Can see influences for future artists and many songs that have been used as samples now. Really solid album all around, maybe slightly lacking the pop some others have that keeps it at a 4 for me
The album is seamless from start to finish, from lovely vocals to expressive lyrics in the rap sections. Not to mention excellent production which overall makes for an amazing album. I think for me though it just doesn’t quite get 5/5 and I think that is down to personal taste
This was recently named the best album of all time by Apple Music. I can get behind that. I like Lauren Hill enough. I remember how much her videos were on TV in the late 90s. I had been looking forward to listening to this one but I didn’t really vibe with a lot of it. I honestly like the Fugees album better.
There was a LOT of fuss made about this album when it first released and I know at the time this put me off a little. It had been a long time coming but revisiting this album has been an awesome. It’s pretty timeless. It’s probably a 3.5, but I have rounded up to a 4.
pô a lauryn hill mandava demaissssss
impressive
Loved the interludes/intro etc
Love the vibe. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Not as good as I hoped.
Nice to get around to listening to this album, and it did not disappoint.
Here's another hip-hop album I've been meaning to listen to for the longest time. However, unlike the Wu Tang album, I don't think this one quite lives up to the hype. It is still a very good album and she is a great singer, but I just wasn't a huge fan of many of the beats, they were just a little bland. Also this album is too long, I think there is an edited down version of this album that is a lot better. Some of these songs just drag on a little bit (like To Zion or When It Hurts so Bad) without changing things up too much. Also a pet-peeve of mine is tagging skits and stuff onto the end of songs, they should be their own tracks so that they don't come up on shuffle. I do like the interludes though, they tie the album together. Low 4.
What a voice she has. This is supremely musical and she brings the voice to match. The songs are shape-shifting, rap, soul, singer-songwriter, pop not able to contain or express her. That she wrote, arranged, and produced the record is beyond even the Grammys she won. Magically poetic, simple and magisterial, a record for the ages.
A fine album. Doesn't live up to the hype, and the background ambient discussions don't really add much, but a solid good listening album.
Sick, couple bangers
Smart, great musicianship!
Already listened this album
Good stuff
I knew the reputation of this and had heard a couple of the singles before, didn't think much of it. But listening to this again now I really enjoyed it, played it through 3 or 4 times in a row. Honestly I could do without the rap - the CD works best as just killer R&B. On "Ex Factor", for example, they just replace what might ordinarily be a freestyle with a guitar solo (a pretty good guitar solo!), and it works perfectly - that might be the strongest song. It's not a guitar CD though, the feature is vocals. Hill is a strong singer - a high B to low A - and she's complemented by some wonderful backing vocals. Witness e.g. the chorus on "To Zion" (another standout), where you get real belting from Hill and heavy gospel backups, perfectly executed. That's in contrast to e.g. "That Thing", which I'd heard before, and yeah it's kind of catchy, but I think it would be a better song if they cut the rap and skipped straight to the truly lovely choruses (there's also a quasi a-capella bridge that works wonderfully as well). Among the songs that are really rap, the best to my mind is "Everything is Everything" - not coincidentally because it dispenses with a relatively short freestyle early, and is mostly oriented around the very catchy hook. And I'd take "Forgive Them Father", with those lush backing vocals, over the main single as well. But the real highlights are the all-singing tracks, including the title track, which features Hill as a soloist most completely. I'm also just a sucker for concept albums or albums with a framing device. The teacher skits in the intro and the end of "To Zion" and "That Thing" don't really do anything for the music. But they tie the whole thing together, they give it a narrative - it just makes it more fun to listen to as a unit.
This is one of those albums you hear about and think, "surely it can't live up to the hype". Then it does.
Overall some well-executed R&B, even if some of the rapping sections took me out of it a little bit
The production on this is immense. Also there are surely very few people as good at both rapping and singing. This album earns its long runtime more than some previous albums on this list but still drags a bit. The first 4-5 songs were absolutely flawless though, especially Ex-factor, that might be the best r&b song I’ve ever heard.
Enjoyed the story telling and cohesive nature of the album. Overall it was a nice hip hop album with a little bit of soul/r&b twist. I was a little surprised one of my favorite Lauryn Hill songs "Can't take my eyes off of you" was on an extended version of this album but not the original tracklist. Favorite songs were: 7. Final Hour 8. When it Hurts So Bad 12. Nothing Even Matters 8/10
I like this album, but I don't love it. It's long and I don't think the length is doing it any favors. It blends together and the sound gets a little old. My favorite songs were "To Zion" and "Lost Ones." I also enjoyed "Ex-Factor" & "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". If an album is going to be over an hour long, it should have a good reason to do so. Making it this long and so similar across the record dilutes the coolness of the sound. That being said, the sound is dope and Ms Lauryn Hill has an amazing voice. 7/10
She was one of the women that created a foundation for female rap in some way with this album. Even though I think 2-3 songs are really great but the rest is sometimes a bit boring. Still a good album to listen to.
I forget how good this album is. Such a good lesson
love this album, just great
I feel like most flaws/problems I might have with this album are mainly the length of any album from this era of music, which would stuff their length with filler songs. It often makes for inconsistent listens and this album is no exception of course, but I feel like it manages to be better thanks to the variety of beat choices, instrumentals, influences and even people that Lauryn picks on each song, it's a palette that is wide but still manages to feel homogeneous which makes me understand the people who think of this album as a whole being more than the sum of its parts because even if some songs felt like they would be too long or drag it still didn't take me out of the experience or made listening significantly worse. Even if I don't return to the entire album I would still be willing to return to many of the songs on this album
This is what rap should have stayed at
Great album, although slightly overrated (I mean come on Apple, the greatest album ever?). So great blending of rapping and rock like instrumentation on some songs and R&B infused rap on others. 9/10
I don't remember this album being this long, but I still look back on it fondly. A neo-soul/R&B classic, the former Fugees member Lauryn Hill was inspired to pursue a solo endeavor after giving birth to her first child. You can hear and feel the emotions poured into this record, as Hill draws on the complexities of different types of relationships, her recent transition into motherhood with an ode to her first son ("To Zion", which is like 2 minutes too long but features some slick guitar licks from Carlos Santana), and her faith with many biblical allusions featured throughout ("Final Hour" & "Forgive Them Father"). A pretty versatile album in that you can label it as soul, R&B or hip-hop, with some incorporation of gospel and reggae too. Fit right in during the neo-soul breakthrough of the late 90's, but has also aged pretty well 25+ years on. The covers never really landed for me, but "Doo Wop (That Thing)", "Ex-Factor", and "Everything Is Everything" were and still are longtime favorites of mine. This may have been her only studio album, but Lauryn Hill certainly left a lasting impact with it.
Well this is a very good album I have to say - it’s a good positive snapshot of its time and Lauren Hill is on fire here.
Sehr coole sound sehr nice vibe au wenn ichs ned wür selber lose sehr guet
This is actually my second listen to this album in this project, as I got it before joining a group. Sadly, I didn't leave any notes from my first time, but did give it a 5, I think largely on the weight of its reputation. Regardless, it's a fun listen, and while it's far too long (and occasionally too winding), it's an incredibly solid debut album (and curiously her only solo album), with a great mix of Fugees sounds and her own style and distinctive voice. I particularly enjoyed "To Zion", "Doo wop" (and the awesome split-screen 60s/90s video) as well as the very Fugees-inspired "Forgive them Father" and the fun and creative video for "Everything is everything". I suspect if she had been more selective in the track list, I'd have probably given it 5 stars again, but I guess the second listen showed me some room for improvement on a very solid album....
IIRC I had really high expectations post-Fugees The Score and bought this album at the time. Was a bit of a let down for me. Listening to it now, I feel the same way.
I remember this being a very big deal when it came out because it pushed the boundaries of soul, r&B, hip hop, and a bunch of other genres and it was especially big because a woman was doing all of that. I really prefer the songs where she's rapping vs just singing as I don't think her singing is particularly great (though it is perfect for her style). What I can say is that if this was made today the producers would absolutely ruin everything by digitally "correcting" her voice, which would take away quite a bit of this album's appeal. The way Lauryn Hill sings matches the instruments and beats really well precisely because it isn't perfect; it's a grittier type of singing set in songs with instrumentation that would traditionally require a much more r&b type sound. I guess that's credit to her and her producers for coming up with it. Has a few of those ever present 90's skits in it but there have been much worse offenders than here and they're sort of themed at least instead being a voicemail recording. Annoying that they're embedded in to the tracks though. I general I think this is a solid album and a good capture of the innovation going on at the time in the r&b and hip hop spaces. The second half drops off a bit (though maybe in terms of pure musicality I like Every Ghetto, Every City the most out of the whole album), but overall it's very listenable today and carries an important message.
I remember how big of a deal this was when it came out. You couldn't go a day without hearing "Do Wop (That Thing)". Coming back to it 20 years later it's still a bop. This album is dated but the talent and production are still there. It's an enjoyable listen with a deeper message I'm probably missing as a suburban white male.
Smooth as heck. Could’ve done without all the talking.
She has a terrific voice, still sounds as fresh 20+years after it's release.
Another great example of how hip hop can be something more than what it is now. Not all the songs struct to me, but it felt insanely satisfying to find To Zion, a track that's been stuck on my head for decades.
The album that became the nexus of the hip-hop & neo-soul movements of the mid-1990s. Lauryn's raw approach to her lyricism and soulful vocals are iconic, revealing an earnestness and sincerity that is almost completely absent from today's hip-hop landscape. The album's lengthy runtime and a couple less-than-stellar cuts hold it back from a perfect 5. 4.5/5
Really doubting between 4 and 5 stars. I feel not every song is for me…
I had always heard a lot about how good this album is but never got around to listening to it. Now that I have, I can say it lives up to the hype. Great songs, great writing, great production. It's all there.
Mjög smooth og gott stöff. Eldist eiginlega mjög vel bara miðað við 90's stöff. Aðeins of löng og nokkur lög þarna sem hefði mátt kötta. Heilt yfir fínasta fínt.
Þetta er mjög flott plata hjá Lauryn, allt mjög vandað og vel gert. Frábær lög eins og Ex-Factor og Doo Wop. Á klárlega skilið allt það lof sem hún fær. Þetta er því miður ekki tónlist sem höfðar mikið til mín, gtípur mig ekki alveg.
Strong point of view from beginning to end.
What a great voice.
It has been nearly a year since I first heard The Score by The Fugees. By no means did I dislike it. But I really only remember two things clearly. The first being that I didn’t like it nearly as much as some. And the second being Ms. Lauryn Hill herself. It’s hard to go into any popular music discussion, especially one regarding the 90s, without mention of this record. It’s inescapable. It almost has this mysticism about it, where it’s more sacrilegious to have not heard it than the other way around. Apple ranked this as the number one best album of all time. And to many, that wasn’t inaccurate in the slightest. So you have to imagine, if you were in my position, I was expecting something pretty miraculous here. So, what do I think? I sort of see it. This is easily one of the most celebrated R&B albums of all time, potentially second only to Thriller. Except I can say for sure that every song on that record was iconic, and aside from a few faults here and there, it’s almost flawless. This album suffers from being super front-loaded. Lost Ones to Doo Wop is an incredible run. But it definitely loses a lot of steam from then on. There are still good songs though. This is probably the most complete sounding R&B album I’ve ever heard. It falls in with that group of records that I like to say leave no stone left unturned. It’s incredibly dense and includes every aspect of the instrumentals that should be present. It’s basically spotless production on all fronts. But this allows to speak on an opinion I have. As much as I respect Ms. Hill, because she’s an incredibly intelligent person, I feel people maybe give her a teensy bit more credit than she is deserving of. I think some have this perception that she’s like the female equivalent to Prince. The truth is this album is as good as it is because it has one of the most star-studded, stacked list of musicians performing on it and overseeing it. I feel like having James Poyser is enough, but that is barely the tip of the iceberg. Lauryn has a beautiful voice, and she provides more than enough. But listeners should also give credit where credit is due. This is still a great album though. But best of all time? I’d have to disagree. Rating: 8/10
Pretty good. I came into listening to this with very high expectations as I have seen it listed as everything from #1 album all time to always being included in a top 10 albums of all time. Is it that? I'd say no... it's too long and gets a little old about 3/4 through. But till that point, it is fantastic.
Female MC dropping knowledge on the mic. Lauten Hill had all the crossover appeal on this one. Forever and always a classic!
Dope R&B album
I truly do not like Lauryn Hill the person at all, but this album is a classic for a reason. I don’t think it’s a 5 out of 5, but it definitely deserves its props and a spot on the list because this album took over at the time of release. Lauryn has so much talent, and showcases her skills of both rapping and singing through the album. Sadly my opinion of Lauryn keeps from truly enjoying the album to its fullest.
Lost ones- 6/10 Ex factor- 8/10 To Zion- 7/10 Doo Wop (That Thing)- 10/10 Superstar- 7/10 Final Hour- 8/10 When it hurts so bad- 6/10 I Used to Love Him- 9/10 Forgive Them Father- 6/10 Every Ghetto, Every City- 7/10 Everything Is Everything-8/10 The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill- 7/10
good
It's 1998 and I have a great job in the city. I live in a two flat in Roscoe Village with my college roommate. I'm making a lot of money, I'm hanging out with my friends, I'm having more fun than I ever thought I would, and I'm listening to this album over and over. This album is in my hindbrain. I'm on day 6 or 7 and this is the first album with a woman's voice on it that's been assigned. I'm surprised to discover that Lauryn Hill is younger than me. I don't think I've ever heard any other hiphop songs about motherhood.
let me preface this by saying I love this album & have for a long time but, I think the clear negative or “con” when listening to this album is how much the songs overrun themselves, there’s a lot of songs that don’t have great hooks, continue on for quite some time and it just feels unnecessary and forced. Now there’s so many positives, the amount of great lyrics Lauryn Hill was able to piece together was incredible & some of these songs are classics, I truly love this album & have since I was younger & still find myself coming back to it multiple times a year. We really got robbed of a full discography of hers.
Really really liked the classroom talk setting at the end of the songs.
I like the theming of this album and the messages therein, but I do find it a tad too long for my personal tastes. I also don't gravitate to some of theses sounds typically, although I like the way she meshed some of the genres together (even if it does sound a bit dated at times in my opinion).
Wonderful vocals over some great tracks. Very close to a 5.
great
It a good record.
Highlights: To Zion, Doo Wop, Nothing Even Matters, anytime she raps
Very good. Beautiful voice.
Might be the first time I’ve listened to this album all the way through. She has a beautiful voice. Some songs are better than others (the x-factor is a favorite). I’d listen again!
Yeah pretty good she should make more music
If I would've been into this album in high school instead of Life of Agony maybe I would've actually had a girlfriend
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a landmark album that showcases Lauryn Hill's exceptional vocal talent and musical versatility. Blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and reggae, the album is a rich tapestry of sounds, with Hill’s powerful and emotive voice at its core. Tracks like Ex-Factor and Doo Wop (That Thing) highlight her ability to seamlessly merge personal storytelling with sharp social commentary, making the album both deeply personal and universally relatable. The production is lush and varied, with each song offering something unique, whether it’s the soulful melodies or the intricate beats. However, at over an hour in length, the album can feel a bit stretched, with some tracks not quite matching the impact of the standout singles. Despite this, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is rightly considered a classic, with its influence still felt across genres today. Hill's debut remains a powerful statement of artistry and empowerment, solidifying her place as one of the most important voices of her generation. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 4 STAND OUT TRACK - Ex Factor
Good album, does kind of drag on, but still amazing
Good album, lots of character.
-for some reason this feels like a sister album to Songs In The Key Of Life. Very consistently good and innovative, especially with the fusion of soul and hip hop. Can def see why it was number one on the Apple Music Top 100 Albums chart thing -Favorites are Lost Ones, Ex-Factor, Doo Wop (That Thing), and I Used To Love Him
Not my music, but nice production
Enjoy the message and the beats in this album. Missing a few real standout tracks. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is a truly amazing song. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
Lauryn successfully blends hip-hop, R&B, and soul in a way that's both powerful and personal. She explores love, identity, and social issues. The production feels organic, with filling instrumentation that adds to its quality. Overall, it's an impactful listen.
excellent featured artists
Impeccably crafted, smartly written, and a pretty fun listen to boot? Surely Lauryn Hill became the next hip-hop mega star and broke the doors down for women in—oh. I don’t want to dwell on Lauryn never really capitalizing on this album because it’s more sad than anything, but it is too bad this is basically all we ever got from someone who seemed to be a budding master. Thankfully, the album is still here and is still great. Best song: Doo Wop (That Thing)
Pelotazo y según algunos mejor disco del siglo. Para m´no está mal pero muy lejos de ser excepcional.
Funny thing is that I was convinced that Kill Me Softly was on this record. My mistake. Apart from that, that's a really good rap/R&B album with strong backup instrumental, nice collaborations and Hill's voice that is impressive. Although I really like her flow, so I wouldn't have complained with more rap and less melodic singing. The album is a bit long, and the interludes are a bit much.
amazing. 4.5/5
Echt een fantastisch album, dat reggae, hiphop en R&B eigenlijk moeiteloos combineert. Dit album laat wat mij betreft wel zien dat The Fugees stiekem gewoon Lauryn en de rest was. Qua stemgeluid en presence overtreft ze de rest echt flink. Dus dit is dan een easy 5 toch? Nou nee. Want hoewel de eerste nummers echt fantastisch zijn en het einde ook echt prachtig is, vind ik het middenstuk een flink stuk minder. Ik heb sterk het idee dat als het album korter was dat het dan beter was, voor mij althans. Niettemin een geweldig album, geen 5 sterren. Das ook geen schande! Ik ben natuurlijk een zeer kritische muziekreviewer. FAVO: Lost Ones, Ex-factor, To Zion, Doo Wop(That Thing), Nothing even matters, Everything is everything
Her masterpiece. Stood up well
4.5. So good
The ultimate one album wonder. This should have made Lauryn Hill a superstar with a lengthy career. Instead, we got a blazing shooting star with a lot of unanswered questions about her musical direction. This is a great album marred only by over length and a couple of filler tracks.
Already listened to. That thing is a BANGER!! THAT THIIIiiiIIIiiiiiinG!
Outstanding album that will improve your mood
This album is very highly praised. Like very highly. I like the classroom skits, and there's some bangers here, but I think I'm just missing what's what about it. It's okay. Good even, outside that shit cover of Frankie Valli. But one of the best of all time? Nah
I listened to this for days on end when it came out. Still can’t stop myself from singing along.
Ok back at it. I first heard this when I worked at a record store and was like whooooooa this is DOPE. Haven’t listened in years though. Lots to sift through here but for the most part it’s a chill record. Soulful, some dancy stuff, lots of groove. I definitely got used to skipping through the skits but it makes for a good story, as far as the overall experience. There are a few standout tracks like Doo Wop (That Thing) but it mostly blends together. My favorite track was always I Used To Love Him with Mary j Blige, which is a smooth track for sure. Their voices work so well together. Every Ghetto, Every City is also up there for top tracks. Honestly though this is a great record to listen to start to finish since it’s so cohesive. Sometimes the tracks do blend together but that’s definitely not a bad thing. Her raps and her vocals shine BRIGHT here. In the Fugeees it was a bit more pronounced, but this record absolutely showcases her talents. Everything is Everything is probably my current favorite track, listening from a 2024 perspective. It’s a great song with lots of cool vocal layers. This is also a fairly lengthy listen at over an hour and 15 min but it’s worth it.
7/10 Thus was good but a little too inconsistent to get the super high marks Great singing, great production. When it all comes together it is wonderful Unfortunately some of it is a little pedestrian, I much prefer the rapped songs Best: Doo Wap (That Thing)
The album is an incredible vibe from beginning to end. The interludes of the classroom talking about love is really wholesome and fun. The lyrics are excellent, and I was bobbing along from the get go. Favorite Song(s): Ex-Factor, Nothing Even Matters
This album is real good. In recent times (2024) this album has received a level of praise I’m not sure I understand. Lauryn does a great job of exploring emotional concepts all while tying all of the album together through a school education lesson. There were times on the album that lulled but overall this is a solid project. 8.2/10
Its good Favorite tracks: "Lost ones" and "Everything is Everything"
Don’t really have much to say about this, but I really enjoyed it.
I know how legendary this album is and how she is. Truly never listened to this album fully. Have heard some of these tracks individually. Yeah this album is definitely why Apple called it a top-100 all time
good album superior version of can’t take my eyes off of you
You won't usually catch me listening to 90s R&B and/or hip-hop, but this is actually pretty good. I wasn't really feeling it for the first four tracks, but by track eight I was sold. This is what a classic sounds like.
Excellent and very consistent. You really listen to the songs.
Me esperaba algo realmente disruptivo sabiendo todo el revuelo que tuvoy tiene este album. Esta bueno para escucharlo pero en lineas generales resulta bastante monotono.
good. classic.
Maybe this is a hot take but I think this album takes a while to get going. Once it hits its groove, though, it becomes great. 4/5
слышал этот альбом ранее, для марафона не переслушивал. претензия к песням одна - слишком долгие, причем дело не в хроне как таковом, а в том, что они просто уматывают в конце...
Very solid, R'n'B album, a bit overrated but still worth listening to. 4/5
To zion - no idea that dilemma was a sample!
She ate but she’s not my fav
An engaging and enjoyable hip hop album made more interesting with the influences of reggae and soul. I usually don’t like skits, but I found the classroom scenes here pretty endearing.
There's been a trend recently of this album topping a bunch of all time best album lists. I think that's pushing it a little, but it really is a fantastic album, rarely a weak song on it. Lauryn's voice and rapping are great, production slaps. Even the skits aren't too bad.
I’ve listened to this album in full one other time. And I liked it. I liked it a lot! There are incredible vocal runs on top of some memorable bars, but I thought it then and I think it now, the hooks just aren’t there. Yes, a handful of tracks have catchy melodies and whatnot, but so much of this albums hour and 15 minute runtime is padded with more or less forgettable songs. Apple’s recent list of 100 greatest albums of all time was rage bait, for sure, but even then, this record always feels like the odd one out when tossed around in “the GOAT” conversations.
Great great great album. Must revisit when not in Prague but wow lived up to the hype for sure. Only complaint is songs are mostly too long and skits should be their own tracks. But that’s nit picking. She’s insane.
Ha sido agradable volverla a escuchar después de tanto tiempo. Venga, un 4.
Pretty good! Apple should apologize to Lauryn for giving this album baggage and creating thousands of haters overnight.
Jammin album. Started off a little slow but then really hit its “groove” about 3 songs in. Some of my favorites were To Zion and When it hurts so bad. For the time period, I bet it was a landmark album. Chock full of A list guest stars like Santana and Mary J Blige, the album also features the insanely poignant rapping and lyrics of Lauryn Hill. She was spitting it and also singing her heart out.
Decent. Love the vocals. Not so keen on the talky bits between some of the tracks, but a great collection of songs!
Classic
Molto intenso, sincero, viscerale. Bello.
YASSSSSS actual queen. First time listening to this all the way through and I understand why Will and Sarah love miss Lauren so much. so good - she's got the soul. And fun album cover
Not a fan of conversational parts of songs and this album had a lot. Great songs though
Fantastic album
Say what you will about her, but can't say much about the music besides TALENT. 4.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5
很酷的嘻哈
I really liked this. Might listen again, might not. Probably won't forget about it.
Doo Wop - man, I remember this coming out just before I went to college.
There are a lot of good tracks on this album. I was familiar with a few tracks and really impressed by the album has a whole. Her mix of rap and singing is done quite flawlessly. Ex-Factor and Doo Wop are my stand outs. The “can”t take my eyes off of you” cover is excellent. I see myself returning to the album just maybe not frequently.
What a great album! For sure one of the best hip hop / r&B albums of the 90s. (maybe all time?) I love how this album flows from rap to singing with spanish guitar accompanying throughout. The synths are fun, but not overbearing. And the lyrics are real, important and visceral. I also really love the rasta / Zion elements intermixed with reggae. I really like how she never straight up samples other songs, but she homages them "Bam" "Light My Fire" "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." It's fun and creative. The only knocks for me are that the drum machines kind of sound dated. I get it for the time, and honestly, the beats are cool. But I think this album could be recorded today, it would be still be relevant and good. We'd probably just do something for the beats.
Great album. Too bad she did not make more of them.
Feels like a self aware magnum opus. I was hooked from Ex-Factor. Lyrically, To Zion is a masterpiece. Overall, it feels like Ms. Lauryn Hill knows the significance of what she has to say, and when she shoots, it hits.
Good stuff.
Great listen.
Very good
Never listened at the time. The singles are all great and hold up nicely today. That Thing being the most everywhere. The song to her son Zion Marley is also lovely, first hear of this. The classroom bits in between almost every song are nice enough as a concept but they do preclude adding any of this to playlists. Strangely no skit after the skippable Superstar. Dude, I wasn't going to playlist that one anyway. The D'Angelo one is fine but nothing to write home about. Other non-single highlights - I used to Love Him. There's a blatant Stevie song (Every Ghetto) and this is fine because it's just the one and it's good. The album is pretty consistently good and just a little overlong. A solid 4 though, I understand the praise.
A little weaker in the second half but still really good
I enjoyed it! Some bangers and it felt like a complete album.
Classic album that I hadn't really had a chance to listen to in full before, but am glad to have finally checked out. She has a very nice voice and these are some certified bangers. Had many favourites, including Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop (That Thing), Superstar, I Used to Love Him, Forgive Them Father, Everything Is Everything, and the title track. Also loved her version of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Took me a bit to get through the whole thing but I loved it, strong 4
Loved a few of the songs that I already knew.
Wanted to like this more. Just a bit too slow paced for my tastes. Still some great songs.
Shitty attitude, good collection of songs. Choice cut: Can’t Take my Eyes off of You
good, but that's a little bit too much for me
This was recently listed as the #1 album on Apple's Top 100 Best Albums. I had never listened to the entire thing. Hill had always been associated with The Fugees for me, so her solo album, while revered was not something I sought out. My thoughts on it are pretty much status quo. She's fierce and sincere. The concept is timeless - the real life lessons we get are not always found in the classrooms. I like an album where you learn about an artist as it plays, but not as the throughline, but as a layer. The history is not dominant. It can be ignored and the melodies and rhythms can be the focus. Or that can be ignored, and the lyrical passion and personal identification can take over. Or just a combination! It's the reason this album is considered a masterpeice. Stand-out tracks for me are "Ex-Factor," "Every Ghetto, Every City" and of course "Doo-Wop." "I used to Love Him" is also solid - definitely guessing this is about Wyclef too? I think she's tapped into something here that redefined the genre for the coming millennium. Ultimatley it's a groove with some depth. I can't put it in 5-star territory for my tastes, as I prefer somethign more ecclectic, but the mix, the guitar (Santana!), the beats, the vocals, the overall messages are fantastic. Side note - What came first Lauryn Hill's Superstar or Aerosmith's Pink? Pretty damn similar musically.
I feel like I respect this album more than I enjoy it, and I already enjoy it a good deal. One of the finest albums of the earlier days of the Hip Hop Genre that stands the test of time. Excellent writing, versatility, and production from a pioneer in the genre. While not every song is constantly in rotation for me, a good majority are, and it's impact is really something special
It's a solid 8 for me. Not the absolute peak that I was hoping it would be, but I think it's a very solid break on the mountain of music. It's because, you know, music is like a mountain: it's long, hard, tricky to maneuver, but every so often there's a crevice that helps you up. This album is a crevice that's just a little too small, but it's still enough for shelter. It's got warm production and solid lyricism, but the length is a bit much for me.
Before now, the only Lauryn Hill album I've really had any experience with was the one for her MTV UNPLUGGED 2.0 show. Defend that album all you want, I don't care, but to me it's for damn sure the worst introduction you could have to her music. I get that it's an unplugged show and that it's not supposed to be representative of her normal sound, but seriously, it's two straight hours of amateur plink-plonking on an acoustic guitar, ramble-y as hell lyrics, and babbling from Lauryn that to me sounds like the hook to Kendrick Lamar's "Real" on loop. When you take her mental condition into account, too, whatever exactly it is, the fact it was released at all just gets all the ickier and you gotta wonder, "**This** is the follow-up to MISEDUCATION?" I mean, be fair to Lauryn—if **I** put out an album as good as MISEDUCATION, I wouldn't be able to follow it up, either. On her first solo attempt, she put out a greatest hits record. I'm someone who's melody first, so I probably missed a lot of great lyrics, but just taking it as a vibe, it's pretty damn immaculate. The beats are probably some of the best from the hip hop albums my group has gotten so far. Lauryn's got a really good voice, too; it's fun to hear her rap, and it's pretty to hear her sing. I don't even mind this thing's length. I'm sure it could be cut down in a few spots, but it's still more than carried by what's here. Just on those merits alone I can hear why this was the highest charting hip hop album on the 2020 ROLLING STONE 500. I mean, do I agree 100% with it? At this stage, maybe not. It's the cliché music nerd answer, but I might still think something like TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY is better. Although, it's not just about quality, is it? It's about impact, too, The legacy. And I'm not aware of what exactly this album's done for the culture, though this just feels like an album that's changed everything. Mostly for women in hip hop, but in general, too. So, like, even if Lauryn never comes out with another album as long as she lives, she's got this under her belt. For anyone, that's damn more than enough. (And this all reads like a 5, I'm aware, but I'm giving it a 4 just because I don't think I've spent enough time with it yet for that. Once I actually do pay attention to and learn the lyrics, though, believe me, I'm gonna be wishing I gave this thing a 5.)
Great Mix of Soul and R&B with a heavenly voice
Beautiful. A beautiful voice and a sick rapper.
Ha sido agradable volverla a escuchar después de tanto tiempo. Venga, un 4.
Fortunately listened to this with a fan of her album and it helped me appreciate it just that much more. She can sing…And this is such a personal album that you feel invested and immersed in it. It;s not my genre, but it is a very good album.
Interesting album with some good songs. I recognized several of the songs from samples for newer music. Enjoy her and the album as a whole
This album just makes me wish we got more out of Lauryn over her career. It holds up, great album that’s just as listenable today as it was when it was released.
Really nice album. So much soul, emotion and grooves. It’s consistently solid all the way through. And you got some late 90s Santana when he was teaming up with everyone! I’m at 3.5 and I’ve gone back and forth on rounding up or down. The thing that is giving me pause is that there wasn’t that one or two songs that I felt took this to the next level. All songs really good. But needed that one or two great songs for me. Maybe I’d feel different on another listen. But man, it’s just so consistent throughout, I gotta show love.
Blows my mind this is her only solo album. What a shame. Great blast from the past and great album. 4/5
The feeling in the toes and hips!
Lauryn Hill would have loved Bradfield sixth form common room. These are exactly the conversations we were having.
Drit chill, nice gitarspill i bakgrunn
Excellent album!
miseducation? lauryn, this was elite
I think this is a great album with lots of filler but lots of bangers. In terms of my enjoyment it's probably a 3 but in terms of the cultural impact and change to hip hop its a 4
Nej men jäklar. Ska jag betygsätta på gamla meriter eller lyssna? Jag lyssnar såklart. Det är verkligen en bra skiva. Everything is Everything kan vara bäst eller Doo Wop eller jag vet inte. Svårt att välja. Gillar snacket mellan låtarna. Kanske några låtar för lång. En stabil 4a
Lauryn är en grym rappare och inget snack om att det här är en riktigt bra och välproducerad skiva. Dock lite för mycket RnB-inslag för att det ska kunna bli full pott hos mig.
That Thing is an all-timer. Outstanding album
Voix magistrale. Chansons senties. Je devrai réécouter pour mieux saisir les paroles et l’évolution
I have only heard pieces of this album so it was great to get the full thing--and interesting how much a lesser album we listened to in Kanye's steals from this. The only knock I have on this is how the songs are similar, relying on Lauryn's amazing voice and also flow (I mean who has those skills!) which is pretty much enough, but would love to hear some over the top production with wild samples. Too bad nothing like that ever happened and too bad she noped out of the star life--we could've used her genius.
I see why this was influential and why it is highly rated, but it's not my style. I did really like To Zion (with Carlos Santana), I Used to Love Him (with Mary J Blige), and the cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. I also liked Superstar (even before I read that it was a reference to the Doors' Light My Fire).
This one is kinda similar to TPaB where I probably need 10 total listens to fully Get It, and I need to do a listen with the personnel/sampling page up. That being said, I have listened before so I was able to enjoy this one even with just a couple listens. I really like how many live instruments there are on the album, especially when Carlos Santana shows up!
amazing album. loved it
Good
I didn't give this the respect it deserved when I was younger. I shall atone for that in my older and wiser years.
Very solid. Ms Lauryn Hill creates her own vibe and unique sound for sure.
Nice R & B with shades of reggae