The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

This CD was on repeat in my car for at least a year after this came out. Revisiting it felt good. Best track: Doo Wop (That Thing)

Haven’t heard this for so long - was like welcoming an old friend

All I can think of when listen to Ms. Lauryn Hill is Ayva Grace Holden aka Ms. Brooklyn. Daring, brazen, and influential, she holds you in trance and you aren't quite sure if you even want to be set free. You may not know who she is, but you wish you did. She may not know who you are, but you wish she did. She, she, she— just kiss me already!

This album won so many awards and I can see why. First of all, Ms. Hill’s voice is spectacular, giving major hints of Amy Winehouse (or vice versa because Lauryn came first). Second, the story was well told and I didn't hate the little outros in the songs mimicking a classroom conversation. However, some of the beats (shoutout woofmeow) were placed a but weirdly and did not mesh with the lyrics to me. I still think this is a comfortable 4. I’d also like to add that I think I’ve been too generous to prior rap/r&b albums and would like to knock them all down a star on the record here. Rap is not my thing and I’ve been placating some of my haters who tell me I disrespect a lot of rap. At the end of the day, it’s not really my thing, and my ratings should reflect that. Therefore, this is a 4, but every other album with a similar genre should be knocked down 1 star. Oh also props to the cover on the second to last song. Frankie Valli did it better but this put an interesting spin on it.

A rap song with a female R&B singer released in late 90s/early 2000s usually gets my panties in a bunch, so when it's an entire album of that and the rapper is the same woman, my panties practically rip through my abdomen and tear me in half as if I was laid down on the deli slicer at the nearest Star Market. This is another album I already know so well. I want new music, and half the time I feel like I am just revisiting the same music I already have hours of listening logged for. Having side that, I love this album with a passion. 4/5. I haven't listened to this top to bottom in awhile, so I'm hoping something new jumps out to me. I've always gravitated towards R&B style rap, and it's why modern rap makes my ears bleed while I slowly decompose due to boredom. I always loved this album cover. I wish they had a shredded down pencil on the top tho, as if it were the carving tool of her face. That pencil is too picture-perfect. And if anyone chats s*** about the skits, they can go f*** right off! They make the album way more personal and I always really liked how they zoom out while still tying into the themes. Also, I like how it’s some kind of Love AA group.

I've definitely heard of the artist and this album, but I'm not sure if I've listened to it before. It's quite compelling. I was drawn in and stayed there. Superb sense of melody and love the way it's all put together and delivered. It's very cool how she can choose to rap, sing, or perform a mix of the two styles, and nail each approach so incredibly well. She has such great range, not just vocally, but artistically, too. This is truly a spectacular album. Wow.

A beautiful neo-Soul album with elements of hip hop and reggae. She has an amazing voice and the production sits well. The album holds together thematically. Even the school talkie bits don't annoy me. Strong 4.

captures a point in time perfectly, unique and lots of fun althogh a bit overlong. again, we didn't know how good we had it.. for some reason this album sounds like the pre-9/11 world more than any other and I love it for that and everything else

very nice album! especially the last few tracks. i might actually listen to some tracks on the regular

Really enjoyed the energy, there are several songs that I would come back to, or even just potentially put this album on in the background.

L'album è strutturato come una lezione a scuola. Molto interessante la scelta di legare le canzoni l'una alle altre, mi colpisce sempre. Molto bello, quasi 5 stelle.

So when I said to my wife that this was the album I was listening to she asked: "So when you hit play, did the music come out on time or was it a couple of hours late?" My wife, ladies and gentlemen. After listening to Erykah Badu, I was prepared for this being as good. And really, it has a lot of great tracks besides the 2 everyone knows. (My favorite is probably the duet with Mary J Blige. Two women singing at the pinnacle, wow.) A few things that took me out of the album: 1) The codas on some of the songs were really distracting. Worse, they are not separate songs so you could not skip them at first listen. You didn't know they were there until surprise! Discussions of "what is love?" 2) The D'Angelo duet I could probably have done without. The overuse of snapping there, yikes. 3) The cover of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You..." I don't know, it's just too... syrupy sweet. But besides those, it still is a really good to great album. It is one that makes you think and want more. You hope that one day she will come back out and say "here's a new album." But now, almost 25 years later, it would seem like that any follow-up would almost surely disappoint. But we still have this, a testament to life, and love, and music. I keep going back and forth between a four and a five. The fact that there is only the one album still somewhat vexes me. And those other points drag it down just a bit for me. It's right on the cusp, but I'm still going to give it a 4.

I've now listened to this album several times. I know it's good, couldn't decide if it was great. She can rap and she can sing - great vocals. Some good lyrics and songwriting too. She tries to reinforce a theme through the interludes, which I'm not sure are necessary but they are cute I guess. Real solid beats too, with a bunch of cool songs to bop to and not just the big singles (Lost Ones, Doo Wop (That Thing), Everything is Everything). But lesser knowns too (Superstar, I Used to Love Him, Every Ghetto Every City). And some good softer songs (Ex-Factor, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, Tell Him). But there were times when I got lost or disinterested - probably a few too many songs and definitely way too long at nearly 80 minutes. Trim the fat and maybe it would be great.

My first thought when listening to this was that this album is way too long. There were a few moments that caught my attention the first time through, and the second listen was more enjoyable. She has a great voice, and I did like most of the tracks on here. I think “Doo Wop” and “Final Hour” (ironically the most and least played tracks on Spotify respectively) were my favorites. I still stand by the statement that this would have made 2 great separate releases. I’m guessing that the album is an early victim of the “fill the 80-minute cd” mentality that plagued a lot of artists in the 90s. This feels like a 3.5 but I’ll bump it up to a 4 since the second listen was much better than the first.

4.5

that thing

Massa rapzao

Classic. Very enjoyable, maybe a bit too long. Sorry I am currently running away from a bear and can't elaborate.

I was really excited to hear this full album since I’ve obviously heard the popular stuff from it. Lauryn is fantastic at everything she slides on this album from rapping to singing. I think I enjoy the slower R&B cuts a little more than the rapping, but everything is pretty good. I think the little classroom interludes are really nice and add to the theme of it all as well. 8/10

Lauryn Hill steps out of the shadow of the Fugees and Wyclef to state that she can put together a massive monster of an album with Miseducation. My only gripe is that it goes long at an hour and seventeen minutes, but still relevant, still great. 4/5.

I didn't understand much of the dialogue, which I imagine is pretty important too. The music itself is great though; pretty diverse with a bunch of rap but also a guitar solo here and there.

Really amazing album! found it quite hard to fully get through for some reason so for that reason I'm rating it a 4. Would have been a 5 tho

Truly great album. Can't think of another woman mc that blends melody, flow, beats, storytelling so seamlessly into a single project. Only knock for me is the skits, but I can tolerate these in the context of the album compared to a lot of other rap albums with random skits that add nothing to the album story.

I listened to this album a few years ago when I went through a very short lived phase of reviewing what was new in the charts 20 years prior. At the time, I wasn’t really a fan of the album. However, I’m intrigued to give it a listen with a fresh set of ears. Songs I already knew: all of them, albeit not very well Favourites: Doo Wop (That Thing), Can’t Take My Eyes Off You I had a completely different experience listening this time, in that I really enjoyed it. It shows just how subjective music can be when the same person can have such differing opinions over a few years! I really enjoyed the songs, but it should also be mentioned that the short classroom skits also really added to the experience. It was refreshing to hear hip hop music about love and showing a softer side. Overall, I completely disagree with my past self, and would definitely recommend this album.

A heartfelt tribute to Lauren’s own thoughts regarding love and culture, brought beautifully through interesting lyrics and a neosoul aesthetic

I’ve listened to this before and I still think it’s a bit overrated. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still very good, and there are some amazing songs on here. Album Cover: I get it but I just don’t really like it 3/5

Thought this was an excellent album at the time, a bit over-hyped perhaps, but definitely 4 star - it is one of the rare albums on 1001 from the last 25 years that you would actually expect to see included on such a list.

Very pleasant, close to full marks actually

Great stuff. To Zion is deep. Have a lot of nostalgia for this album - it takes me back to the late 90s. Couldn’t help but think throughout how I should have given The Blueprint a 4 as well for some reason. Huge regret. I will also reiterate/stand by my view that no album should be running close to 120 minutes though. Not even by the Beatles or 5ive

Beautiful and soulful hip hop

Amazing, although I did not know how much references to Christianity were gonna be there, that put me off a little bit.

the best album in a genre I don't like

The opening is really slick heavy R&B. in the middle Lauryn really opens up her rap chops. on the whole its pretty good!

up until this point, i’m pretty sure i had only ever heard two or three lauryn hill songs, but now i’m glad i’ve heard more. super talented and incredible rhythm.

CD

I adore Lauryn Hill's voice. Every time I hear one of her songs, my ears perk up. She has a lot to say on this album, but the one thing I didn't pay attention to in the past is her songs of faith. What a risk that must've been for her, hip hop, and popular music. Most artists aren't that open with their faith, and I'm sure record companies prefer to steer clear. My new favorite is Everything is Everything, I'll always love Doo Wop (That Thing), and what a great rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Solid album.

Good rb albums. With many schoolyard sessions about love that really took me out of album. Some of the instrumentals sounded the same. The last song is definitely the worst. This album supposed to be chistian so in EVERY GETTO EVER CITY she's uses the n word which gave Me the thought do they use it in church idk. She also raps alot on this album which was somewhat better then pure rb cuts but even some of them where good

No Fugeesiahan tällä jo kuunneltiinkin. Tämä selkeä jatko sille mut soolopuolelta. Smooth sailing in da waves of rap & rnb. Must paljon parempi ku fugees 4/5

Pakko arvostaa naista siitä, että onnistui lyömään läpi aika myrkyllisesti miesvaltaisessa genressä! Tässä ei olisi onnistuttu myös ilman hyviä biisejä, joten 4/5 helposti ansaittu.

8/10

Cool R&B groove

I actually liked this album a lot. It mixes soul and r&b with rap (which is my not so favourite), but does so in an interesting way. I'm surprised that I liked some of those specifically rap tracks. Good stuff. Favourite songs: Ex-Factor, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, I Used To Love Him

Top tracks: Ex-Factor, Doo Wop (That Thing), Everything Is Everything. A lot skits in between songs. 4,5/5

Nice to listen to but not one I'd go back 3/5

can it all be so simple cover is really good. holy crap it's called ex-factor and has that drake sample on there. Also just really good reinterpretations on interpolations? of classics on here. There were some doors references and others great harmonies and beautiful instrumentation on top of nice break beats. Huge emphasis on how great the actual instruments and Lauryn's voice sound on top of hip hop grooves. Really really beautiful warm tracks

solid frankie valli cover

ㅎㄱㄷㅁㅅ

Got to love Lauren.

the early songs are unbelievable the last two songs of the second half are the only noteworthy ones 4.5

This is much better than I anticipated. Beautiful singing and music. The raps are tolerable! Probably peak RnB for the two decades surrounding it's release.

A hip-hop classic for sure! Lauryn Hill has here legacy cemented as of the greats of this era.

Veldig groovy, dette likte jeg godt.

Not my favorite album end-to-end, but "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is still a perfect record.

7.5

I mean, if we’re talking about albums with a massive cultural influence look no further. Huge. Ambitious. Powerful. It’s got grit AND effervescent sparkle in spades. If the artist’s aim is to achieve greatness by mining their soul to expose its plumbed depths, Lauryn succeeds astoundingly in that regard. We Stan a beautiful vulnerable and raw black queen who raised the bar for everyone!

Dope

Can see how influential it was but because I'm so late to the party it didn't have the same level of effect on me. A great listen all the way but only the last two tracks really stuck out for me.

Doo Wop is great, of course. Final Hour is pretty great. I like the different genres in the same album. When it hurts so bad goes down smooth. Forgive them Father is pretty great. This album was ahead of its time.

Consistent from start to finish, but the songs were different enough to be unique. Really interesting flows and clearly a lot of work put into it. Not my favorite, but worthy of respect.

Classic. Killer R&B and soul with an intensely personal story in it's music and it's creation.

superstar is probably the best song

4.5...I love the messages of strength and diversity.

tunesss

Un poco largo. Recuerdo que salió en 1999 el mismo año que The Fragile. Más tarde, años más tarde, lo redescubriría más allá de los singles.

This takes me back to Summer 98. A lovely album suffers from the late 90s urge to have a ton of skits, and goes on a bit too long, but mostly really lovely!

There‘s a 5/5, 50 minute album within the 80 minutes here. Unnecessary filler so not all killer!

Loved this, what a voice, so much going on. Really snoozed on it at he time.

Doo-Wop is one of the prettiest damned songs of the past 50yrs. TIL that this was Lauryn Hill’s only studio album.

Doo Wop and Ex-Factor are total bops. Listenable all the way through the album with the fun classroom recordings in the background throughout.

4/16/2022 Today's Album: "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" by Lauryn Hill - I like how this album opens ups up with a roll call with Lauryn missing, starting off a theme of her being against traditional education. The first rap track Lost Ones is a really solid opener, with a great reggae backbeat and some confident rapping from Lauryn. I like the way the chorus breaks off into this funky guitar riff before the third verse and damn does this lady just fuckin' rap. Every line sounds so natural and although her flow is pretty static throughout the track, it's a really solid flow so I'm not complaining. The ending interlude of the track adds even more to the education theme. The next track Ex-Factor is a silky sweet R&B track with some of the best R&B production I've heard out of the 90's. It's a really standout track and I love her vocal performance on this track. It really doesn't feel dated for being 24 years old. The guitar solo at the end of it is also absolutely killer. Zion continues this theme of outstanding R&B tracks with an amazingly chilled out guitar groove and calculated vocal performance. Doo Wop (That Song) gives me that classic R&B rap style that I've heard on Kanye's Late Registration, specifically Touch the Sky. The rap has a ton of personality and there are just great performances all around form the horns to the background vocals to the bass and drums. I like the critique of men on this track as well it's very tongue and cheek. It turns out Kanye actually has taken a lot of inspiration and samples from Lauryn Hill and it is obvious now considering how amazing the production is on this record. Every track just has a ton of personality and brings with it a unique beat and flow. It really just is no comparison from the other 90s rap I was seeing earlier in the generator and it is clear that this is one of the artists that bridged the gap from the rap of old and what is currently popular. Even the tracks that are more of just bridging tracks to the bigger hits are very pleasant to listen to and have solid hooks and choruses to bring me in. I love the low reggae accent she puts on in Forgive me Father and the heavy bass and flow switch ups makes this track an absolute banger to put on in the car. I think each of these songs could easily be 3 minutes and be just as enjoyable, but I think them being 5 minutes isn't the worst thing ever, as she does add something in the last 2 minutes to warrant it usually. I also just realized that this artist was the female front-person of the Fugees, and it makes a ton of sense given the similar genre, but I really think she did it better in a lot of ways. This project is a tiny bit long and I think either some tracks should have been cut or the lengths of some should have been trimmed, but it is never too much really. I like her rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You and it really could have ended off the record, but the closer also does a decent job wrapping things up. Overall, this is a really really solid R&B hip-hop record that bridged the gap from 90s poet rap to what we hear today in Kanye and his contemporaries. Listen to this one if you like modern Hip Hop R&B like Kanye and Drake. Score: 8.5/10 Kanye before Kanye Highlights: Ex-Factor, To Zion, Doo Wop (That Thing), Superstar, Final Hour, Forgive Them Father, 'Every Ghetto, Every City', Nothing Even Matters, Everything is Everything, Can't Take My Eyes of You

Very nice, obsessed w Lauryn's voice and lyrics as always Only thing is that it's a bit L O N G

Lauryn is so good, a top notch album with a couple of standout tracks, and we've definitely had worse skits on this list so far.

This album is worthy of all the praise it received at the time it came out. Groundbreaking, influential and soulful. It’s an album that does stand up over time, but I wasn’t feeling it yesterday. I can acknowledge it’s place in the history of great albums, hence my rating…

This album overwhelmingly aged well

Like the entire album, and like her version of Can't Take My Eyes Off You!

Vraiment un très bon album, définitivement à réécouter.

Better than i thought it would be. Some rap, but also some songs similar to Anita Baker.

This is a strange one, it really felt like Lauryn was just beginning as an artist and this was just the first step for amazing things which never happened. Listening now what strikes me is how humble she paints herself asking questions about love and life and admitting she's just learning.

Love this record -

Favorites: Ex-Factor I Used to Love Him Superstar Everything is Everything

fucking quality. that thing has wormed it's way deep into my brain and idk where from.

Beautiful voice.

Just good stuff.

Pretty flawless, all parts working almost seamlessly together, Which so often doesn’t really come off when rap and hip hop are blended with soul, R&B, and reggae influences. In this it’s all unmistakably part of one work and message.

4.25

It is a classic. Great lyrical content. Vocals are some of the best there have been. Features are great.

This was good, I enjoyed it. It did not blow me away, however.

fantastic samples, beautiful voice, mixed genres, mister Santana on featuring, 2 songs sampled by Kanye and Drake; solid 4,5

I've left this review for a while ago I have to keep listening to it again. Ah, memories abound.

The sound track of my youth. Bloody wonderful

Ha sido agradable volverla a escuchar después de tanto tiempo. Venga, un 4.

I actually listened to this a year ago when finding new music before discovering this site. The opinion is the same, great stuff, but can't listen in one setting. Love that Lauryn Hill can go back and forth with singing and rapping easily, and the skits take a nice break from the music while providing context to the album. A couple of songs were not for me and some were average, but apart from that every track is good or great. Loved the title track, Doo Wop, even the bonus track Tell Him was great.

Musically the album sticks to one style, sometimes leaves me wanting for a bit of variety, but she does that style so well. Ex Factor, Doo Wop, the title track, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You are my favorites. Queen.

Wonderful, amazing vocal ability and impeccable flow. Cohesive through and through. Thoughtful, emotional. Bravo.

glided by in the background. Will have to revisit when I can be attentive

Very good. Enjoyed it a lot.

Unique blending of jazz and hip hop. Easy to listen to in the background. Beautiful.

Loads of hits, could do without the interludes. Great album.

Great album if a little long. It's length is probably going to be the only reason I don't listen to it as much as it deserves to be listened to.

brilliant

Not really but my bag - but I can see why it's such a classic album - Lauryn has such a beautiful soulful voice.

voll nice aber nicht so mein ding

really fun

Spotify is crumbling and I can't listen to this! From what I've heard so far I love the vibe, and already know Doo Wop is a 90s fave. To Zion has a cool sound and features carlos santana - I like that one a lot.

An interesting beat and music

Not listened to this for years but it is excellent.

A lot of layers to this album. I was stoked when it came up as today's album, as I've been meaning to listen to it for years. Great arrangements, killer drumbeats, and a cool but not too cocky delivery by Hill. Gonna run this one again tomorrow. Got me wanting more.

Algo denso, pero muy buenos beats.

What can you say? A great album that has been thoroughly review and acknowledged as a great album with anyone with a soul.

I was never a big fan of this when it came out. Maybe lacking a big killer hook/hit for me. But a solid album throughout.

Дип... Немного затянуто, немного не мое, но все равно круто

Had a shitty fucking night in Greece with this album. It helped alot. Together with Off the wall.

I listened to most, but not all of this album. It's been years since I listened to it. It's solid, for sure. It also captures a place in time- right as I entered Fort Lewis College. My on again/off again GF really liked this album and so I listened to it several times with her. An enjoyable listen, but it didn't make me swoon or anything. One thing I do love about it are the interludes/intros/outros between tracks. This was at its peak in the 90s (especially in hip hop records). Anytime I've ever made a mix tape I like to pepper in skits, movie lines, and audio clips that aren't music. If I could give 3.5 stars I would, but since I can't I'll give it 4.

You are too good to be true... Not really my cup of tea but there're some songs I'd listen to on my way somewhere

Listened to this on Sept. 6th 2021 and I was wondering if it was on the list. Great album.

Very good. Probably a little too long.

always thought this album was overrated and i still think that but i understand its cultural significance. i came away with more appreciation for it after this listen. i love ex factor

Absolute classic, wonderful story throughout the album

A modern classic. I didn't care for the skits at the end of the tracks but it was an amazing blend of decades of R & B and soul influences. Now this album, in turn, helped create the sound of the 00's and 10's. Favorite Tracks: "Doo Wop (That Thing)" "Final Hour" "Everything is Everything"

Top notch record of pure genius

Classics you should no if you‘re into soul music. Some tracks a boring 4stars.

I don't listen to hiphop that often, but her soul voice and the pop/funky beats are a very good mix. (7/10) Favorite Tracks: Every Ghetto, Every City; Doo Wop (That Thing)

I liked this more than I expected I would. It's not quite in my musical wheelhouse, but there are some rightful bangers on this album and I can see why it's considered a classic.

This was my second time listening to this album. It is undeniably an important album for hip-hop and I can understand why. I think it's a great album with a lot of good tracks, but there is a few weak tracks to be honest. I'm having a hard time rating this album fairly, but I think I have to go with a weak 4 for now.

Shes got a beautiful voice, the background tracks could be a lot better. Shes a bit repetitive as well, but I enjoy her messages and the vibe from her music.

Excellent combination of hip-hop, soul, R&B!

Equal parts punchy and smooth. Lauryn's vocals are beautifully rich which now explains why this album keeps coming back in samples

What a bop! Great vocals interlaced on top of each other. The production is fantastic on this and Lauryn hill has a great voice! This is a fun and good album.

Old jam

great album filled with musical and lyrical references, great voice, great album curve, engaging

Very nice

Great start, but a very long, maybe too long album. However, the highlights make this album stand out.

P good. Definitely revisit later.

Klassiker.

Didn't get to listen to the whole thing but from what I heard(the majority of it) it seemed like some good background music I might listen to.

I really enjoyed this album - very unique, varied, and raw. However, i don't think all the tracks are perfect, and it would get old soon enough.

Can’t come up with a great review for all of these, but this is still an amazing album.

Really good! New music for me, some of the songs felt a little long but I liked all of the classroom discussions appended after the songs.

Amazing album. Absolutely floored I've never listened to it. Talented all the way and just enjoyable. Creative,

Beautiful voice, amazing chill rap about love -- what is not to love?

Didn't know all of these before this. Great album!

Great album, brought back a lot of memories

Schickes Album. Geile Beats und gute Texte.

this is just a universal loved album and I would be suprised if someone didn’t like this. Great album, great vibes, great producing,great features. a classic in the soul, rnb and hip hop world. 9/10

I gotta admit I had some stereotypical assumptions about how good a "female rapper" could be, and was a bit skeptical. Despite this, I ended up really enjoying this album and was happily proved wrong. It has great lyricism and great musical accompaniment. I love the themes as well. Well done!

Fantástico debut donde predomina el R&B y el Hip Hop. Vozarrón y gran producción musical. Sería genial si no fuera tan largo.

A little long for my liking, but a great hip-hop album with insane impact. Really like the interludes from the classroom as well Saved: Doo Wop (That Thing), Final Hour

Cracking album. Personal, heartfelt, incomparable voice. Doo Wop (That Thing): complete classic. Often imitated, never duplicated.

An insight into the cultural melting pot that is NY, and the music is a great mix of genres as well.

Not my usual, preferred genre but enjoyed the listen.

I really liked this! I don’t usually listen to much hip hop but I liked this album. I can see how she was so influential on later artists! (Did anyone else read that she was really close with the whole Marley family? Makes me wonder if the album sequence was intentional!)

What I remember as being proper R&B, enjoyed this album. Two ‘hits’ on there too. 4/5

This album has a great sound, a real nice blend of R&B and hip-hop and I can listen to her voice all day long. I owned the CD when it came out but had forgotten about great songs like Forgive Them Father and Lost Ones. After listening to this and a bunch of hip-hop albums over the last 120 days, I am perplexed that so many include "interludes" - 1 or 2 minute conversations recorded in a living room or studio. I just don't get it. 80-minute CDs are all ready 40 minutes too long IMO.

Beeindruckt von den Rap-Skills, erstmal. Bisschen genervt vom gelegentlich übertrieben langgezogenen Tremolo auf einzelnen Silben, da bin ich wirklich kein Fan von. Wann hat das eigentlich angefangen? Wahrscheinlich nicht mit ihr, aber mit Destiny's Child? Oder war sie's vielleicht sogar doch? Jedenfalls ist mir gestern erst wieder eingefallen, dass Lauryn Hill Mitte/Ende der 90er ja die lässigste Queen of Consciousness war die man sich vorstellen konnte, und wie toll ich die fand. Hatte ich komplett vergessen über die Jahre, in denen sie - soweit man das vermittelt bekommt - offenbar zwei oder dreimal falsch abgebogen ist und dann auch noch in Sackgassen. Egal, hier wird man ja am Einzelwerk gemessen, und das finde ich auch mehr als 20 Jahre später noch wirklich sehr fresh. Gute Aussagen, gute Produktion, enorme Rapskills. Gesang ... wie gesagt. Insgesamt eine schöne 3,9.

Nice

As much as I hate “skits” filling up half the album, it still stands up.

Genuinely enjoyed listening through this one. I’m sure if you picked individual songs and played them for me I wouldn’t care too much for it since hip hop and R&B aren’t really my thing, but the experience of listing through this one top to bottom was great. Favorite tracks: “To Zion,” “Superstar,” and “Every Ghetto, Every City”

Her voice is amazing but you have to really be in the mood for 90's rnb

Solid album. Maybe I'm a bit biased because the last several have been kind of same-y but it was a refreshing 90s hiphop album. Lyrically the songs were interesting stories, and her voice had some good soul elements to it in a number of tracks.

classic rnb /soul ; extra points for nostalgia

It is just plain strong. Beautiful voice, great beat, positive message. The title track is probably the least interesting, but the rest are easy to enjoy.

It was okay, though I’m not a huge fan of 90’s hip-hop.

Love the soul she adds to hip hop.

Tuttu artisti mutta tämä soololevy oli uusi tuttavuus. Fugeesin perusteella oletin pitäväni tästä, mutta tämähän oli vielä paljon parempi kuin osasin aavistaa. Mukavan letkeätä meininkiä samettisella äänellä varustettuna. Myös rap-pätkät toimii paremmin kuin yhdelläkään listalla vastaan tulleesta saman genren levystä tähän mennessä. Levyn nimikkokappale on parhaita uusia biisejä mitä olen kuullut aikoihin. Jos olisi mahdollista, antaisin 4,25*

Nicht das Über-Album schlechthin, aber schon sehr außergewöhnlich. Hatte ich seinerzeit überhaupt nicht auf dem Schirm.

More soulful then the soul man

Denna har jag på CD. Köpte den 98 då det begav sig. Fortfarande en av mina favoriter, en legendarisk skiva.

Good album. Will listen again

Nice concept album. Storyline focused on love with songs alternating between songs with Lauryn Hill and a classroom discussing love. One of my favorite 1990's albums so far.

Still on my first listen through, but this album is an interesting counterpiece to the world of Bone Thugs. I've always wanted to hear hip-hop with more harmonies. This has that, and an interesting through line with the teacher talking to the students about love. I wish the songs were a little stronger some times (more produced in some cases), but overall it is a really good album 4/5

A coming of age hip hop and soul album that provides glimpses into the American education system and Christianity. Overall, a fascinating view of the flaws within the education system and how the youth of America grew up in the late 80s.

Mad respect

The OG Kendrick? Understand the context, but hard to listen to.

It’s not perfect and slow at parts but this is a standout in 90s hip hop/r&b

Best voice in hip hop

1998. Key Songs: Doo Wop, Ex-Factor

3.5

Just couldn't get into it. Loved the reggae influence and a distinct sound, but the idea of a harmony sounded like two people singing different songs

Honestly one of the more overrated hip hop albums for me, To Zion and Ex-Factor are really fuckin good though

I’ve always found this enjoyable. But never really agreed that is a consensus all-timer. Maybe that’s my own shortcoming, but relistening hasn’t changed my opinion

Good singles from this album, skipped one song. Was chill while doing dishes, probably 3.5 out of 5

Awesome production and she’s incredibly talented, but the album is a slog. It’s way too long and the songs sound the same. Respect the artistry on display, but it’s not for me.

Too long to keep my attention. Nothing about it kept my attention

So not my style of music - but I can hear that it is well done.

goog flow

I used to love him has a nice rhythm.

Solid

'The Score' was the Fugees second and last album, and this monster hit was followed up by the only Lauren Hill album which was a multi grammy winner and at the centre of the RnB/Hip hop zeitgeist. Her burst of creativity was supposedly down to her expecting a grandchild of Bob Marley at the time, and having Mary J Blige and (pre Supernatural renaissance) Santana as collaborators was evidence of her clout at this time. The emergence of Destiny's Child and the success of Beyonce could be questionably attributed to the opportunities opened by this album's appeal. I wish I liked the sounds it makes more than I do, as she was clearly a talent - though a one album wonder that can still play Milton Keynes.

Fine. Okay

man i dont get hip hop

6/10

There's some good stuff here, but it's mostly mid.

It’s ok Maybe 2.7

I've heard a lot about this album. I liked it but probably wouldn't listen again.

Great album, just really didn't vibe with it. It is not really a genre I usually listen to so a 6.5.

My rating 3.4

7/10 écoute un peu bâclée Doo Wop trop fort

Lauryn Hill is a great and she crushed this. What a voice and a lyricist. Doo Wop is a great song. Plenty of skip songs for me though.

Lite samma toner som hennes fugees. Najs.

Me gustó bastante su estilo, algunas canciones no me llegaron mucho, pero me llegó bastante la profundidad de algunas letras

Lauryn mestrer både rap og sang. Ganske chill soul til tider, et ålreit album.

3.5★/5 [07.14.2026] 07.16.2026

Laurynin ääni on mahtava ja hän on todella taitava. Musiikki ei hirveästi iskenyt, mutta se johtuu vajavaisesta ymmärryksestäni.

Mid

While the whole album is catchy and easy to listen through some songs stand out more than others. I would have this on in the background while doing other things or hanging out but song that I would seek out or add on playlists there aren't many.

Thanks for all your hard work, didn’t realize so many modern day rappers used your tracks for their songs.

este me encantó

Solid Hip Hop track

Didn’t realize how many songs I’d recognize and really enjoyed the skits to make it feel like a full album

A couple good singles and generally a well-produced rap-heavy R&B record; I can see why this was so insanely popular on release. However, the lyrics are where the album constantly loses me because I'm just not feeling the overly spiritual/religious tone on a lot of the songs here. 7/10.

Includes the iconic Doo Wop (That Thing) and cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Decent 90s hip hop, didn't love all of it but it was mostly enjoyable.

It’s good, but it’s one where I respect it slightly more than I enjoy it

makes me feel sexyyyy but dont know if it needs all 16 songs

Liked this but didn't really love it. Nothing really wrong but in the other hand I couldn't name a standout track. The singles were good, but again not great. Also 90's albums are often too long and this is a prime example - 77 minutes?!?

I had never listened to this before so this was cool! I was listening to this at the cottage which brought a certain vibe to this experience. I know this album is a legend and there is a reason for it.

7/10 Very well made album, love the instrumentation and flow Highlight: To Zion

eh 6/10

It was an okay album to listen to and I think people who like to listen to hip hop will like it. I'm not a big fan but I liked some songs.

She’s a force but too much inconsistency throughout the album for this to rose to the level of a masterpiece

Great beats. Great voice. Very listenable album.

Um clássico indiscutível em importância histórica e poética, mas que sofre com o choque temporal e a falta de dinamismo sonoro. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill começa no topo absoluto. A primeira metade do disco é um soco no estômago de tanta qualidade. As letras são pura poesia rimada e a fusão do rap com melodias relaxantes é impecável. Porém, o álbum sofre com a ressaca da estrutura dos anos 90. O que na época era aclamado como "coerência conceitual", hoje pode ser lida como uma linearidade cansativa. Da metade para o final, a produção insiste na mesmíssima paleta de cores musicais e batidas desaceleradas, gerando uma forte fadiga auditiva. Faixas gigantes acabam parecendo apenas "preenchimento" porque o disco não se renova sonoramente. Lauryn estica a mesma fórmula por 15 músicas. É uma obra-prima em seus picos, mas uma experiência arrastada quando ouvida por completo. Vale muito pelas faixas isoladas na playlist, mas o álbum inteiro cansa.

Highlights: Everything is Everything, Doo Wop (That Thing), Ex-Factor. In a nutshell: lessons in life and love. The unlikeliest of events became the key to shaking off Lauryn's writers block post Fugees - pregnancy and the birth of her son. Some great lyrics (eg "hypocrites always play innocent" and "You said you'd die for me. Why won't you live for me?"). A novel twist on Light My Fire by The Doors. And you guessed it, the interludes annoyed me and broke the flow of the album. Not sure why Apple voted this as the best album of all time. Maybe top 100 or 200, but not number 1. Overall: 5/10

That album really surprised me; I thought the mix of soul and hip-hop was really good. The beats—especially the ones with guitar, like the track with Santana—were fantastic. Not every song was great, though; I didn't like the one with D'Angelo at all. Still, the album as a whole is really fun.

Good but I didn't love it

This sounds like everything else that sounds like this but so much better.

Classic but also I needa be in a specific mood to listen to this album and I currently am not in that mood but in general this album is ofc a banger

I like Doo Wop. That’s about it for me.

I grew up on this album so hearing the hits gave it a higher rating. The subject matter is also why I give it a 3.9 rating.

🙂

I remember the accolades when this came out but never listened to it since soul and hip hop just didn’t do much for me. So finally can say I listened to it and I don’t get what all the fuss was about. I found Lauryn’s vocal runs to be excessive and the interludes were not needed

Fantastic voice, but too many "modern soul/R'n'B tracks that I am not a fan of, but others will give it 5 stars for that exact reason

This was just alright for me, had to skip some of the classroom banter and I wasn't super enamored with the album as a whole but it's ok.

I thought I would really like this one! It was interesting, had a lot of cool elements.

Voz espectacular, buenos coros y la letra muy pegadiza. Me gustan los ritmos y las guitarras que hacen punteos. Pero no me gusta las conversaciones al final de las canciones, ni me convencen las canciones tan rapeadas o mas tiradas a hip-hop. No me explota la cabeza pero es muy llevadero y divertido de escuchar.

Good

The album was fine, an interesting listen for sure. No takeaways, but definitely feels ahead of its time for a 1998 album. Also heard some sound bits that are used in more modern songs, so can definitely feel the influence there.

Day 1, overall a good album and it was great to listen to something different to what I would usually go for. She has such a beautiful voice that sounds so peaceful and expressive. The bass in some of the songs sound so great and the talking at the start of the tracks adds a distinct sound to their music. However, I rated it a 3/5 because the album I have to admit is very long. When you’re listening to it all together I found myself checking how many more songs I had left to listen to, just because the songs became a bit repetitive and I enjoyed the first half of the album more. Also I didn’t enjoy the crackling sound on one of the tracks, that I have to admit put me off a bit. Plus, I weren’t mind blown so that’s another reason why it’s 3/5. Some of the songs were so beautifully made and sounded like so much soul and love was put into it, also this album has made me want to listen to more r&b and soul.

Never heard this, but I see it all the time in "best album" threads. Reviews here make it sound like a "you had to be there" phenomenon. It sounded like an ok R&B album, nothing outstanding to my ears. I never enjoy skits. This was fine, not best album ever category.

Whoever wrote the interludes on this album needs to start a career in comedy ASAP. Highest three stars ever, just not four.

As someone who, historically has not been a fan of LH, this was better than I expected,

*She has a great voice but I don't think this album shows all that it can do, as it gets a little one dimensional at times. *I would give this a 3.5 if I could *Some great features and solid tracks, but feels a little long at times as well

Heard the singles obviously, stands on the list, so a pleasant change. Has a nice flow to it, I can ignore the religious stuff, skipping the concept parts too, 90s cd album bloat. The longer it goes on, the less I like it. 2.5 rounded uo Heard before? Some Owned: Yes. 79/311 (25%) Will I get: No

It was okay. I’m just not a big fan of Hip Hop.

Now I know what neo soul is. Kinda like it. Not a fan of the talking sections, but that didn’t bother me. The music is well done. I won’t be adding this to my regular rotation, but would enjoy ocassional listens.

Talented girl but not my style...and she needs to pay her taxes

Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Immerhin hörbar.

Overrated

A strong album dragged down by a lot of bloat.

Jeg syns denne er litt vanskelig å bedømme. Skjønner at det skal være bra, men jeg kjeder meg så mye og syns det er litt mye vokalrunk

I think this is a good album, even if I'm not as high on it and others. I want to like it more than I do. I think the Fugees were a really cool mix of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae, and while this continues that mix, I think it leans too heavily on a 90s R&B sound I'm not always the highest on. "Lost Ones" does rule, but unfortunately, it's the first actual song on the album and nothing else really touches it. "Everything is Everything" is probably the other standout, though I do like some of the other songs pretty well. 3.5 stars.

I was excited for this as I remember when it came out I loved it. I feel it has aged badly. Still some truly great songs. I find the inbetween songs bits utterly pointless. Was expecting great, but just good

The music was great but just not my favorite genre.

I know this is the top of a lot of “best albums” lists…& I get it culturally n stuff but gd the song “killing me softly” turned me off of her voice forever. Something about that song is the antithesis of the brainwaves. Immediate bad mood.

It’s enjoyable and there is plenty of quality but it’s far too long, I think if this was trimmed down somewhat, it could be something I’d be keen to return to.

Really torn about this one. Some excellent tracks, and fits together really well as an album. But also a bunch of tracks that just annoy me.

I think I remember loving it more. Israel lyric JUMPSCARE!!! 3 stars seems harsh maybe 3 and three quarter stars lol

I don't understand this album, like it is good and it sounds beautiful, but it really didn't click with me. Maybe it's the lack of melodies (which her work in the Fugees applies a bit more, but this album is better than the Score), the length or something else I can't point my finger at. Her rapping pairs well with her easy-to-listen-to voice. I wouldn't say this was the Greatest album ever (calling you out, Apple), but I can see why people like it.

I enjoy the music but don’t really connect with the lyrics as much.

not my cup of tea X very long

Estuvo bueno pero ya me está cansando un poco el género 6/10

The skits are of their time and the music is a bit full blown and tends to slap you around the chops, but when Lauren decides to sing then her great voice comes across well. Overall I'd say OK crossing into good at times.

Herinneringen, maar niet meer dan dat.

Niet mijn ding maar wel gewoon goed

Not great, not terrible.

No. 181 The classroom samples were really cool and furthered the message of love. Never really got into soul, but I think this was good.

まあまあ

I think I understand more why this album is so highly regarded. There are some great songs here.

It's a decent album, but there's just nothing here that interests me. It sounds like a lot of other stuff in this genre.

NJ AGAIN BABY! MAPLEWOOD NUMBA ONE. If only she remembered to pay her taxes. Unfortunately this album is not really for me. I’m not a huge fan of the style. The interludes are really good though. Ivy hill and Springfield Ave mentioned! Maplewood/newark represent. Latter half of the album is good. Can’t take my eyes off you cover was really good.

Not my favorite genre, and not my generation, but I can see why this is so highly regarded.

I really like that the title track felt like the conclusive ending of the album and that the cover of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You felt like the album's own "credits music" after the fact That's about where my appreciation of the album peaks, though, I don't think I understand the level of hype around it. I guess the words are cool, is there something here that people also particularly like on a musical level? I dunno

2.6 So, it wasn't terrible, but it was pretty bad. Nice voice, lyrically a lot better than other 90s hip-hop outings, but that's where the positives end. Far too long, so many songs could have been cut (the cover of just too good to be true has B-side written all over it, who on earth decided that should pad out the album), the beats are extremely simplistic - basic drum track, slow bass, and a sample or two. Over and over again, for 16 tracks. The pointless interludes, couldn't even save my favourite track (Zion) down as the last 2 minutes is a schoolteacher having a chat with his students ffs. Not my genre, but even so, surely this is overrated? Seen it on so many best offs but not hearing it at all.

Good album, quite long

This album was so hyped up when it came out and I didn't listen to it then. When this came up on this list I was excited, that excitement faded fairly quick. There is too much filler on this album in my opinion, Lauren has a great voice but unfortunately there just wasn't enough here to get me to come back. This album is just ok.

This was Apple Music’s number one album of all time (not mine) This is not really my type of music, so while I appreciate its cultural ubiquity and significance (obviously Doo Wop That Thing is a great song) I don’t fully understand it all. I really liked Everything is Everything and Tell Him, and also liked hearing Ex-Factor for the sample that Drakw used in Nice For What (contextually much preferred it in Nice For What, also I think the best Drake song) I hope Lauryn is doing okay

I was holding my breath putting this on after I saw that album length, but this held my interest more than I was expecting. Pretty decent. Lauryn's voice is really fun to listening to when she's rapping, she's also a good singer but some of these melodies just kind of wandered around with no real destination. The skits didn't really work for me, they felt added on to try to tie everything together when really, the songs were good enough that they could've just stood on their own. I enjoyed it more than this shit-talking review I'm currently writing would imply.

A solid, soulful listen with real emotional backbone. Respect to Lauryn Hill for her strength and artistry. The R&B and soul sound hits right, but the constant religious references got in the way of a fuller connection.

Cool

The album was fine. I didn't mind the covers of "Killing Me Softly" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" as they were recognizable; however, she didn't make them so memorable that I would seek out her renditions. Close to the end of the album, I was checking to see how many more songs there were as my ears were getting tired of all the extra, and what I deemed, unnecessary notes. Her voice was pleasant enough. I found the talking at the end of some of the songs distracting, even though I got that it was to refer back to the album's concept of "mis-education".

chill. mellow. r&b. classic.

I actually forgot Ms Hill was the voice of the Fugees. Liked a lot of it a little, and a little bit of it a lot.

The first few songs are great, but after around track 5 or 6, they all start to run together and sound the same. It got pretty tiresome after a while, and a lot of the songs needlessly run past the five-minute mark. It’s a fine album, and a cool mix of genres, but I don’t quite get the adulation heaped on it in recent years.

Me gusto, se me hizo un poco repetitivo, pero es un album para hacerte una buena porra de pelo y hacer AHÁ AHÁA, IOU IOUU

Ok I enjoyed a few on here - ie youre just too good to be true - but other than that not my cup of tea

Thought the album started off great. 3-4 songs i had never heard that I really liked but kind of slowed down towards in the bulk of the middle to end for me.

I'd heard good things about this album, so I was excited to listen to it finally. Well, it definitely doesn't live up to the hype. A couple of good songs and a whole lot of filler.

Meh

no es mi onda pero las vocales son top

Despite not being my type of thing, this is so mellow and a delightful listen. The R&B based songs are stronger than the rap ones. And the classroom themed vignettes are a bit dated, however they do make it a concise album.

It’s a great concept album with interludes that keep it focused. She has such a fantastic voice and has good bars and rap chops to match. 3.6/5.0

Pa definitivno mi ovaj album nije promijenio život kao što je trebao koliko ga ljudi hvale. Ali nije ni toliko loš, šta znam. Mogao se skratiti dobrih 20 minuta kao i većina hip-hopa. Neke su pjesme bolje ali čini mi se samo one koje su svakako najveći hitovi, što sam već znala. Ok album sve u svemu.

Love, eh? I loved it when that D'Angelo was finally over.

Inicio de esta aventura con un gran álbum, con un gran impacto cultural y que me sorprendió para bien, no esperaba conocer alguna de las canciones, terminé guardando un par a la Playlist de este año. Muy recomendado.

Great album, but i feel that is missing something... Nice for a background ambient while have a fancy dinner!

No es mí género preferido, aún así es un álbum fácil de escuchar y bastante agradable

I didn’t find this to be anything exciting. I can hear the Jamaican influence which is neat. The singles are the best songs.

po 2 i pol piosenki stwierdzam ze nie chce mi sie twgo sluchac, nie ma tragedii ale nie koj gust bye

Not a big fan of rap, amazing voice, what a woman Lauryn Hill, love her.

5/10

Okay.