Looking back on a decade of Lauryn Hill's 'Miseducation'

Lisa Young Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

This album is perhaps the best album I have ever owned. To those who are calling this an overrated pop album, there is nothing wrong with having your own opinions. But for those of us out there who have been listening to this album non-stop since day 1, I feel your pain. Man, I miss Lauryn but I'm thankful for this album. It has gotten me through so many difficult moments in my life.

I'm only 20 but I have been searching for an album on par with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and so far, no luck. If anyone could recommend some good conscious, soulful albums (I'm sure they won't be as great), but still anything is better than nothing.

Kenneth Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

This album is actually in my bag right now. I'm only 21, but my sister let me listen to it in middle school. I remember every word of it. I wish she made more music videos for the songs as well. Loved EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING and DOO WOP video.

Alan Buttslipsky Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

I heard the Fugee's will reunite on the Tonight Show sometime in December

Q-A Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:56 PM EST

And so do I, TMOLH is regularly spinning on my ipod since I copied it on itunes about 5 years ago

Q-A Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

And so do I, TMOLH is regularly spinning on my ipod since I copied it on itunes about 5 years ago

Lori Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

I agree with a lot of other people on this board: I haven't stopped listening to "Miseducation" since the day it was released. It's one of those classics that stays in constant rotation on my iPod. I also think an earlier comparison to Harper Lee is right on target. I used to hate on Lauryn for dropping out but now I'm thankful to her for this incredible gift she gave music-lovers. Wherever Lauryn is right now, I hope she's at peace.

Devin Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 09:42 AM EST

I was listening to this album in the car with my parents ten years ago to the day on my first day of high school. A pretty appropriate album to start that era of my life. Listened to it all yesterday and today. So glad that there is a celebration of this albums first decade.

Jordan Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

I actually was listening to "Unplugged" last night...good album, not great like this one. But even this one is not perfect to me...it was so influential, but there are some filler songs. I think their have been albums it has since influenced that are at least as good-Back to Black by Amy Winehouse being one. And we have to remember that Erykah Badu, Maxwell, and D'Angelo dropped neo-soul albums before this; I feel like Lauryn was the first one to take the movement to the mainstream. Maybe she gets a little bit over-credited for that. But it is still a great listen and a classic of the last 10 years.

Mays Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 06:07 AM EST

" When's the last time you listened to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill? "

Umm, I -- never stopped! That album has been on rotation from the day I bought it till this day, I can't believe it's been ten years. From my stereo to my CD Player to my iPod, to whatever they invent after that.. it's still gonna be there. The world I'm looking for here is TIMELESS.

Cherisse Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 12:59 AM EST

WHO DOESN'T LOVE THIS ALBUM IF YOU ASK ME THE MISEDUCATION IS THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME I DON'T THINK ANOTHER ARTIST CAUGHT MY ATTENTION AS MUCH AS LAURYN HILL. I THINK SHE IS JUST FOCUSING ON HER "SOCIAL PROBLEMS" IF YOU LISTEN TO HER MATERIAL ON UNPLUGGED AND SONGS SHE'S RELEASED SINCE THEN THEY ALL TALK ABOUT HOW MESSED UP SOCIETY IS. SHE TALKED ABOUT IT ON THE MISEDUCATION TOO IT'S JUST SHE'S GETTING BOLDER AND MORE BLUNT. BY THE WAY I LOVED THE UNPLUGGED ALBUM TOO. AND SHE WON BEST NEW ARTIST BECAUSE IT WAS SOLO. SO TECHNICALLY SHE WAS A "NEW ARTIST" FUGEES=OLD LAURYN HILL=BEST NEW ARTIST!! LOVE U LAURYN PLEASE COME BACK!!

Susan Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 10:12 PM EST

Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation" is bittersweet. Potentially,she could've been a megastar, a diva, but she chose against it. There are some beautiful songs like "Zion",and I remember listening to Hill's music in college. A great talent.

There are rumors that session musicians are stopping by Lauryn's place, making an album... who knows? She needs the peace. She's had some terrible live concerts, unfortunately (like last June,I think)

I hope she gets her life together and finds happiness,in whatever way it comes to her.

Jonathan Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

I live in Trinidad and consider it the last great American album. Like Kanye, and few million others, I believe we are all the poorer that Ms. Hill has apparently lost interest in this part of her life journey but I'll keep hoping. The 'Unplugged' is also a keeper and those still believing the ridiculous 'racist' rumour can read all the details of this horrible hoax at www.snopes.com.

Scott Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

Sorry, Lauryn Hill is not actually a racist. The quotes you probably refer to never happened and you should probably listen to that Howard Stern interview before you pass judgment.
Both Miseducation and Unplugged are two of my favorite albums of all time. The Unplugged DVD is amazing to watch when you're in the right mood.

Not a FAN Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

Lauryn Hill is a racist.

Belle Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

I have the CD in my car!! It is a timeless classic. I need to download it to my Ipod!! It is one of the few CDs where I love all of the songs(which is quite rare these days). Ben, the Music Academy changed the rules for Best New Artist(forgot the year). Remember when Whitney Houston came out she had duets with Jermaine Jackson and somoene else(drawing a blank), well when she finally came out with a solo ablum, they said she was not eligble for Best New Artist because she wasn't "new". A month ago, People Magazine did a great article on the missing Lauren Hill and how fame was not a blessing but a curse. I wish her the best and wish she would come out with a new CD. The music business needs her talent.

Erica Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

@ Houstonian Jen in DC- That was my freshman year as well. Listening to that cd brings back memories.

M Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

"Miseducation" remains one of my favorite albums ever. From the artwork to every song on there, it is a journey of the heart that is completely universal. The thought of certain songs can get me choked up.

cb Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 09:53 PM EST

i remember reading an article in rolling stones back in 2004 and lauryn hill said she was working on her album. the problme was she was apparently hard to work with. she'd fly producers down to miami and then not actually work w/ them. weird! Love Miseducation though!! I pop it in my cd player at least once a month.

brigette Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

When's the last time I listened to this CD? I think yesterday. It's timeless.

David Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

One of those artists with one mega-hit album-wonders - see Alanis Morisette, Hootie and .... Sisqo. True talent lasts more than one album. So this one is a fluke... a fad... or artists who just thought so much of themselves and considered themselves so great that they were in fact scared to do a follow up knowing that they are just good for one album.

JuJuBee Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 04:37 AM EST

And.. JANET=Pop, Lauryn=Soul. Can you imagine something like I used to love him from Janet.. NO and I Love janet too.. Velvet Rope is classic.. but No way can We Go Deep = Ex-Factor or Doo-Wop.

JuJuBee Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 04:31 AM EST

I have been listening to the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill a lot and have just given it to both of my daughters to listen to what good music should sound like. I had forgotten how great it is. It is arguably one of the best CD's ever and the first cd I burned to my Mp3 player. Thank you Simon for the spotlight on a classic album that still is fresh 10 years later and can still compete with the other artists that are out there. Please, others, no more comparisons to Madonna. The pain displayed in Ex-factor and I Used to Love Him trumps anything Madonna has ever written or produced, or thought of :). And considering the soulquarian sounds and the revival of the doo-wop sounds by Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Solange, Raphael Saadiq, Joss Stone,and Estelle among others, Lauryn's influence is still being heard!! Her personal dramas and relationships will probably make some great material for another Lauryn Hill album, which I have dubbed The RE-Education of Lauryn Hill. I can't wait!

Sam Mon, Sep 1, 2008 at 02:52 AM EST

THE FIRST CD I EVER GOT AND THE BEST CD EVER!!!

lilkunta Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

We LOVE u Lauryn!
We MISS u Lauryn!
We're anxioulsy waiting Lauryn!

Samantha Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Wow -- ten years. I really, really loved this album in the day and should pull it out again to listen. (Time to load it onto my iPod, for sure.) I am no music critic -- I can't compare this to others or say it's the greatest or not the greatest or whatever -- but this music really reverberated with me at the time in a way few albums ever have. Pity Lauryn Hill couldn't follow it up and create a career.

Stella Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 03:47 AM EST

Funny I just downloaded this album, I forgot how good it was.

Fatima Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 11:42 PM EST

Odd there are so many haters!

musicfan5 Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 11:26 PM EST

I'll be in the minority, but if I'm being honest this would make my list of the Top 10 Overrated CD's of all time. I bought it because it won the Grammy and Critics were praising it to the high heavens. Always thought Doo Wop (That Thing)was a good track, but I've never connected with anything else. Not a fan of the "lessons" in between (At least Janet's skits were mercifully short). I keep pulling this CD out every few years hoping that this might be the time I might take a shining to it. So far no luck...where others hear genius I hear filler and songs that go on too long.

Bob Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 09:05 PM EST

Wow. Overrated. It's a good pop album. Move on. Even Lauryn Hill moved on.

Ballzack Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 05:51 PM EST

It's a great CD but girlfriend is kuh-razee! A lethal combination of artistic temperament, out-sized ego and schizophrenia have doomed her to be the Sly Stone of our era.

Who cares about HER anymore? She's just a historical footnote. At least we got some good music out of her before she blasted out of the galaxy.

I just hope she doesn't mess up her kids too bad. Having a crazy disconnected ego-driven pampered famous mother CANNOT be a good thing.

Buh Bye Ms!

Alysabeth Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

Wow. I downloaded it recently after a long forgetting and I think it still has a lot to say. My 12 yr old,who has great taste, and my 7 yr old are gaga over it.We've been nonstopping it for 3 weeks! Then the People article came out..now this...are we all thinking the same thing at once??? Keep writing about it. Come on back,Lauryn. Drop the isolating spiritual advisor,stop demanding to be called Ms. Hill, allow eye contact from other human beings, and don't make every artist-known or not- sign papers saying anything they come up with during your sessions only belongs to you. Cat Stevens,anyone?

Fatima Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 09:02 PM EST

Geez, the way people talk about Beyonce here on every post involving music makes it seem like she burned down all your houses. Just to clarify, she's only released TWO solo albums. But Lauryn is more talented by far. But really. Just once, can we leave her out? LOL. However, the Velvet Rope WAS Janet's best, but is still nowhere near this album.

Lassie Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 07:18 PM EST

Yes, teaming up with Amy Winehouse would be ideal! They have a lot in common.

Dione Robertson Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

What!!

I was listening to 'Miseducation' in my car all of last week.

'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' marks the birth of an amazing solo artist; and the best female MC of all time.

Perhaps I'm jumping the gun a bit, but considering that she has yet to do a studio follow up recording and not working with the Fugees at this point; perhaps Pink was right when she said that she thinks Lauryn does not want to be an artist anymore.

At least not the good old fashion kind that products art that can be enjoyed again and again (music/art/movies; etc.)

Too bad. Pout!!!

DJ Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

This deserves to be more than a popwatch post. Please write an article for the mag! Please tell LH we've been waiting too long!

Larry Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

I've been listening to miseducation for the last 2 years, it's amazing and since miseducation came out the only other album I've loved more is Back to black by Amy Winehouse, hopefully she follows up her album. But miseducation is def one of the greatest albums of all time.

Joe C Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

Two things stand out here: Obviously, I thought that Lauryn Hill was going on to one of the great careers in music history after that record; to this day, I'm not sure what happened. And secondly, Simon noting that the CD was 'eight times platinum.' Man! Given the state of today's music industry, no one is going to ever reach that level again. Seems like a lifetime ago....

Eazy-E Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

hands down. best cd of all time.

Eazy-E Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

hands down. best cd of all time.

Huh? Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

Sure, Wes, because "Go Deep" was SUCH a groundbreaking song! Are you high, dude?

Wes Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

There is nothing on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that wasn't on Janet Jackson's The Velvet Rope one year prior. And it was all covered, before that, by M'Shell Ndegeocello on Plantation Lullabies. All three are great albums, and deserve many listens, but let's not place quite so much credit with Hill. Doesn't sound like she wants it anyway.

Cece Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

I still listen to this on the regular. Nothing spells heatbreak like "Ex-Factor."

Fletch Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

And, not to bash other artists, but does anyone think songs like "Naughty Girl", "Irreplaceable", or "Crazy in Love" are good enough to keep Beyonce relevant?

They are not very strong songs - maybe "Crazy in Love", but that's just because of the memorable horn part.

I don't know. I'd rather Lauryn leave it as is rather than risk falling into that trap...if that's even possible.

mydove Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

I remembering reading that the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird"'s author, Harper Lee, say that after that book she couldn't write another because she had nothing else to say. Maybe it's the same for Lauren. She, unlike much of today's artists, at least was able to produce one great album, as opposed to a Beyonce, who comes out with something every three months just to keep herself relevant.

cookiemac Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 07:49 AM EST

so weird, my wife and i dug this one out last week to listen to in the car on a camping trip

Houstonian Jen in DC Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST

Miseducation was the soundtrack of my freshmen year of college! My friends and I shared the album, talked about the album, someone was always playing the album. Every event in the black community usually included Lauren playing in the background. I still, ten years later, could probably sing every word on that CD--including the interludes.

As I got a little older, I began appreciating certain songs even more, especially "Ex-Factor" and her duet with Mary J., "I used to love him". When my favorite CDs were stolen from my car a few years ago, that was one of the only CDs I decided I needed to replace in the collection. I probably still listen to it on my iPod once a month--not counting the occasional appearance of "Doo-Wop" on R&B stations. To my ears, Miseducation could go toe-to-toe with most of the music out today.

Simon, thanks for bringing back alot of great memories.

Alex Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 08:02 PM EST

p.s. Oops on the typos. I do know the difference between "two" and "too."

Alex Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

Lauryn Hill is one of my favorite singer and "Miseducation" is in my Top 5 albums. Two of its songs are on my iTunes top 25 ("Ex Factor" and "Everything is Everything") and another 2 songs from her live album are on there two. I may be in the minority but I think her live album is absolutely brilliant. I don't see a crazy woman. I see an impassioned artist who really cares about her music and her message.

Nee Nee Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 07:38 PM EST

I've always been a listener of mostly rock and alternative music. It's rare that an album of any other genre makes it onto my radar. Miseduacation made it onto my radar. I don't know if it was her nod to retro soul, or her deep and entrancic voice, or if it was both...but I love the album. I especially like Ex-Factor. She's one of those women who I wish I could sing like.

Ben Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 07:19 PM EST

I don't think it's accurate to say Lauryn Hill had no taste of fame before her album. The Score was a major album by the Fugees, won awards, had huge radio hits, and was great. What's important to note, Ep Soto, is that she produced, wrote and recorded Miseducation largely on her own, so saying the magic was only when they were together isn't really true.

I like Miseducation somewhat. There were some good songs on it, but I didn't see it as groundbreaking. Loved "Doo Wop" and "Ex Factor" and some others but many also left me bored.

What I didn't understand was how she was able to win Best New Artist when she had already won Grammys as a member of the Fugees.

Marcus Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 06:20 PM EST

Nope, that's me too! Just in case anyone wanted, a new Raphael Saadiq video premiered today and it's great:)

Fletch Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 06:03 PM EST

Thanks, idigress. I saw The Roots mentioned, too. I have ALWAYS loved them. I guess I'm into the movement, too. White guy into neo-soul music...is that weird? HAHAHA!!!

EP Sato Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

I still love the cover of "you're just so good to be true" she does, and my ears prop up like a puppy's everytime "Doo Wop" is on the air.

I see the Fugees (Wyclef exempted) as being one of those lost stories. They had an amazing album, but split and did the solo thing. Pras's album was no good, Wyclef became a great producer, and Lauryn gave us this one great album.

But her subsequent unplugged album made me wonder if it was her production team that was responsible.

That they attempted a comeback as a band a few years later with tunes that sounded like outtakes off the Score made the story that much sadder.

I hold out hopes that Lauryn Hill will comeback someday with some super hot track. Maybe guesting with kanye, Corine Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani or Estelle would get her back on track?

idigress Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

Fletch - here you go! I am a lover of the soulquarian movement as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soulquarians

idigress Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

I love you Simon! What a great post. I think this is one of the best albums from beginning to end. Even the interstitials (and I generally hate them). Thanks for the link to the Rolling Stone article as well - it will make the listening even better!

LJ Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:28 PM EST

Not sure how you would argue Lauryn Hill made Amy Winehouse's career possible. Did she supply her with her first drugs?

Fletch Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST

Soulquarian? Forgive the ignorant white boy, Tasia, but can you tell me exactly what that is? I listen to alot of that music you listen - absolutely LOVE Common - so I'm curious.

Agatha Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

Can you do this weekly? I love thinking back to the old days...about old albums....and how great they still are....

Tasia Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

WOW! 10 years! This was the first album I bought and I played it so much it was also the 2nd album I bought. For a good 5 years I was strickly "Soulquarian" only listening to the likes of Common, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Musiq Solchild. Now I'm more mainstream but this album defined my own taste in music to this day.

I saw her perform at the Hollywood Bowl, post-Unplugged meltdown, and it was a shame to see such a talent forget her lyrics and look a hot mess, but I realized she was still Lauryn Hill went she gave a soul-stirring rendition of Zion that still gives me the chills when I think about it.

We miss you Lauryn!!!

Fatima Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

NO WAY. The interludes are wonderful on the album! They feel very natural and I love the keyboard line throughout them. I never skip them. And any attempt to turn this into a Madonna VS Lauryn battle is downright bizarre.

Basically, acclaim scared the crap outta Lauryn. And now with message board culture, she'll just be torn to shreds even more so. I bet some authors already have "Sophomore Slump" headlines saved on their computers somewhere

Snarf Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:43 PM EST

If Lauren Hill was really interested in releasing another album she would have. Many artists are going to independent labels or even releasing virtual albums on-line onle (Think Darrens Hayes and Tate) to avoid the corp BS

roseslg Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

Loved this album, still listen to it. Loved her crazy unplugged album as well. WHy couldn't she have remained sane?

bonnylass Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

I still love the songs on that album, and I still hate those awful spoken-word 'lessons' in between.

Fletch Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

Paige, I wish it were Lauryn - 4 and Madonna - 0. The world would have been a better place.

Larry Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST

This is so funny, I just listened to this maybe 2 weeks ago. Does it hold up? That's debatable. I say it doesn't, then reconsidered and thought that it's due to so many who have bitten her style since.

Speaking of Amy, I just realized how awesome Lauryn would have sounded singing "Rehab."

RayT Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

"Miseducation" came out when I was in 8th grade and we were all OBSESSED with it. I think Lauryn is the perfect example of how the media (record execs, marketing firms, and yes, even critics) can send a truly brilliant artist running for the hills. While I would have loved another full-fledged Hill album, I do have to say that I respect someone who can leave it all behind and decide that their personal happiness and family are more important than all the money and awards in the world.

paige Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

that was the same year that Madonna came out with Ray of Light- since then Madonna has come out with 4 albums and Lauryn Hill 0. Just a fact

Fatima Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

Still my desert island album 10 years later:)

Winona Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

I'm an A/V cataloger, and this album is on the cart of CDs that I'm currently cataloging. What a coincidence!!

Stephanie Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

That's crazy! I was just listening to this album this week because I'd forgotten how much I love it. I can't believe it's been ten years. I'm almost happy Lauryn has stayed away because it means we're not talking about her craptastic follow-up album.

Fletch Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

This type of music is not typically my thing, but I do have to admit that I LOVED this album. It makes me wish it was 10 years ago.