The album stands the test of time as one of the most enlightening and heartbreaking pieces of artwork to come out of the 90s. For my money, it’s arguably the best album released in the last 25 years. There was a maturity there that exceeded Lauryn’s 24 years and gave me an understanding of love at 12 years old that I’ve carried with me to this very day.
As one of the strongest, most misunderstood artists of our generation, Lauryn Hill created a moment in time so concentrated in love and passion that it was about to burst. Then like a puff of smoke she was gone. The world needs another explosion like this one to rattle itself from its rust-tinged reverie. Until then, we’ll allow The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill to educate us in the ways of humanity.
I don’t like hype, and as a rule I’m suspicious of any album that’s too widely praised. Nonetheless, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill proved to be an exception to the unfortunate trend of hyping mediocrity. Her sentiments are refreshing, she’s emotional without being sentimental, she’s devout without being proselytizing, and perhaps most importantly she writes interesting, ecclectic music with roots in Jazz, Rock, Soul, Gospel, R&B, ad. inf. Quite frankly, I’m completely bemused by the reviews claiming that her beats are predictable or her lyrics are less than insightful. I found the opposite to be true; her mixing and producing were exceptional and her collaborators were well-chosen and well-utilized. I was further confused by two reviews below, one of which claimed that Brandy was superior and another which claimed Celine Dion was. Putting my personal opinions of those performers aside for a moment, I would like to point out that neither Brandy nor Dion write or produce their own songs. They perform the work of other songwriters and musicians and then allow it to be mixed by studio employees. Ms. Hill is not a performer. She’s a real artist and “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is an amazing album. Everybody should listen it regardless of their musical taste.
Thanks,
Sara lopez
Couldn’t agree with you more. Her sound was and remains unique and distinguishable from milieu others who portend to claim the title “artist”.
Miseducation was a work of art, a pinpoint in time in which art was at its apex… everything concerning love, peace, anger, happiness, and yes, education found itself on this carefully constructed album. I’m the type that doesn’t listen to hype and judges a piece on its own merits, regardless of what countless others may say. As such, my love of this album will never fade because it dared to be different and honest.
Thanks for reading. I hope you get a chance to experience more music like this and spread its beauty with others.