The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

This album was released in 1998, a very good year for music. It was a huge success, but it has taken me nearly 15 years to give it my full attention. And I'm glad that I finally did! Since Lauryn Hill was responsible for the bulk of the writing, arranging, producing and performing, this has to be considered her creation, and so most of the credit for its success is hers. The three main elements she employs are rap, soul singing and R&B music, both old and new, used in various combinations and to various degrees, with other elements thrown in for extra spice. "Lost Ones" is a strong, confident rap ("My emancipation don't fit your equation...You might win some but you just lost one"), but it includes some harmonized singing of the choruses as well. "Ex-Factor" is a somber ballad, with the vocal high and vulnerable as the singer pleads for fairness and "reciprocity" in a relationship. Two other somber ballads are "When It Hurts So Bad" and "I Used To Love Him". In the latter, she finds redemption and announces, "Father you saved me and showed me that life/Was much more than being some foolish man's wife". In "To Zion", hip-hop blends with Latin sounds, with some help from Carlos Santana, as she expresses joy over the birth of her son. "Doo Wop" mixes rap with retro R&B, and includes the memorable hook about "...that thing, that thing, that thiiiing...". "Superstar" references the Doors hit "Light My Fire", with harmonizing voices alternating with a single gospel voice against a background of a hip-hop arrangement which features a harp, of all things. She chides the superstar: "Come on baby light my fire/Everything you drop is so tired/Music is supposed to inspire/How come we ain't gettin' no higher". "Forgive Them Father" is a mid-tempo, very serious song about false motivations and betrayal by those close to you. One memorable line in the song is "Like Cain and Abel, Caesar and Brutus, Jesus and Judas, back stabbers do this". There is a rap in the middle of the song, and we get to hear some Jamaican patois at the beginning and at the end. "Every Ghetto, Every City" is a bit lighter and funkier as Lauryn reminisces about good times from back in the day. "Everything Is Everything" is dramatically serious, meant as encouragement to persevere in life's struggles: "Everything is everything/What is meant to be, will be/After winter, must come spring/Change, it comes eventually." Whether this sequence was deliberate or not, the last listed track and the two bonus (hidden) tracks are all 3 positive in mood and pretty mainstream in sound. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is a comparatively bright-sounding ballad. The cover of "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" is faster than the original, but that fits in with the hip-hop arrangement and happy vibe. "Tell Him" is practically a breezy pop song with a hip-hop beat. To emphasize the theme of (mis)education, there are interludes between the musical tracks in which we hear interaction between a teacher and some students. But I think that we, the public, are the ones truly enlightened by this album.

100% perfect condition

Arrived fast and looks and sounds great. Brand new album, it arrived secure and nicely wrapped.

Amazing album! No issues with packaging. This came in a specific box designed for albums so there would be no bending. Beautiful album cover and sounds. Met all my expectations!

This album from Lauren is essential for a rap collection especially since a mint album for $20-25 is more than decent. Her unique genre reminds me of a cross between rap, negro spirituals, soul, and philosophical pop.

Great album, easy to buy on amazon

Truth wrapped in melody

Quick delivery and in great condition.

Lindos discos de um album perfeito. Vale muito a pena comprar. Vem dois discos que totalizam 1h20min de musica.

Sounds too flat, no bass… digital version on pressing

ありがとうございました

Great album .

Impecável! Envio sem falhas e atempado!