She might be miseducated but she's still brilliant.

I will never forget the very first time I heard Lauryn Hill's rich, luscious voice. I was watching Sister Act 2 and it was that scene where she is singing with her friend "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". I remember how chills went through my spine and I was so excited to hear such a gorgeous voice with such character and soul. I told my mom, "She is going to be big!" Well years went by but I never heard her again and only could enjoy her well developed pipes on the soundtrack. Then one day I was watching MTV (this was when they still played some music) and I saw the video for a song I had heard many times "Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees. Overwhelmed with joy, I pointed her out to my mom and all these years later was able to say those wonderful words "I told you so!!" Then she released the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

The album opens with a little skit where it is made clear to us that when the teacher is calling roll Lauryn is not there. Thus begins the miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This immediately moves into the first track called "The Lost Ones"
"It's funny how money changes situation
Miscommunication lead to complication
My emancipation don't fit your equation
I was on the humble you were on every station"
This song seems to be aimed at her ex band mates from the fugees and she seems to be releasing some bad feelings about what happened with the group. The rhythm and style of her lyrics is keen and on cue and she does a fantastic job giving it a jamaican flair.

The next song is a beautiful song called the "Ex Factor" and features Lauryn and her beautiful sound. Rarely do you hear an artist that can both rap and sing so wonderfully and this is a great song to follow the hard edge of the first track. This song sounds like its about a codependent relationship. I love the intelligence brimming in her lyrics and the way she expresses her feeling "tell me who I have to be to get some reciprocity" Featuring some sound effects that sound like bird calls, a 70's style organ and a nice beat this song works on every level.

"To Zion" is a lovely song featuring the great Carlos Santana to add some Latin flavor with his masterful guitar work. This is a tribute to her son and about how she had to make decisions and how she decided to make them. I am in awe of the honesty and love in her lyrics. Her voice is strong and simply perfect, the music is very flowing and carefree and it is the perfect example of artistry meeting heart.

Next we have the phenomenal success "Doo Wop (That Thang) where Lauryn bridge her rhyming skills with her superb voice for a stunning effect. Unlike many other artists, she gives equal time talking about the "player" side of both males and females. This is not a male bashing song, its more of a song just commenting on human nature. There is a fantastic doo-wop interlude that pleases the ear and the song is an intelligent effort.

The next song is pretty interesting but doesn't do much for me. Lauryn Hill does a brilliant variation of the Doors classic "Light My Fire" Superstar will appeal to many fans but for me I just am not into this as much. "Final Hour", the next song, is the weakest track on the album and I usually skip this one.

"When It Hurts So Bad" is anice ballad with interesting vocal arrangements and an interesting rhythm. Her voice is very low and resonant on this one and she shows off her incredible alto range. The next is one of my favorite songs off the album and combines the talent of Hill and the raspy soul sound of Mary J. Blige. This duet comes together nicely. Their voices compliment each other very well.

D'Angelo joins Hill on the sexy and whimsical "Nothing Even Matters". Hill's voice floats over the notes displaying subtle phrasing and then powerful notes with equal skill. D'Angelo has a sexy voice and these two make a fantastic duo.

"Everything Is Everything" once again finds Hill giving us a mean flow with this streetwise groove that was sweeping the radios. This song has some nice synth hits, a good beat and some nice vocals. Lauryn Hill has made herself a role model to many youth and smoothly caresses the notes and gives them a unique sound.

The title track is a beautiful ballad and she suavely floats between notes and lets them slip and slide in an improvisational manner. There is a jazzy type organ and some sparkling piano and strings giving this song a dramatic and sensational sound.
"And deep in my heart the answer, it was in me
And I made up my mind, to define my own destiny"

She then does a remake of the classic song for the movie Conspiracy Theory called "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" I love the way she has the doo wop sound with the little breath punctuations, echoed vocals in the background. She has such a deep, lovely voice on the verses but then opens up for the refrain. Very nice!

"Tell Him" was a nice surprise and starts off with a nice beat and some accentuating vocals. The music rolls along with a nice, mellow groove and her sound is well defined and soulful. This is a finish to a great album and this song has almost a gospel vibe to it.

Lauryn Hill is definitely one of the most important artist of the nineties when it comes to defining the face of R&B. Her keen sense of vocal style, production wizadry and honesty makes her one of the most talented women on the scene. This album has many wonderful moments and is a classic of the last century to be sure.