My taste in music is simple. I know what I like, end of story. I'm not keen on being boxed in a genre, I may naturally lean to the more rock, indie and guitar based music, no doubt influenced by my own feeble attempts at the guitar in my youth. Send the music on and I will give it a listen and come to a simple yeah or nah decision. Simple is as simple does I suppose.
I did not buy the CD 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' until two years after its 1998 release. Oh yes, I am one of those old fashioned people who won't part with her cash for an album until she's been convinced by the single releases - well what do you expect from someone who remembers vinyl? The bad news for those around me is that the CD comes with full lyrics...tonight Matthew I am going to be Lauryn Hill...BizzyBek can clear a room with this intro!
I have to say this is one of the best albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening. When packing for a holiday the first thing into hand luggage is this CD. Off on a long car journey - grab Lauryn Hill. Sat working at my computer - well there's only one choice of musical accompaniment to keep me sane. This CD isn't music to me, it's medicine.
How else could I describe this piece of art?
It's chocolate fudge cake topped with whip cream.
It's the taste of
salty tears at the end of a relationship.
It's the smell of fresh cut grass on a Sunday morning.
This 14 (16 in actuality) track CD is interlaced with classroom-style interludes of youngsters debating the great mystery of love which I do not find at all distracting though I suspect some people may. I find these interludes add to the CDs feeling of reaching out and communicating with the listener. I personally feel that Lauryn Hill is a class apart from the run of the mill music that is churned out of late. There is a spirituality and honesty in her music that sets her apart from the usual chart toppers.
Track by track, I reckon you get more than your moneys worth as we travel with Lauryn Hill through a myriad of emotions I'm sure reflect many of our lives.
Track 1 - Lost Ones is a strong and powerful opener. Blimey, wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of Ms Hill as she lets it be known she can't be played for a fool. The song extols one of my long held beliefs - watch out in the world because what goes around comes around.
Track 2 - Ex-factor, possibly my favourite song of all time. I cannot enthuse about this song high enough. Ever been trapped in a damaging relationship - listen to it with your heart open. The most beautiful of melodies with as sensational yet simple guitar riff at the end. This is a song that makes your heart melt. And as so often, how can a song that speaks of a dysfunctional relationship sound so damn sexy?
Track 3 - To Zion, a very personal tribute to her son Zion. This heartfelt song charts her surprise pregnancy and some people's opinion that she should not go through with it. Lauryn praises the joy her son has brought her - what a beautiful gift for any child. This track features the fine guitar work of Carlos Santana.
Track 4 - Doo Wop (That Thing) is possibly best remembered by many for its innovative split screen video simultaneously showing and comparing the Block Parties of the 1950s to the 1990s. An immensely catchy tune that makes you cry for the sun to come out. Hidden in this bouncy little number is Lauryn's hard hitting lyrics - take a listen - ouch. That's Miss Hill telling some people to grow up with the highly quotable "The quick to shoot the semen stop acting like boys and be men"
Track 5 - Superstar is a clever reworking of the classic 'Relight my Fire'. An interesting use of harp and harpsichord gives this song an interesting, delicate backdrop as Lauryn once more tells us what goes around comes around. Warning of not buying into our own image.
Track 6 - Final Hour, possibly the most Fugee-esque tracks on the CD, a fast moving track that see Lauryn Hill at full speed with a low-key back beat.
Track 8 - When It Hurts So Bad, the lyrics open "When it hurts so bad, why's it feel so good?" Ah, the eternal question! For all those suffering the pain of unrequited love let this song guide you through.
Track 9 - I Used to Love Him sees Lauryn collaborate with Mary J Blige. Remember Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson singing 'I Know Him So Well'? Well, think of this song as the street cred version of that! Blige and Hill work well together producing an effective funky version of the often used two women moaning about a bloke song template.
Track 10 - Forgive them Father, a mildly reggae influenced song that has aspects of the Marley legacy who has inspired Lauryn Hill so much.
Track 11 - Every Ghetto, Every City, one of my favourite songs on the album. For anyone who enjoys going down the nostalgia road, in my case that's watching the I Remember the 1970s series on BBC2 and oohing and aahing over the sweets and toys of my childhood, well this Lauryn Hill's version! An extremely catchy, finger clicking and happy tune recalling her childhood with great fondness. Bring on the pacers (chewy seventies mints for you youngsters amongst us ;-)
Track 12 - Nothing Even Matters sees the very sensuous collaboration with D'Angelo. Immensely sexy, turn the lights down low and pour the wine for this one. Ooh, spine tingling stuff.
Track 13 - Everything is Everything is classic Lauryn Hill get up and move stuff. A rousing and positive song, a great way to pep you up before the day or a meeting.
Track 14 - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, don't worry, the CDs not broken its recorded to sound like an old fashioned vinyl record with a dust needle! A beautiful, slow piece which reminds me of the great female Blues singers of the last century with a sparkling piano accompaniment. Can't Take My Eyes Off You' is a resounding and singalong rendition of this holiday hotel foyer classic.
Track 16 - NB Another treat not listed on the CD cover which I suspect is called 'Tell Him' is a very moving and sensual song, a lovely, mellow way to end this beautifully crafted album which I would whole-heartedly
Track 15 - NB Not listed on the CD cover - this grooved up version of 'I recommend.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
After the massive success of the Fugees'The Score, the popularity of any Refugee Camp solo ... more
project was guaranteed. No one, however, was prepared for the massive response to Lauryn Hill's debut album. Apart from the chart-topping singles "Doo Wop (That ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
After the massive success of the Fugees' The Score, the popularity of any Refugee Camp ... more
solo project was guaranteed. No one, however, was prepared for the massive response to Lauryn Hill's debut album. Apart from the chart-topping singles "Doo Wop (That...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Intro Lost Ones Ex-Factor To Zion - (featuring Carlos Santana) Doo Wop (That Thing) ... more
Superstar Final Hour When It Hurts So Bad I Used To Love Him - (featuring Mary J Blige) Forgive Them Father Every Ghetto Every City Nothing Even Matters - (featuring D...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Oct 23rd, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
