Lauryn Hill Songs Ranked
Lauryn Hill broke through with multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning group the Fugees, but with her 1998 solo debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer established herself as a creative force on her own. She successfully integrated rap, soul, and reggae into a singular sound. Eclectic, uplifting, and empowering, the album was often cited by younger artists as a touchstone. Following its success, Hill was something of an enigma, her recorded output limited to a live set, scattered compilation appearances, and a handful of collaborations. Disenchantment with the entertainment industry, along with legal issues and erratic performances, did not lessen the impact of her ’90s work.
Raised in South Orange, New Jersey, Hill spent her youth listening her parents’ multi-genre, multi-generational record collection. She began singing at an early age and snagged minor roles on television (As the World Turns) and in film (Sister Act II: Back in the Habit). Her on-again/off-again membership in the Fugees began at the age of 13, but was often interrupted by both the acting gigs and her enrollment at Columbia University. After developing a following in the tri-state area, the group’s first release — the much-hyped but uneven 1994 album Blunted on Reality — bombed, and almost caused a breakup. But with the multi-platinum 1996 release The Score, the Fugees became one of the most prominent rap acts on the strength of hit singles “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not,” and “No Woman, No Cry.” Here are all of Lauryn Hill songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the memorable music of Lauryn Hill below! Click to enjoy the songs from her solo career!
10. Fu-Gee-La (The Score, 1996)
“Classic, haunting track by the Fugees, featuring Lauryn Hill’s sultry voice on the chorus, a dope sample in the background and drums that sound like old school dub plate. If you haven’t heard this in a dive bar somewhere you HAVEN’T LIVED.”
9. His Eye is on the Sparrow (His Eye is on the Sparrow, 1993)
“I just think this song is stunningly beautiful! With all the chaos and ugliness etc going on all over the globe – it’s just nice to escape, and listen to something beautifully peaceful like this. I’ve truly lost count how many times I’ve listened too this. ‘I listen, because it’s beautiful’”
8. Nothing Even Matters (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1998)
“Nothing Even Matters is a profession of a love so strong that nothing else matters. A duet with D’Angelo, it reveals their two voices melding together perfectly. One of the greatest albums ever made. All the songs were very well written.”
7. Ready or Not (The Score, 1996)
“Fugees were top of their game, the chart released stuff was pretty much perfect for radio but the The Score album has to be one of the best produced big market hip hop albums ever made.”
6. The Sweetest Thing (Love Jones, 1997)
“Beautiful song. All these years later I still love it! Great lyrics. Her voice just makes you feel something inside. The was an outstanding album. Just the smoothness and urbanization of it makes my heart melts! The lyrics are so loving!”
5. Everything is Everything (Down to Earth, 1998)
“Everything is Everything is a positively charged song with a great message, an absolute infectious party groove, and a dedicated vocal delivery from Lauryn. Current star John Legend provided the piano on this track.”
4. Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You (Doo Wop (That Thing), 1998)
“One of the most beautiful songs I ever heard!!! Been listening to it for decades and it still takes me back to when I first heard it. This song speaks for what live truly sounds like!!”
3. Ex-Factor (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1998)
“Usually famous singers like Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston would start off quiet and then build to a grand crescendo. Lauryn starts off on a grand crescendo and builds to a tidal wave. This song’s lyrics are so simple and yet so emotional that they alone can move you, but when coupled with her soulful voice, so thick with emotion that it drips honey coated tears, and sunwashed memories, one can’t help by cry along with her, “Who do I have to be to get some reciprocity, see no one loves you more than, and no one ever will”.”
2. Killing Me Softly with His Song (Killing Me Softly with His Song, 1972)
“Some of the best vocal melodies, as well as bits and pieces of R & B I’ve heard that is unfortunately backed by a generic, slightly annoying beat. Still, this is one fine song, and had it kept the good bits and fine tuned everything else, it would be a favorite of mine.”
1. Doo Wop (That Thing) (The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, 1998)
“Doo Wop (That Thing) is the biggest hit of the album, and not surprisingly one can see why. The backing music is catchy to the point it is infectious, and her lyrics deliver awareness of social issues but still enough street credibility to avoid being preachy, she’s just sharing. The chorus is catchy and displays her sweet voice.”
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