Desert Island Disc: ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’

Editor’s note: As part of CMN’s ongoing music journalism program, we asked our team of music writers to take on the age-old challenge of choosing one piece of music they would like to have with them if they were stranded on a deserted island. It’s an absurd notion, but also irresistible. See all the different approaches they took to the challenge right over here.

If I were stuck on a deserted island and could only take one album with me, it would have to be The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by none other than Lauren Hill herself. I have always been an old soul and nothing can compare to 90’s R&B.

There is something about 90’s R&B that has always stuck with me beyond any other music and as far as an iconic album I couldn’t live without, it would have to be this. I definitely do have my favorite songs and artists but when choosing an album you have to think of all the songs and its entirety.

I think it would have to be this specific album because of the diversity of sounds between songs. You have songs more reminiscent feels of 90’s hip hop like “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” that really showcase her rap skills and other songs like “Ex-Factor” and “Nothing Even Matters” that are more rich and soulful.

This album challenges misogyny, materialism and issues within relationships and what life is like as a black woman, and the process of growing and becoming. I think the messages behind each song is cohesive with one another in this album which is why she created an album that inspired so many current celebrities like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Kendrick Lamar.