Lauryn Hill is a singer, songwriter, and rapper who has made a significant impact on the music industry since the 1990s. With her powerful voice, poetic lyrics, and unique blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, Hill has created a distinctive sound that continues to influence artists today. Her solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” won five Grammy Awards and cemented her status as a musical icon. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Lauryn Hill songs of all time. From her solo hits to her work with The Fugees and collaborations with other artists, we will explore Hill’s diverse catalog and celebrate the impact that she has had on the music industry. These songs showcase Hill’s incredible vocal range, poetic lyrics, and innovative musical style, and are sure to be beloved by fans old and new alike.
1. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You (I Love You Baby)”
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You (I Love You Baby)” by Lauryn Hill is a cover of the classic Frankie Valli song that was originally released in 1967. The song’s timeless melody and romantic lyrics have made it a beloved classic for generations, and Hill’s rendition brings a fresh energy to the tune. The song features Hill’s signature soulful vocals, accompanied by a vibrant horn section and lively percussion. Hill’s passionate delivery and powerful vocal range make the song feel both nostalgic and contemporary. Her interpretation adds a touch of R&B flavor to the original, creating a rendition that feels both familiar and unique. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” is a song that celebrates the intense feelings of love and adoration, making it a perfect addition to any romantic playlist.
2. “Ready Or Not” by The Fugees
“Ready Or Not” by The Fugees is a classic hip-hop track with a strong reggae influence. Lauryn Hill’s confident and commanding vocals are the standout feature of the song, with her powerful delivery adding an undeniable energy to the track. The song features a driving beat, catchy hook, and a memorable sample from Enya’s “Boadicea.” The lyrics touch on themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the struggles of the urban environment. Hill’s delivery is intense and passionate, and her message is one of empowerment and resilience. The song’s powerful message, coupled with its infectious groove, make it a classic of the 90s hip-hop scene. “Ready Or Not” is a song that speaks to the struggles of everyday people and encourages listeners to stand up for their rights and fight for a better future. Its timeless message still resonates today, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of hip-hop music.
3. “Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees
“Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees is a cover of the classic Roberta Flack song that was released in 1973. The Fugees’ version features a hip-hop beat and a sample of “Bonita Applebum” by A Tribe Called Quest, creating a unique fusion of genres. Lauryn Hill’s vocals are the centerpiece of the song, with her smooth and soulful delivery perfectly capturing the emotion of the lyrics. The song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics make it a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists over the years. The Fugees’ version is a standout, thanks to Hill’s emotive vocals and the group’s innovative approach to blending different musical styles.
4. “Everything Is Everything”
“Everything Is Everything” is a track from Lauryn Hill’s critically acclaimed debut album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The song features a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and a powerful message of self-empowerment and perseverance. Hill’s vocals are both soulful and energetic, and the song’s instrumentation incorporates elements of R&B, hip-hop, and funk. The lyrics touch on themes of hope, determination, and the power of positive thinking. “Everything Is Everything” is a song that encourages listeners to stay focused on their goals and believe in themselves, even when facing obstacles. Its upbeat tempo and inspiring lyrics make it a classic of the neo-soul genre.
5. “So Much Things To Say”
“So Much Things to Say” is a track from Bob Marley’s classic album “Exodus,” which was covered by The Fugees on their album “The Score.” The Fugees’ version features a slow and haunting beat, with Lauryn Hill’s vocals perfectly capturing the emotion and intensity of the lyrics. The song’s themes touch on political corruption, social injustice, and the struggles of everyday people. Hill’s delivery is both passionate and introspective, making the song a powerful commentary on the state of the world. The Fugees’ version of “So Much Things to Say” is a haunting and thought-provoking track that showcases Hill’s vocal prowess and the group’s ability to infuse their own style into classic reggae music.
6. “Doo-Wop (That Thing)”
“Doo-Wop (That Thing)” is a hit single from Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The song features a catchy melody, a funky beat, and Lauryn Hill’s signature soulful vocals. The lyrics explore the dynamics of relationships, with Hill offering advice to both men and women. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it an instant classic, and Hill’s message of self-love and empowerment resonates with listeners of all ages. “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” showcases Hill’s incredible vocal range and her ability to blend different musical styles into a cohesive whole.
7. “Vocab (Remix)” by The Fugees
“Vocab (Remix)” is a track from The Fugees’ debut album “Blunted on Reality.” The song features a jazzy beat and a catchy hook, with each member of the group showcasing their skills on the mic. The remix version of the song, which was released as a single, features an updated beat and Lauryn Hill’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of self-expression and individuality, encouraging listeners to embrace their own unique style and personality. “Vocab (Remix)” is a classic of the 90s hip-hop scene, showcasing The Fugees’ innovative approach to blending different musical styles and their ability to deliver insightful and thought-provoking lyrics.
8. “Fu-Gee-La” by The Fugees
“Fu-Gee-La” is a single from The Fugees’ second album “The Score.” The song features a reggae-inspired beat, with Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel each delivering powerful verses. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the struggles of everyday people. The chorus, which features a sample from “If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right)” by Ramsey Lewis, is instantly recognizable and adds to the song’s appeal. “Fu-Gee-La” is a classic of the 90s hip-hop scene, showcasing The Fugees’ ability to blend different musical styles and deliver socially conscious lyrics in a way that is both accessible and engaging.
9. “If I Ruled The World” by Nas and Lauryn Hill
“If I Ruled The World” is a collaboration between Nas and Lauryn Hill, released in 1996. The song features a sample of the classic Whodini track “Friends,” and both Nas and Hill deliver powerful verses that touch on themes of social inequality, poverty, and the struggle for a better life. The chorus, which features a sample of the classic Kurtis Blow song “Christmas Rappin’,” is instantly recognizable and adds to the song’s appeal. “If I Ruled The World” is a classic of 90s hip-hop, showcasing the lyrical prowess of both Nas and Hill, and their ability to deliver socially conscious messages in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
10. “Nobody” by Nas and Lauryn Hill
“Nobody” is another collaboration between Nas and Lauryn Hill, released in 1999. The song features a sample of “Someday We’ll Be Together” by Diana Ross & The Supremes and touches on themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life. Nas and Hill both deliver powerful verses that showcase their lyrical skill and emotional depth, with Hill’s soulful vocals adding to the song’s emotional impact. “Nobody” is a classic of the late 90s hip-hop scene, showcasing the chemistry between Nas and Hill and their ability to deliver powerful messages through their music.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
