Four MTV Unplugged albums that failed to meet expectations

Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged No. 2.0

Is this the worst-ever Unplugged album? Sadly, the answer is a strong yes, very probably. While all of the MTV Unplugged albums will attract different personal opinions, there's not much positive going on for Lauryn Hill’s unplugged set and release. 

This 2001 album followed her massive hit solo debut The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. It should have been a glorious album from a relaxed live set. It became the soundtrack to what verged close to a personal breakdown at times. Hill, was remarkably open on stage, but at times too much so. She had several vague but lengthy rants on a range of topics as she played her song list.  

And when it comes to the song list, everyone expected to hear from her first album, but Hill bypassed that totally. While new songs were expected some of the ones she introduced didn't seem quite ready, perhaps unfinished at this point. Added to that was Hill not sounding great vocally, apologizing herself for her rasping voice after a late night.

That doesn't sound like ideal preparation for such a big TV event. Her acoustic guitar playing was also somewhat suspect. It’s not stacking up to be a great follow-up to her debut album, is it?

Time and some critics have perhaps been kinder to Hill. Reflective thoughts on the album have added some positivity. There was also a Grammy nomination for her performance of “Mystery Of Iniquity” Kanye West is one of several artists who has used some of her work from the album. He took that song and replayed a segment to include on a song of his own. It may be a saving grace, but it’s not enough to rescue what is an odd and uncomfortable album to listen to.

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