[.ca] 2001 Mtv Unplugged No. 2.0

From Amazon.com:
Lauryn Hill has loudly (and justifiably) been declared a brilliant artist already in her young career, and MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 will do nothing to dissuade anyone. This double-CD acoustic set contains snippets from her debut album, but most of it is new material that Hill performs with raw, shockingly honest intensity. Coming on the heels of a well-publicized period of depression and unhappiness for the ex-Fugees singer, Hill's reenergized outlook is plainly evident in this stripped-down performance--it's basically just Hill and her unplugged guitar--as well as the highly spiritual nature of the material. Cutting across musical styles from bossa nova ("Just Like Water") to Marley-esque rebel songs ("Oh Jerusalem," "The Conquering Lion," "Freedom Time"), the singer's voice is throaty and rough throughout, giving the performance an earthy, heartfelt pull. It's a deeply personal performance, filled with blistering social commentary and the evils of self-delusion while detailing her ongoing attempt to escape from the public persona her fame has created. In destroying her old artistry, she discovers a new creative force, yielding a mesmerizing and enchanting classic. --Jake Barnes

long time fan that will always be..fo'sho!!:
well besides loving her as a true talented raw artist w/ a deep soulful voice of hers, theres no other album out of her past albums(the miseducation of lauryn hill,the score w/ the fugees) where she vents out all of her deep thoughts and emotions w/out inhibitions. Truly, I loved her since she started out w/ the fugees, but shes doing so much better doing a solo album..and speaking of that I'm wondering where shes at because she needs to make a surprise reappearance. anyways back to the album, its off the hook, da bomb, GO GET IT!and IGNORE what all these other negative haters are saying..if you dont like it, then its not for you, and though you might not have the patience to listen to her ramblings inbetween her songs, still she got a strong passsion and love for music thru her in-depth meaning of lyrics, and thats DOPE!payyceee

Very Intense and Personal:
I bought this CD the week it came out. I was really excited to listen to it because it didn't seem like it would sound like anything else out there. Turns out my hunch was right. This album seems like we, the listeners, are put inside Lauryn Hill's head where we get to hear songs that are works in progress. We also get to hear her monologues that tell us a lot about what it's like to be Lauryn Hill. Some magazine reviews I read said that they wish the spoken interludes had been taken out because they made LH sound self-absorbed. I for one am glad they were put on there. They really make you feel like you are right there in the room with her. I also love how some of the songs are very rough and unpolished. The most intense moment comes when she breaks down and starts crying. She really makes you feel the song and it's impossible not to feel the same way she does. If you like your music to sound like it was labored over in a studio, skip this album. This is the most personal album I have ever listened to. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it can be a little uncomfortable to listen to at times, but it is still a terrific album.

Under-Appreciated? Yes.:
Lauryn Hill's previous efforts have been captivating and strong. As a member of one of the most valued 90's hip-hop/ R & B groups of the 90's \oThe Fugees\c, and as a valiant solo artist she has proven herself many times over. In her MTV Unplugged she finds new ground. Although she takes a rather preachy route, her music is raw, basic and uncontrived -- and that's the brilliance of it. Simple chords and textured voice, Hill makes an intimate listening experience.

I'm Speechless:
Words alone cant express the passion I felt behind Lauryn's MTV. The album is like a BIBLE of TRUTH. She talks about everything in the most mature way possible. She is definitely one of the deepest people I have ever heard of. She really became so personal in this project and transpired her experience and lessons to her fans in the most pure and real and honest way possible. She's more like a prophetess than of an artist. Her voice kinda cracks due to the emotion. But the passion behind the act inducing a feeling that makes me excuse her cracking voice. Every person needs to listen to the truth and the truth is Lauryn. Go cop that disc and open your mind and use the second eye to realise the truth of the system.

A complete disappointment:
When I first saw this album I was intrigued by it since the usual MTV unplugged series are worth listening to. The artist Lauryn Hill and her first album, the miseducation are a great inspiration to everyone, but she must have had a total blackout on stage while recording this album. What a crap. Some of the songs are worth listening to but most of the babbling she does in between could be removed without any pain. It feels like when she put this filler between the songs for reflection and inspiration she must have been thinking, mmm maybe I need to give my fans some motivation why I am NOT 100% at the moment. Come on Lauryn!! Give us another miseducation or rejoin the Fugees!! You could leave the songwriting to Wycleff.

• Intro
• Mr. Intentional
• Adam Lives In Theory
• Interlude 1
• Oh Jerusalem
• Interlude 2
• Freedom Time
• Interlude 3
• I Find It Hard To Say (Rebel)
• Just Like Water
• Interlude 4
• Just Want You Around
• I Gotta Find Peace Of Mind
• Interlude 5
• Mystery Of Iniquity
• Interlude 6
• I Get Out
• Interlude 7
• I Remember
• So Much Things To Say
• The Conquering Lion
• Outro