...they played some of No Rubber, No Backstage Pass (had all the hallmarks of Paul production too),
and I was mad I hadn't sought this compilation sooner.

For the most part I agree with you that most of the R&B selections on
the High School High soundtrack (along with other compilations from its time) are forgettable.
But D'Angelo/Badu "Your Precious Love" and Faith Evans' "I Just Can't" are songs I still roll with.
Also Mary J. Blige's "Everyday It Rains" on The Show soundtrack goes too.