10 Hated '90s Rock Songs That Are Actually Really Good
4. 4 Non Blondes - What’s Up
Put off by shrill vocals, take two. It’s entirely plausible that most people who hate this song hold that view after hearing a bad karaoke version. It’s a demonstrable fact that 99.99% of the Earth’s population can’t convincingly hit the high notes in “What’s Up”’s soaring chorus, and shouldn’t even try.
It’s best left to lead singer Linda Perry, though, whose colossal vocals propel “What’s Up” into the stratosphere of screamalong classics. The tune fits right into the pantheon of wide-eyed, hopeful ‘90s hits that present an optimistic and hopeful view of a better future; a positive message well delivered by a band who prided themselves on not fitting the mould of an (initially) all-female band.
There’ll always be room for bold, dynamic, uplifting rock music, and there’s a direct line from ‘70s stadium bands through to hair metal, ‘90s hippie vibes and the arena fillers of the modern pop rock scene. Even the most diametrically opposed listener will struggle to keep themselves from trying - and failing - to sing along to this one.