Musical Analysis #1

Musical Analysis #1

September 24th, 2025

What's Up? (1993)- 4 Non Blondes

Introduction

I chose to analyze "What's Up" because it’s a song that has a unique, honest message that generation after generation can relate to. Created by the California based band 4 Non Blondes, the song was released in 1993 from their only album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!. "What's Up" blew up and became a global hit. Many would consider this song a true "one-hit wonder.", as the band broke up shortly after the album. 

"What's Up" carries a raw, unfiltered emotion that still resonates today. It's a powerful anthem that captures that universal feeling of confusion and frustration, making it more than just a nostalgic throwback. By dissecting its lyrics, vocal range, and dynamic shifts, I will explain why this track, written over 30 years ago, continues to connect with each generation navigating in their own complex world. It is a soulful anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of existential stress from the perspective of a woman in her mid-20's, such as myself. 

Enjoy the the "What's Up" music video by 4 Non Blondes before we dive into the analysis. 

Lyrics

The lyrics resonate with the quarter-life crisis - a period when the youthful daydreams of your 20s start to clash with the realities of adulthood. The opening lines, "25 years and my life is still / Trying to get up that great big hill of hope," feel especially emotional, reflecting the struggle to maintain optimism and purpose when the future seems uncertain. The repeated cry of "Hey, what's goin' on?" isn't just a question. It's a raw, emotional release, expressing the frustration of feeling stuck and unfulfilled.

The song also speaks to the internal conflict between authenticity and conformity. In your 20's, it's easy to feel pressured to follow a conventional path, even if it means sacrificing your own passions. The desire for a "revolution" isn't necessarily a political one, but a deep yearning for a personal upheaval. In other words, a break from the expectations that constrain you. The line, "And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed / Just to get it all out," is a powerful acknowledgment of the silent, emotional toll this takes. Ultimately, "What's Up" validates the feeling of being lost and encourages finding a path that is truly your own. This is a fitting song for anyone navigating the complexities of young adulthood.

Range

The vocal range in this piece is a key component of its emotional power, showcasing the lead singer, Linda Perry's, ability to shift from low (C3), reflective tones to raw, powerful notes (A5). The verses are sung in a relatively low and controlled chest voice. This lower register sets the song's reflective and melancholic mood, drawing the listener in with a sense of quiet frustration. However, as the song progresses toward the chorus, Perry builds tension and emotion by gradually increasing her pitch and volume, setting the stage for the powerful release to come.

The chorus is where the full scale of Perry's range is unleashed, with the iconic "Heyyy, what's goin' on?" starting on a belted note and climaxing with high-intensity on the word "what's." This leap from the lower verses to the chorus is a defining characteristic of the song. These notes are particularly notable for a rock vocalist, and produce a raw texture that includes Perry's vocal grit. It's clear this song isn't about technical perfection, but moreso about conveying genuine emotion. For me, Perry's impressive range and dynamic shifts make the vocal performance an authentic and express the frustration and yearning for something better.

Dynamics

The dynamics of "What's Up" are carefully composed to build up and release emotional tension. Culminated by the journey from quiet introspection to explosive frustration. The verses are delivered at a soft to moderate dynamic level (piano to mezzo-forte). Linda Perry’s voice is almost conversational, giving the impression of someone muttering to themselves or venting quietly. This beginning veerse is crucial, as it provides a stark contrast to the dramatic shift that follows. It allows the listener to feel the weight of the song’s themes before the intensity escalates, drawing them into the personal struggle described in the lyrics.

The song’s dynamic climax occurs in the chorus, where the intensity shifts dramatically to a forte and then a fortissimo. The moment the chorus hits, the vocal delivery becomes a powerful belt. In turn, the instrumental becomes much louder. The dynamics aim to mirror the feeling of pent-up frustration finally being released, making the famous line "Heyyy, what's goin' on?" a strong release. These expert-level use of dynamics is what gives "What's Up" its power.

Controversy 

On one hand, critics have praised Perry's soulful vocal performance by acknowledging how the song's emotional intensity and relatable lyrics are key to its everlasting popularity. However, the song was also met with criticism, with some in the music industry finding the tune cringy and posed. This mixed perception may be due to the fact that while the song was a smash, it has also been named "the worst song ever" by some prominent musicians such as Carl Barât. It's possible that for every listener who found a sense of connection in its message, another was completely turned off by its style.

Conclusion

"What's Up" isn't just a song you hear in a throwback playlist. It's a raw, honest piece that somehow manages to be both a product of its time and surprisingly relevant today. By exploring its lyrical themes, impressive vocal range, and dynamic shifts, we can appreciate why this track continues to connect with anyone who's ever felt lost or frustrated. It reminds us that it's okay to not have all the answers and that sometimes, the only thing you can do is stand up and ask, "Hey, what's going on?"

Works Cited

4NonBlondesVEVO. “4 Non Blondes - What’s Up.” YouTube, 23 Feb. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NXnxTNIWkc.

4 non blondes (2025) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_Non_Blondes (Accessed: 24 September 2025).

Moura, R. (no date) ‘How 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” became the Nineties’ most divisive hit’, KORD. Available at: https://playkord.com/backstage/2023/08/01/how-4-non-blondes-whats-up-became-the-nineties-most-divisive-hit/#:~:text=The%20other%20draw%2C%20of%20course,President%2C%E2%80%9D%20failed%20to%20break.

Scanlon, K. (2023) ‘“What’s Up?”: Carl Barât once named the worst song he had ever heard’, FAR OUT, 2 November. Available at: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/carl-barat-once-named-the-worst-song-he-ever-heard/#:~:text=However%2C%20when%20it%20comes%20to,seems%20a%20little%20less%20relatable. (Accessed: 24 September 2025).