4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” Ranked Best Female Rock Song of the 90s
The 1990s were a fertile ground for female-fronted rock bands, and few anthems from that era resonate quite like 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” Now, over three decades after its release, the song has been named the best female rock song of all time, according to a recent list compiled by Spotify.
The track, released in as the second single from 4 Non Blondes’ debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, topped charts in 11 European countries, reached number two in both the UK and Australia, and peaked at number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It quickly achieved gold certification and propelled the album to platinum status, selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
But the song’s journey to becoming a cultural touchstone wasn’t without its internal struggles. Lead singer and songwriter Linda Perry reportedly clashed with producer David Tickle over the final mix of “What’s Up?” In an interview with Tape Op magazine, Perry expressed her disappointment with Tickle’s initial reworking of the track, feeling it didn’t capture the essence of her original vision. She felt the record company was too quick to accept the version presented to them.
Driven by her dissatisfaction, Perry and the band took matters into their own hands, relocating to another recording studio in Sausalito to rework the song to her specifications. Despite Tickle’s unexpected appearance near the completion of the revised version, Perry’s preferred mix ultimately won out, championed by Interscope Records co-owner Jimmy Iovine.
The story behind “What’s Up?” extends beyond the band’s internal creative process. Interestingly, the song shares a history with another 90s hit. Stephan Jenkins, frontman of Third Eye Blind, collaborated with Perry while both were emerging artists, performing both “Semi-Charmed Life” and “What’s Up?” in its early stages. Both songs would go on to become defining tracks for their respective bands.
The song’s enduring appeal has recently experienced a resurgence thanks to TikTok, where a mashup with Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” went viral, introducing the 90s anthem to a new generation. This renewed popularity underscores the song’s timeless quality and its ability to connect with audiences across decades.
Spotify’s list places The Cranberries’ “Zombie” at number two, while Evanescence claims two spots in the top five with “Bring Me To Life” and “Immortal.” Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” rounds out the top five, edging out Paramore’s “Decode.”
“What’s Up?” remains a quintessential 90s classic, a testament to Perry’s songwriting and the band’s determination to deliver a song that resonated with their artistic vision. Its continued presence in popular culture, from Spotify playlists to TikTok trends, solidifies its status as a defining track of the decade and a lasting contribution to the landscape of female-led rock.