4 Non Blondes, What’s Up?

In the 37^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “What’s Up?” performed by the short-lived rock band, 4 Non Blondes.

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 37^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “What’s Up?”, the one-hit wonder by 4 Non Blondes.

“And I say, hey-ey-ey / Hey-ey-ey / I said ‘Hey, a-what’s going on?’” Those lyrics are nothing short of iconic, sung by Hall of Fame songwriter Linda Perry (b. 1965).  The lesbian singer/songwriter, at the time, was the frontwoman of the short-lived, formerly all-female rock band, 4 Non Blondes.  4 Non Blondes scored a big-time hit with “What’s Up?”, the third track from their 1992, platinum-certified debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!.  “What’s Up?” peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed even better worldwide, reaching number one or number two in various countries.  Ultimately, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single gold.  This would be 4 Non Blondes only hit, hence, making the collective a one-hit wonder.

“What’s Up” begins with rhythmic guitar accompaniment, which sets the tone marvelously.  Soon after, lead guitar, bass, and drums enter the mix. Linda Perry brings assertive, spirited vocals throughout, particularly as the song progresses.  The rawness of her performance stands out the most. There are tuneful melodies during the verse, pre-chorus, and the chorus.  The songwriting is elite from the beginning. “I realized quickly when I knew I should,” Perry sings in the first verse, and continues, “That the world was made up of this brotherhood of men / For whatever that means.” In the pre-chorus, to cope, she asserts, “And I take a deep breath, and I get real high / And I scream from the top of my lungs / ‘What’s going on?’” The second verse, with its coarse, rough vocal performance, is also notable, where Perry concludes, “I pray every single day / For revolution.” The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the centerpiece, the section to beat, in all its inquiring glory.  Although “What’s Up?” was the only hit for 4 Non Blondes, it’s a magical, unforgettable song that still shines well into the 21^st century.