What’s Going On is a song by American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, released as the lead single from her seventh studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis (2010). The song was written by Crow, Jeff Trott, and Rich Robinson, and produced by Trott. It is a mid-tempo pop-rock song with lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
What’s Going On is a well-crafted song with a catchy melody and relatable lyrics. Crow’s vocal performance is passionate and heartfelt, and the production is polished and professional. The song has been praised by critics for its emotional resonance and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
What’s Going On is a song that has stood the test of time. It is a classic example of Crow’s songwriting and vocal abilities, and it continues to be a popular choice for fans of pop and rock music.
What’s Going On Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s “What’s Going On” is a song that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
- Lyrical depth: The song’s lyrics are introspective and emotionally resonant, exploring complex themes in a relatable way.
- Catchy melody: The song’s melody is instantly memorable and has a timeless quality.
- Crow’s vocal performance: Crow’s vocal performance is passionate and heartfelt, conveying the song’s emotions with authenticity.
- Production quality: The song’s production is polished and professional, with a sound that is both contemporary and classic.
- Commercial success: The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award.
- Critical acclaim: The song has been praised by critics for its emotional resonance and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
- Timeless appeal: The song has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for fans of pop and rock music.
These key aspects combine to make “What’s Going On” a memorable and enduring song. The song’s relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and Crow’s passionate vocal performance have made it a favorite among fans of pop and rock music. The song’s commercial success and critical acclaim are a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
1. Lyrical depth
The lyrical depth of “What’s Going On” is one of its most striking features. The song’s lyrics are introspective and emotionally resonant, exploring complex themes in a relatable way. This lyrical depth is a key component of the song’s success, as it allows listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
One of the most notable aspects of the song’s lyrics is their ability to explore complex themes in a relatable way. The song deals with themes of love, loss, and redemption, which are all universal human experiences. However, Crow manages to explore these themes in a way that is both personal and relatable. For example, in the song’s first verse, Crow sings, “I’m sitting here wondering what’s going on / I’m trying to make sense of it all.” These lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they capture the feeling of confusion and uncertainty that many people experience when they are going through a difficult time.
The song’s chorus is also particularly powerful. Crow sings, “What’s going on? / I’m trying to make sense of it all / But I don’t know what to do / I’m just trying to get through.” These lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of helplessness and despair that many people feel when they are faced with a difficult situation. However, the song’s chorus also offers a glimmer of hope. Crow sings, “I’m just trying to get through.” These lyrics suggest that even when we are faced with difficult challenges, we can still find a way to keep going.
The lyrical depth of “What’s Going On” is one of the reasons why the song has been so successful. The song’s lyrics are relatable and emotionally resonant, and they allow listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
2. Catchy melody
The catchy melody of “What’s Going On” is one of the key factors that has contributed to its success. The song’s melody is instantly memorable and has a timeless quality that has made it a favorite among fans of pop and rock music.
- Simplicity: The song’s melody is relatively simple, which makes it easy to remember and sing along to. However, the melody is also very effective, and it perfectly captures the song’s emotional content.
- Memorability: The song’s melody is instantly memorable, and it is likely to stick in your head long after you have heard it. This memorability is due in part to the song’s simple and effective melody, as well as its catchy chorus.
- Timelessness: The song’s melody has a timeless quality that makes it appealing to listeners of all ages. The melody is not tied to any particular musical trend, and it is likely to remain popular for many years to come.
The catchy melody of “What’s Going On” is one of the reasons why the song has been so successful. The song’s melody is instantly memorable and has a timeless quality that has made it a favorite among fans of pop and rock music.
3. Crow’s vocal performance
Sheryl Crow’s vocal performance on “What’s Going On” is a key component of the song’s success. Crow’s voice is passionate and heartfelt, and she perfectly conveys the song’s emotions with authenticity. This vocal performance is essential to the song’s overall impact, and it is one of the reasons why the song has been so successful.
One of the most striking things about Crow’s vocal performance is her ability to convey the song’s emotions with such authenticity. She perfectly captures the feeling of confusion and uncertainty that is expressed in the song’s lyrics. In the song’s first verse, Crow sings, “I’m sitting here wondering what’s going on / I’m trying to make sense of it all.” Crow’s voice is filled with emotion as she sings these lyrics, and she perfectly conveys the sense of confusion and uncertainty that many people experience when they are going through a difficult time.
Crow’s vocal performance is also essential to the song’s emotional impact. The song’s chorus is particularly powerful, and Crow’s voice perfectly conveys the sense of helplessness and despair that is expressed in the lyrics. Crow sings, “What’s going on? / I’m trying to make sense of it all / But I don’t know what to do / I’m just trying to get through.” Crow’s voice is filled with emotion as she sings these lyrics, and she perfectly conveys the sense of helplessness and despair that many people feel when they are faced with a difficult situation.
Crow’s vocal performance on “What’s Going On” is a masterclass in singing. She perfectly conveys the song’s emotions with authenticity, and her vocal performance is essential to the song’s overall impact. Crow’s vocal performance is one of the reasons why “What’s Going On” is such a successful song, and it is a testament to her skill as a singer.
The connection between Crow’s vocal performance and the song’s success is undeniable. Crow’s passionate and heartfelt vocal performance perfectly conveys the song’s emotions, and it is one of the key reasons why the song has been so successful. Crow’s vocal performance is a masterclass in singing, and it is a testament to her skill as a singer.
4. Production quality
The production quality of “What’s Going On” is one of the key factors that has contributed to its success. The song’s production is polished and professional, with a sound that is both contemporary and classic. This production quality is essential to the song’s overall impact, and it is one of the reasons why the song has been so successful.
- Sound quality: The song’s sound quality is excellent, with a clear and well-balanced mix. The instruments are all well-recorded, and the vocals are perfectly placed in the mix. This sound quality is essential to the song’s overall impact, and it helps to create a polished and professional sound.
- Contemporary sound: The song’s production has a contemporary sound that is appealing to modern listeners. The drums are tight and punchy, the guitars are distorted, and the synths are lush and expansive. This contemporary sound helps to keep the song sounding fresh and relevant, even though it was released over a decade ago.
- Classic sound: The song’s production also has a classic sound that is timeless and appealing to listeners of all ages. The song’s melody is simple and memorable, and the arrangement is tasteful and understated. This classic sound helps to ensure that the song will remain popular for many years to come.
The production quality of “What’s Going On” is a masterclass in production. The song’s production is polished and professional, with a sound that is both contemporary and classic. This production quality is essential to the song’s overall impact, and it is one of the reasons why the song has been so successful.
5. Commercial success
The commercial success of “What’s Going On” is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level. The song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and passionate vocal performance have all contributed to its success. The song’s commercial success has also helped to raise Sheryl Crow’s profile as an artist, and it has helped to establish her as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of her generation.
The commercial success of “What’s Going On” is also significant because it demonstrates the power of music to connect with people on a global scale. The song has been a hit in countries all over the world, and it has been translated into several languages. This global success is a testament to the song’s universal appeal, and it shows that music can be a powerful force for good in the world.
The commercial success of “What’s Going On” is a reminder that great music can achieve both commercial and critical success. The song is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant piece of music, and it has deservedly earned its place as one of the most successful songs of all time.
6. Critical acclaim
The critical acclaim that “What’s Going On” has received is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level. Critics have praised the song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and passionate vocal performance. They have also noted the song’s emotional resonance and its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
The critical acclaim that “What’s Going On” has received has helped to raise Sheryl Crow’s profile as an artist, and it has helped to establish her as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of her generation. The song’s critical acclaim has also helped to increase its commercial success, and it has helped to make the song one of the most popular songs of all time.
The critical acclaim that “What’s Going On” has received is a reminder that great music can achieve both commercial and critical success. The song is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant piece of music, and it has deservedly earned its place as one of the most successful songs of all time.
7. Timeless appeal
The timeless appeal of “What’s Going On” is due to several factors, including its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and passionate vocal performance. The song’s melody is simple and easy to remember, and it has a timeless quality that appeals to listeners of all ages. The lyrics are also relatable, dealing with universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. Crow’s vocal performance is passionate and heartfelt, and she perfectly conveys the song’s emotions.
The song’s timeless appeal is also due to its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. The lyrics are open to interpretation, and each listener can find their own meaning in the song. This personal connection is one of the reasons why the song has remained popular for so long.
The timeless appeal of “What’s Going On” is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level. The song is a well-crafted and emotionally resonant piece of music, and it has deservedly earned its place as one of the most successful songs of all time.
FAQs about “What’s Going On” by Sheryl Crow
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the song “What’s Going On” by Sheryl Crow.
Question 1: What is the meaning behind the song “What’s Going On”?
The song “What’s Going On” is a reflective ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The lyrics express a sense of confusion and uncertainty, as the protagonist tries to make sense of a difficult situation.
Question 2: Who wrote “What’s Going On”?
Sheryl Crow wrote “What’s Going On” with Jeff Trott and Rich Robinson.
Question 3: When was “What’s Going On” released?
“What’s Going On” was released on June 22, 2010, as the lead single from Crow’s seventh studio album, 100 Miles from Memphis.
Question 4: How successful was “What’s Going On”?
“What’s Going On” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Question 5: Why is “What’s Going On” considered a classic song?
“What’s Going On” is considered a classic song due to its timeless melody, relatable lyrics, and Sheryl Crow’s passionate vocal performance. The song’s themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate with listeners of all ages.
Question 6: What other songs have sampled “What’s Going On”?
Several artists have sampled “What’s Going On,” including Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Drake. The song’s iconic melody and chord progression have made it a popular choice for sampling.
Summary: “What’s Going On” is a classic song by Sheryl Crow that continues to resonate with listeners today. The song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and passionate vocal performance have made it a timeless favorite.
Transition to the next article section: Sheryl Crow is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who has released several hit songs over the course of her career. Her music is known for its honesty, vulnerability, and timeless appeal.
Tips for Understanding “What’s Going On” by Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow’s “What’s Going On” is a complex and emotionally resonant song. Here are a few tips for understanding and appreciating the song:
Tip 1: Pay attention to the lyrics. The lyrics of “What’s Going On” are full of rich imagery and symbolism. Take some time to read through the lyrics and try to understand the story that Crow is telling.
Tip 2: Listen to the music. The music of “What’s Going On” is just as important as the lyrics. Pay attention to the melody, the instrumentation, and the overall sound of the song. The music can help you to understand the emotions that Crow is trying to convey.
Tip 3: Consider the context. “What’s Going On” was released in 2010, during a time of great economic and political uncertainty. The song can be seen as a reflection of the mood of the times.
Tip 4: Do some research. There are many resources available online that can help you to learn more about “What’s Going On” and Sheryl Crow. Reading articles and interviews can give you a deeper understanding of the song and its meaning.
Tip 5: Talk to others. Discussing “What’s Going On” with friends, family, or fellow music fans can help you to gain new insights into the song. Sharing your thoughts and ideas can help you to develop a deeper understanding of the song.
Summary: “What’s Going On” is a complex and rewarding song that can be enjoyed on many levels. By following these tips, you can gain a deeper understanding of the song and its meaning.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: Sheryl Crow is a gifted songwriter and performer. Her song “What’s Going On” is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
Conclusion
Sheryl Crow’s “What’s Going On” is a timeless song that has resonated with listeners for over a decade. The song’s catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and passionate vocal performance have made it a classic. The song’s themes of love, loss, and redemption are universal and continue to resonate with people today.
“What’s Going On” is a reminder that great music can transcend time and connect with people on a deep level. The song is a testament to Sheryl Crow’s talent as a songwriter and performer. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.