What makes What? by Rob Zombie notable?

The single 'What?' peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, showcasing Zombie's continued relevance within the rock scene. Its high energy and blend of metal subgenres contributed to a resurgence in interest in hard rock and alternative metal during the late 2000s, influencing contemporaries and fans alike. In 2009, Rob Zombie was in a transitional phase after his previous album, 'Educated Horses', released in 2006. 'What?' marks his return to solo work following a brief hiatus from music while he focused on filmmaking. This single set the stage for his subsequent album, 'Hellbilly Deluxe 2', further solidifying his identity as a musician within the horror rock genre.

How many songs are on What??

What? has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this October

What?

Rob Zombie · 2009

2 min · 1 track · hard rock

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and industrial sounds layered with Rob Zombie's signature horror-inspired theatrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What? — This track serves as an explosive introduction to the album, encapsulating Zombie's unique fusion of horror imagery with aggressive instrumentation. Its catchy chorus and driving rhythm exemplify his ability to create anthemic hard rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid hard rock elements but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The track features a driving beat with heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals throughout its duration.
The song structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format, with a prominent hook in the chorus.
There is a consistent use of layered backing vocals that enhance the main vocal line.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases Zombie's signature sound but isn't a major career milestone.
Career context: In 2009, Rob Zombie was in a transitional phase after his previous album, 'Educated Horses', released in 2006. 'What?' marks his return to solo work following a brief hiatus from music while he focused on filmmaking. This single set the stage for his subsequent album, 'Hellbilly Deluxe 2', further solidifying his identity as a musician within the horror rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Marilyn Manson· Static-X· Ministry