It starts with that shimmering, swirling guitar riff. You know the one. It feels like 1999—or at least the version of 1999 that existed in coming-of-age movies and on VH1's Top 20 Video Countdown. When She's So High by Tal Bachman first hit the airwaves, it didn't just climb the charts; it basically parked itself there. It’s one of those rare tracks that manages to be incredibly sweet without being cloying, and technically impressive while sounding like something you could hum in the shower.
Honestly, we don't talk enough about how weird and wonderful this song actually is. It’s a power-pop masterpiece hidden in plain sight. Most people remember the falsetto. That "high above me" line is a vocal tightrope walk that has humbled many a karaoke singer. But if you look under the hood, there’s a lot more going on than just a catchy chorus and a guy with great hair in a music video.
The DNA of a One-Hit Wonder (That Isn't Really One)
Calling Tal Bachman a one-hit wonder feels a bit dismissive, even if "She's So High" was his only massive global breakthrough. The guy has serious musical pedigree. He’s the son of Randy Bachman—yeah, the guy from Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who. If you grew up in a house where "Takin' Care of Business" was basically the family business, you’re going to pick up a few things about songwriting.
The track was the lead single from his self-titled 1999 debut album. It reached number one in Canada and top ten in the US and internationally. But why did it work? It wasn't the grunge of the early 90s, and it wasn't the bubblegum pop of the late 90s like Britney or *NSYNC. It sat in this comfortable middle ground. It had the jangly guitars of the 60s, the production polish of the late 90s, and a melody that felt like it had existed forever.
That Iconic Falsetto and the Production Secret
Let’s talk about that vocal. Tal Bachman has a range that makes most pop stars sweat. The "high above me" part isn't just a gimmick; it’s a thematic choice. The pitch reflects the lyrical content. She is literally out of his reach, and his voice has to stretch to find her.
Recording-wise, the track is dense. If you listen closely with good headphones, you’ll hear layers of acoustic and electric guitars weaving together. It was produced by Bob Rock and Bryan Adams' frequent collaborator, Bruce Fairbairn. These guys knew how to make a record sound massive. They gave it a "hi-fi" sheen that allowed it to cut through the radio noise of the era. It sounds expensive. Because it was.
Who Was She? The Real Story Behind the Lyrics
Music fans love a good muse story. Was it about a supermodel? A girl from high school?
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Tal has actually been pretty open about this. The song wasn't written about a specific celebrity, despite the references to Cleopatra and Joan of Arc. It was inspired by a girl he liked in high school. He felt she was completely out of his league. That feeling is universal. We’ve all been there—staring at someone and thinking they are a different species of "cool" or "beautiful" that we can't possibly access.
The lyrics mention:
- Cleopatra (The queen of power)
- Joan of Arc (The martyr/saint)
- Aphrodite (The literal goddess of love)
By comparing this girl to historical and mythological icons, Bachman isn't just saying she's pretty. He’s saying she’s unattainable. He’s a "clown" and she’s a "legend." It’s self-deprecating in a way that felt very relatable to the late-90s audience.
The Music Video and the Aesthetic of 1999
If you close your eyes and think of the video, you probably see Tal Bachman sitting on a stool or standing in front of a bright, overexposed background. Maybe there’s a girl floating?
The video, directed by Scott Kalvert, is the quintessential late-90s visual. It uses that high-contrast, slightly washed-out look that was everywhere. It featured the actress and model Larissa Bond. She played the ethereal, floating "she" that Tal was singing to. It’s simple, but it worked perfectly for the MTV/MuchMusic era. It didn't need a complex plot. The song did the heavy lifting.
Interestingly, the song has had a massive second life in commercials and movies. You’ve heard it in The 40-Year-Old Virgin. You’ve heard it in countless rom-com trailers. Why? Because it’s the ultimate "guy pining for a girl" anthem. It fits any scene where a protagonist is looking upward—figuratively or literally.
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Why It Still Holds Up Today
Pop music usually ages like milk. The synths get dated, the slang feels cringey, and the production starts to sound thin. But She's So High by Tal Bachman has aged more like a fine wine, or at least a really high-quality craft beer.
Part of the reason is the "timeless" approach to the arrangement. There are no "electronic" gimmicks that scream 1999. It’s drums, bass, guitar, and vocals. That’s a classic formula for a reason. It’s also incredibly well-written. The bridge—where the music drops down and he sings "She's to me, all that I desire"—provides the perfect emotional release before the final chorus explosion.
Technical Breakdown: What Musicians Can Learn
If you’re a songwriter, there’s a lot to steal from this track.
- The Inverted Pedals: The guitar work uses open strings that keep ringing out while the chords change underneath. This creates that "shimmer" effect.
- The Contrast: The verses are relatively low-energy and conversational. The chorus is a literal leap upward. This "soft-loud" dynamic is pop songwriting 101.
- The Hook Placement: The main hook happens early and often. You don't have to wait three minutes to get to the good stuff.
Critics sometimes called it "derivative" of the Beatles or Big Star. And, well, yeah. It is. But being derivative of the greatest songwriters in history isn't exactly a crime. Bachman took those influences and packaged them for a modern audience.
Common Misconceptions About the Song
People get things wrong about this track all the time. First, many people think it’s a British band. It isn't. Tal Bachman is Canadian, hailing from Winnipeg. There’s something about that power-pop sound that often gets mistaken for the "Britpop" wave of the mid-90s, but this is pure North American radio gold.
Second, a lot of people think the song is about drugs. "She's So High." Get it?
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Nope.
While the 90s definitely had its share of drug-reference songs, this isn't one of them. It’s purely about social and romantic hierarchy. It’s about being "high" in terms of status and grace, not substances. Tal has been very clear that it’s a romantic song, not a stoner anthem.
The Legacy of the falsetto
A lot of cover versions exist. Kurt Nilsen (the Norwegian Idol winner) had a massive hit with it in Europe. Even the pop-punk band The Maine did a version. But none of them quite capture the original's airy, effortless feeling. There is a specific "breathe-iness" to Tal’s delivery in the verses that sets the stage for the power of the chorus.
Actionable Insights for the Music Obsessed
If you want to truly appreciate the depth of this 90s staple, here is how to dive deeper:
- Listen for the 12-string: Try to isolate the sound of the 12-string guitar in the mix. It’s what gives the song its "Byrds-esque" 60s jangle.
- Check out the rest of the album: While "She's So High" is the star, tracks like "If You Sleep" show off Bachman's ability to write more moody, atmospheric pop.
- Compare the covers: Listen to the Kurt Nilsen version back-to-back with Tal's. You'll notice how the production choices change the "vibe" from a dreamy pop song to more of a standard rock ballad.
- Practice the riff: If you play guitar, the main riff is actually quite simple but requires a "chorus" effect pedal to sound right. It’s a great exercise in rhythmic strumming.
She's So High by Tal Bachman isn't just a nostalgia trip. It’s a masterclass in how to write a song that captures a very specific, very human emotion: the feeling of looking at someone and wondering how on earth they could ever be interested in someone like you. It’s beautiful, it’s slightly desperate, and it’s damn catchy. Next time it comes on the radio, don't just change the station. Turn it up and try to hit that high note. Even if you fail, you’ll understand why the song is a classic.