Well, I certainly can't say that I've ever *enjoyed* the Star Spangled Banner, as I hate the song (and all nationalist anthems like it).

But that said, the Hendrix version was a masterpiece of anti-war instrumental playing.

As to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston versions--I've never heard Mariah sing it. Whitney Houston's version is pretty much a gospel song rather than an anthem. Hence the wobbly and garbly sound to many white folks' ears. I think Whitney may have based her version on one Mahalia Jackson used to sing (though its been a long time since I've heard either versions).

I once heard Mariah and Whitney sing together. It became quickly apparent (not to mention painfully obvious) that Mariah can't sing, and Whitney can. Righteously. I think she is an extremely gifted singer, sadly travelling through life in the fast lane, where she is bound to lose it eventually.