About the song
“Whatever You Want” by Status Quo
“Whatever You Want” is one of the most iconic songs by the British rock band Status Quo, released in 1979 as the title track of their album Whatever You Want. Known for their boogie rock style and trademark “chugging” rhythm guitar sound, Status Quo delivered one of their most commercially successful and enduring hits with this energetic anthem. The song is often considered a perfect example of the band’s ability to craft accessible, radio-friendly rock music that remains firmly rooted in their classic sound.
Background and Release
“Whatever You Want” was released as the lead single from Whatever You Want, which was the band’s eighth studio album. By 1979, Status Quo had already established themselves as one of the UK’s most successful and beloved rock bands, known for their long-running chart success and their live performances. Their previous albums had earned them a reputation for hard-hitting, straight-ahead rock with catchy, sing-along choruses, and “Whatever You Want” continued that tradition.
The song was penned by the band’s key songwriting duo, Francis Rossi (lead vocals, guitar) and Rick Parfitt (guitar, backing vocals), both of whom had been central to the band’s creative direction for much of their career. Whatever You Want was produced by John Eden and Status Quo, and like many of the band’s hits, it combined elements of boogie rock with a more polished, radio-friendly approach.
The single itself became a commercial hit, reaching #4 on the UK Singles Chart and #1 in several other countries, further cementing Status Quo’s reputation as a chart-topping rock band.
Musical Style and Composition
Musically, “Whatever You Want” exemplifies Status Quo’s signature style—a rhythmic, guitar-driven rock sound characterized by tight, churning riffs and catchy, straightforward melodies. The song opens with a crisp, clean guitar line that quickly builds into a full-band groove, with a rhythm section that provides the perfect foundation for the song’s infectious drive.
The chorus is perhaps the most memorable part of the song, with the repetition of the phrase “Whatever you want, whatever you like” inviting sing-alongs from fans. The arrangement is tight, with clear dynamics, starting with a simple, steady intro that gradually expands into full, anthemic choruses. The band’s hallmark “chugging” rhythm guitar is in full effect here, a trademark of their style that blends rock and boogie seamlessly.
The instrumental section, which includes a short but effective guitar solo, offers a moment of flair without overpowering the song’s overall catchiness. The tight harmonies between Rossi and Parfitt help give the track its infectious quality, and the straightforward nature of the song allows it to maintain an appealing simplicity.
Lyrics and Theme
Lyrically, “Whatever You Want” is about giving the listener—or perhaps the love interest—a sense of freedom and choice. The song’s narrator expresses a willingness to accommodate the desires of another person, saying, “Whatever you want, whatever you like, whatever you say, you pay your money and you take your choice.”
The lyrics are straightforward and uncomplicated, much like the music itself. They communicate a sense of openness and flexibility, suggesting that the narrator is ready to fulfill the other person’s wishes, whether in a romantic or more general sense. This directness, combined with the upbeat and catchy melody, makes the song feel accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
Though the lyrics may not be deeply philosophical, their simplicity makes them easy to engage with, and the repetition of key phrases in the chorus ensures that the song is memorable. The theme of choice and freedom resonates well within the context of a rock anthem, where fans often sing along with a sense of shared experience and exuberance.
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for “Whatever You Want” is a product of its time, showcasing the band’s high-energy performance style. It features Status Quo performing the song in front of a lively crowd, interspersed with shots of the band playing in a typical rock ‘n’ roll setting. The focus is on the band’s charisma and tight live performance, with little emphasis on elaborate visuals or special effects.
Status Quo had a reputation for their energetic and fun live performances, and “Whatever You Want” became a staple in their setlists for years to come. The song’s upbeat nature and sing-along quality made it a crowd favorite, and it continues to be a mainstay at their concerts.
Although not as widely known outside of the UK and parts of Europe, “Whatever You Want” was still a huge commercial success, and its popularity helped solidify Status Quo’s place in the rock pantheon of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Reception and Legacy
“Whatever You Want” was a significant commercial success for Status Quo. It reached #4 on the UK Singles Chart and performed well internationally, especially in Europe. The success of the song helped bolster the band’s reputation as one of the UK’s top rock acts, and it became one of their signature tracks, appearing in numerous “best of” compilations and still frequently heard on classic rock radio stations.
The track also solidified Status Quo’s image as one of the few British rock bands able to maintain a consistent, accessible sound while achieving commercial success. Though Status Quo had undergone various stylistic shifts over the years, “Whatever You Want” captured their ability to produce straightforward, feel-good rock music that resonated with a wide audience.
The song’s catchy chorus, driving rhythm, and uplifting energy have made it a lasting anthem for fans of the band. It remains one of their most enduring hits and is regularly included in their live performances to this day.
Conclusion
“Whatever You Want” is a quintessential Status Quo track—an anthemic, feel-good rock song with a catchy chorus, infectious rhythm, and a straightforward, relatable message. The song captures the band at their commercial peak, mixing their boogie rock roots with a more polished, radio-friendly sound that appealed to a broad audience. It’s a perfect example of Status Quo’s ability to craft timeless rock anthems, and it continues to be a crowd-pleaser both in the studio and on stage.
With its simple yet effective lyrics, unmistakable rhythm, and memorable hooks, “Whatever You Want” remains one of Status Quo’s most beloved songs and continues to be an essential part of their musical legacy.