The Whatever You Want era remains one of the most electrifying chapters in British rock history. Released on October 12, 1979, Status Quo’s twelfth studio album marked a triumphant return to their raw, no-nonsense boogie roots after a couple of records that had dipped into mellower, more experimental territory. Fans had been waiting for the band to crank up the volume again, and Whatever You Want delivered exactly that—a gritty, guitar-driven assault that felt like a defiant middle finger to anyone who thought rock ‘n’ roll was fading away in the late ’70s.At the heart of the album sits the title track, “Whatever You Want,” a monster riff monster co-written by Rick Parfitt and Andy Bown. Legend has it the pair got properly sloshed while crafting it, and Bown later “Quo-ified” the song by stripping it down to the bare essentials—mostly two chords in the verses for maximum punch. That simple, relentless groove, paired with Francis Rossi’s stinging Telecaster work, turned it into an instant anthem. It stormed to number 4 on the UK Singles Chart, spending nine weeks in the listings and becoming one of the band’s signature live staples to this day.The album’s production, handled for the third time by Pip Williams, captured Status Quo at their peak energy. Recorded between December 1978 and March 1979 at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, the sessions emphasized a rougher, more direct sound. Effects like fuzz, flanger, and chorus were layered on generously, giving the guitars that thick, shimmering edge that defined Quo’s late-’70s golden period. The result was an album that felt both familiar and freshly invigorated—pure boogie rock with just enough polish to dominate radio without losing its edge.Opening side one, “Whatever You Want” explodes out of the gates, but the momentum never lets up. “Shady Lady” follows with a sleazy, swaggering groove courtesy of Rossi and Bob Young’s songwriting. It’s short, sharp, and packed with attitude—classic Quo in under four minutes. Then comes “Who Asked You,” a punchy number driven by Alan Lancaster’s bass and featuring some of the album’s tightest ensemble playing. The band was firing on all cylinders here, with John Coghlan’s drums laying down that unmistakable Quo shuffle.Track four, “Your Smiling Face,” brings a touch of melody courtesy of Parfitt and Bown again. It’s a bit more reflective than the rockers surrounding it, showing the band’s ability to vary pace without losing intensity. Then “Living on an Island” closes side one—a beautiful, atmospheric ballad that’s often overlooked in discussions of Quo’s heavier material. Written by Parfitt and Young, it peaked at number 16 as the second single and remains a fan favorite for its heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies. It’s proof that Status Quo could do emotion as well as they did head-down boogie.Flipping to side two, the energy ramps right back up with “Come Rock with Me” and its seamless twin “Rockin’ On.” These two tracks flow together like a single extended jam—another Quo trademark—full of infectious riffs and call-and-response vocals. Rossi and Parfitt’s dual Telecasters trade licks effortlessly, creating that wall-of-sound effect that made their live shows legendary. It’s impossible to sit still while these play; they’re designed for pubs, stadiums, and anywhere people want to move.”Runaway” keeps the party going with a driving rhythm and Rossi’s distinctive nasal delivery. Co-written with Bernie Frost, it has a slightly darker edge than some of the brighter tracks, but the boogie backbone keeps it firmly in Quo territory. “High Flyer,” penned by Lancaster and Young, adds another layer of grit—raw and relentless, it’s one of those deeper cuts that hardcore fans adore for its unapologetic stomp.The album closes with the epic “Breaking Away,” a sprawling six-and-a-half-minute closer co-written by Rossi, Parfitt, and Bown. It builds from a steady groove into full-on rock fireworks, showcasing the band’s ability to stretch out without losing focus. That extended jam section feels like a victory lap—proof that Status Quo weren’t just churning out hits; they were still capable of real musical adventure within their signature sound.Commercially, Whatever You Want was a smash. It climbed to number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and spent a solid run on the listings, cementing the band’s status as one of Britain’s most consistent chart acts. Coming after the success of Rockin’ All Over the World and If You Can’t Stand the Heat, it showed Quo at the height of their powers—selling out arenas, dominating airplay, and proving that boogie rock could thrive even as punk and new wave were shaking things up.What makes Whatever You Want endure isn’t just the hits; it’s the attitude. In 1979, rock was supposedly “over” for many critics, yet Status Quo roared back with an album full of defiance and joy. They didn’t chase trends—they doubled down on what they did best: twelve-bar boogie, twin guitars, and choruses that stick in your head for decades. The record feels like a celebration of pure, unpretentious rock ‘n’ roll.Even now, in 2026, blasting “Whatever You Want” still gets the blood pumping. The riff hits like a freight train, the lyrics scream freedom, and the whole thing reminds you why Status Quo have outlasted so many scenes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them fresh, this album is essential—raw, rowdy, and relentlessly fun.If you’re looking for the soundtrack to living life on your own terms, crank up Whatever You Want. Whatever you want, whatever you need—Status Quo delivered it in spades back in ’79, and it still rocks harder than ever. Down down, deeper and down… but never out.
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