Whatever (Oasis song)

The song was recorded in a week-long session at Maison Rouge Studios in Chelsea in June–July 1994.^[5][6][7] The session also included Listen Up, Fade Away, and a demo of Some Might Say.^[5][8]

Its main chord progression is G–G/F#–Em7–Dsus4–Cadd9–Dsus4–G–Dsus4.^[9]

The Christmas single^[10] was released in 1994 as a stand-alone single, bridging the gap between Oasis' debut album, Definitely Maybe, and their second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. The single was later included on the compilation album Time Flies... 1994–2009. The strings were played by the London Session Orchestra which featured former Electric Light Orchestra violinist Wilfred Gibson.^[11][12]

"Whatever" has sold 600,000 copies in the United Kingdom as of 2017, receiving a platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).^[13] The song re-entered the UK Singles Chart on 20 June 2010 at number 64, due to the release of Time Flies, and was the first time that it had been available to purchase as a music download.^[14]

The song was used by Coca-Cola in its 2012 campaign celebrating its 125th anniversary.^[15] It was also used by Asahi Breweries for their Asahi Off beer commercials in Japan.^[16]

Both Melody Maker and NME named 'Whatever' Single of the Week. Melody Maker editor Everett True said the song "is absolutely f***ing stunning — from the strummed acoustic and Rolling Stones-esque sentiments (I'm free to be whatever I...whatever I choose), the f***-off strings and inch-perfect handclaps, right through to the final applause."^[17] NME editor Tommy Udo wrote, "'Whatever' is only the best single of 1994, only the best Oasis single of 1994, because I feel reasonably confident that they'll do one better every time. Basically it pisses over everything else. A song to die for, with a descending scale and a f—ing string section: from 'Love Me Do' to 'All You Need Is Love' in under a year. The fact that it sounds like any number of other songs is a mark of the confidence that Oasis have in their songwriting: amateurs borrow, pros steal and look you straight in the eye, unashamed."^[18] Music & Media commented, "Anyone who has attended one of their live gigs knows how well they do the Beatles' 'I Am the Walrus'. Backed by a symphony orchestra they now have made their own seaworthy Walrus."^[19] Mark Frith from Smash Hits gave the song a full score of five out of five, saying, "They've released this six minute epic complete with violins, sheep noises, hand claps and cheering, undoubtedly with the hope that all their fans will rush out and buy it, making it number one for Xmas." He added, "so, Christmas number three, I'd put money on it."^[20]

Oasis settled out of court with EMI as the record label claimed that the song borrowed portions of Neil Innes's "How Sweet to Be an Idiot". Innes received a songwriting credit and a share of the royalties.^[21] The portion of the melodic line in question are the eight notes that accompany the lyrics "How Sweet to be an Idiot"/"I'm free to be whatever I" of the Oasis version, appearing 40 seconds after the start of the Innes version.

Innes later made a reference to "Whatever" at the beginning of the song "Shangri-La" by the Rutles, on their 1996 Archaeology album.^[22][23]

One of the single's B-sides, "Slide Away", was already featured on their debut album, Definitely Maybe. The other two—"(It's Good) to Be Free" and "Half the World Away"—were later featured on the B-side compilation The Masterplan. "Slide Away" and "Half the World Away" would also be featured on Oasis' 2006 compilation album Stop the Clocks, but "Whatever" itself was not included. "Half the World Away" was chosen as the theme tune to The Royle Family.^[24]

All tracks were written by Noel Gallagher.^[a]

• Liam Gallagher – lead vocals, tambourine
• Noel Gallagher – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
• Paul Arthurs – rhythm guitar, piano
• Paul McGuigan – bass guitar
• Tony McCarroll – drums
• Uncredited – orchestra, handclaps