"Whatever You Decide" by Randy VanWarmer

Song#:  0279
Date:  08/02/1980
Debut:  87
Peak:  77
Weeks:  3
Genre:  Pop, Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  Born in Colorado, VanWarmer spent some time in the UK after his family had moved there but eventually ended up back in the States where he was a struggling musician. The New York label Bearsville picked up a single of his and in one of those rare switcharoo instances, the intended b-side started to catch on and eventually VanWarmer had his first (and only) Top 10 hit in 1979 with "Just When I Needed You Most." His debut album "Warmer" did moderately well thanks to the single and he was green-lighted for a second disc. The "Terraform" LP came out in 1980, but this lead single didn't do much to boost sales.

ReduxReview:  The alt-country sound of this song is really nice, but the chorus is oddly weak/strong. It kind of gets lost between the verses, but yet it still kind of sticks in my head. Even the bridge is a better section. I just think the chorus needed a little more oomph to really move the song forward.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Even though VanWarmer's recording career didn't have longevity, his songs would be picked up and recorded by other aritists; many in the country genre. One song from "Terraform," "Down Like a Rock," ended up on Laura Branigan's debut album. He has also had two #1 country hits with Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys recording his songs.

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