“Any Way You Want It,” a high-energy, driving rock and roll number, stands as one of the signature hits of The Dave Clark Five, a British Invasion band that briefly rivaled even The Beatles in popularity during the mid-1960s. Hailing from Tottenham, London, the band, fronted by drummer Dave Clark, burst onto the scene with their distinctive, powerful sound and catchy melodies. While often overshadowed by the Fab Four in retrospect, The Dave Clark Five were a force to be reckoned with, racking up a string of top ten hits on both sides of the Atlantic. They landed a dozen singles in the US Top 40 in just two years, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, finally cementing their place in music history.
Released in 1964, “Any Way You Want It” perfectly encapsulates the band’s raw energy and infectious enthusiasm. The song’s simple yet effective lyrics revolve around the theme of unconditional acceptance in a relationship. The singer is essentially saying, “I love you no matter what; I’m happy to accommodate your desires and preferences.” This message, delivered with a powerful beat and distinctive saxophone riff, resonated deeply with the youth of the era, hungry for love, freedom, and self-expression.
Upon its release, “Any Way You Want It” climbed the charts quickly, becoming a Top 10 hit in both the UK and the US. The song’s popularity stemmed not just from its catchy melody but also its youthful exuberance, perfectly capturing the spirit of the burgeoning rock and roll scene. Audiences adored the band’s clean-cut image and high-octane performances, cementing their status as true icons of the British Invasion. Even decades later, the song continues to be a staple on classic rock radio, a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless message of acceptance and devotion.