: The creative friction between Broudie’s "gleeful commercial pop" sensibilities and Simpson’s "darker, more serious" inclinations is palpable in the song's structure, which balances catchy hooks with haunting undertones. Legacy and Aftermath
The lyrics of "Whatever Possessed You" are steeped in the imagery of coldness, decay, and the visceral end of a relationship. Simpson’s "dreamy, depressed croon" delivers lines that read like the work of Romantic poets. Care - Whatever Possessed You (Lyrics)
Ian Broudie’s production provides a "majestic, often orchestral" backdrop that contrasts sharply with the bleakness of the prose. Despite its brilliance, "Whatever Possessed You" failed to
: The setting is established with "November cold frost bites" and a bed described as "colder than chloroform". This medical/chemical metaphor suggests a numbing, artificial state of grief. Love Crowns and Crucifies
Despite its brilliance, "Whatever Possessed You" failed to reach the commercial heights of their Top 50 hit "Flaming Sword". It has since become a cult classic, particularly in Japan and the Philippines. For Simpson, the song's themes of corrosion and coldness were mirrored in his own life—he was reportedly involved in a "self-destructive relationship" during the recording, which contributed to his sudden departure from the band.
The tracks intended for their lost album, Love Crowns and Crucifies , were eventually collated and released in 1997 on the compilation Diamonds & Emeralds , preserving this frozen moment of 80s melancholia for future listeners. Care: Whatever Possessed You - Spiralphoria - WordPress.com
: References to a "beloved angel" becoming "skin and bones" and love "silently corroding" emphasize that this is not just a mental breakup but a physical wasting away. Musical Composition and Impact