The song garnered a mixed response from music critics; it was praised for its upbeat instrumentation but criticised for lacking any "kick".
Upon the release of Spirit, the song debuted at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart due to strong digital download sales.
[1] A variety of instrumentalists were enlisted for the production of "Whatever It Takes": Eddie Horst was the string arranger, while Kenn Wagner, Olga Shiptko, Amy Chang and William Pu performed violins, Karen Freer and Daniel Laufer provided cello and co-writer Reyes played the guitar.
[1] As she introduced the track before performing it on her debut concert tour The Labyrinth (2010), Lewis revealed that "Whatever It Takes" was the first song to be written for Spirit.
"[3] Nick Levine was for Digital Spy wrote "'Whatever It Takes' is anchored by a rhythm track that wouldn't shame a boy-racer cruising through Harlem in his pimped-up ride.
[4] Kitty Empire for The Guardian was critical of the song, writing that "Not even Dallas Austin – who has worked with Sugababes – can make 'Whatever It Takes' any fun.
[2] The set was decorated in the style of a castle; acrobats performed as they were hanging from the ceiling on large pieces of fabric while Lewis wore a gold sequined dress and thigh-high boots.