Reading Time: 19 min read

13 Fantastic Songs About Friends (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; PNW Production from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]13 Fantastic Songs About Friends features songs by Alexander Stewart x Lauren Spencer Smith, Baby Rose x Leon Thomas, Drake, Foo Fighters, Gracie Abrams & Jordan Firstman.

“They’ll never know they FRIENDS’ decisions; FRIENDS never had to decide.”
Noted, Drake. According to Canadian musicians Alexander Stewart & Lauren Spencer Smith, “…FRIENDS don’t know you like this / Talk with their eyes, stare at your lips…” And what about that Jordan Firstman? He asserts, “I wanna see my friends’ dicks out at the bar / I wanna see my friends’ dicks, don’t care if it’s hard.” Like Drizzy, he said what he said… though I’d take his more with a grain of salt.  The keyword, ladies and gentlemen, gentlemen and ladies, is F-R-I-E-N-D-S, FRIENDS. 13 Fantastic Songs About Friends is the latest friendship-themed playlist on The Musical Hype – we’ve done the friends thing many, many times.  This iteration features songs by Alexander Stewart & Lauren Spencer Smith, Baby Rose & Leon Thomas, Drake, Foo Fighters, Gracie Abrams, and Jordan Firstman. So, without belaboring things any longer, let’s get right into this crop of 13 Fantastic Songs About Friends!


~ Table of Contents ~

1. Drake, “Firm Friends”

Drake, ICEMAN [📷: OVO / Republic Records]

2. Gracie Abrams, “Imaginary Friend”

Gracie Abrams, Daughter from Hell [📷: Gracie Abrams / Interscope Records]

3. Alexander Stewart & Lauren Spencer Smith, “Friends Don’t”

Alexander Stewart, What If? [📷: Alexander Stewart]

4. Antonio Liranzo, “Fake Friends”

Antonio Liranzo, Fake Friends [📷: Nana Tingz]

5. Baby Rose & Leon Thomas, “Friends Again”

Baby Rose, YEARNALISM [📷: Secretly Canadian]

 

6. Jordan Firstman, “I wanna see my friends dicks”

Jordan Firstman, I wanna see my friends dicks [📷: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]

7. Foo Fighters, “Asking For A Friend”

Foo Fighters, Your Favorite Toy [📷: RCA Records / Roswell Records, Inc.]

8. NOJO & DigBar, “Homosexual Friend”

NOJO & DigBar, Homosexual Friend [📷: NOJO Hits]

9. Rihanna, “Friend Of Mine”

Rihanna, “Friend of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack [📷: Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution]

10. Artemas, “you and i could never be friends”

Artemas, you and i could never be friends [📷: Artemas]

11. Biz Markie, “Just a Friend”

Biz Markie, The Biz Never Sleeps [📷: Cold Chillin’]

12. Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, “You’ve Got A Friend”

Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]

13. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Friendship Train”

Gladys Knight & The Pips, Nitty Gritty [📷: Motown]

 


1. Drake, “Firm Friends”

ICEMAN → OVO / Republic Records → 2026

Drake, ICEMAN [📷: OVO / Republic Records]

“You think I didn’t see that you stayed silent / That’s like you endorsing it all, may as well stand behind him.”
Drake (Aubrey Graham) said what he said on “Firm Friends”.  Clearly, those who didn’t say anything felt like they were betraying the Grammy-winning rapper. Later, in the first verse of the 17th track from ICEMAN, Drake cites the example of a longtime, loyal, and ‘firm’ friend, Neeks, whom he says, “Look at how time flies, 20 years passed, he’s still the same guy.” Drake, Tenzin Ngingthatshang, and producers Al Hug and Conductor Williams wrote it.

“Firm Friends” features a classy, soulful backdrop. I love the piano and chipmunk soul.  It samples vocals and lyrics from “Energy” by Drake, as well as “Conductor We Have a Problem in Metro Rail Subway”. Despite a duration exceeding five minutes, there are only two verses 👀.  Drake has a lot to say. His cadence and flow are compelling throughout, even if, at times, it feels as if he’ll never stop rapping.  This is truest in the second verse, which is the lengthiest.  Firm friendship is the theme, with Drizzy asserting, “You just do what you should’ve done since day one, you stick with your day ones.” He offers another example of a firm friend in Noel Cadastre: “Fuck that, I’m in the stu’ with Noel, the sun went down, we couldn’t tell /… It’s been nearly 14 years, he ain’t work with no one else.” Word. The rapper makes other observations, including “I’ve seen GOATs act like sheeps, coworkers turn to enemies / Damn, I got enemies, got a lot of enemies.” Of course, the feud with Kendrick Lamar plays a big role throughout: “I don’t want no ‘Drake, my apologies, I’m trippin’, you’re top three’.” The chorus, varied each time, follows the first and second verses. In the final chorus, Drake continues to reflect on friendship:

“You all wanna be the guy

It explains why most people die not knowin’ who would’ve stuck by they side

It doesn’t even cross they mind, they just go along for the ride

They’ll never know they friends’ decisions, friends never had to decide.”

All told, “Firm Friends” is something else.

~ Table of Contents ~

2. Gracie Abrams, “Imaginary Friend”

Daughter from Hell → Gracie Abrams / Interscope Records → 2026

Gracie Abrams, Daughter from Hell [📷: Gracie Abrams / Interscope Records]

“I felt you in the morning in the kitchen / And it spooked me ‘cause you weren’t there.”
Um, is it a ghost 👻, Gracie Abrams? Nope. It’s an “Imaginary Friend.”  In the first chorus of the 12th track from her third studio album, Daughter from Hell, she sings:

“…Promise not to laugh, I talk to you, you don’t talk back

‘Cause you’re a figment of my imagination

Man, I fucking hate it.”

Word. “Imaginary Friend” was written by Abrams, frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner, and, surprisingly, her partner, Academy Award-nominated actor (and undeniable hunk 😍) Paul Mescal. Abrams and Dessner produced it.  In the second verse, she goes on to address this person, asking, “Do you remember all the shit I broke? Well, I fixed it.” Okay… “Kick your shoes off, go and leave ‘em by the stairs, but you don’t.” Of course they don’t… THEY ARE INVISIBLE, Gracie! All told, “Imaginary Friend” is something… two-and-a-half minutes of something, precisely. If you’re a fan, you’ll eat it up.  If not, this is a more mixed friend-driven experience rather than a fantastic one.

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Alexander Stewart & Lauren Spencer Smith, “Friends Don’t”

What If? → Alexander Stewart → 2025

Alexander Stewart, What If? [📷: Alexander Stewart]

“I’ll take the pain to remain in your atmosphere.”
Whoa! Now that is an incredibly emotional lyric, Alexander Stewart. The handsome and talented Canadian pop singer-songwriter taps his fellow Canadian, the incredible Lauren Spencer Smith, for the assist on “Friends Don’t”. “Friends Don’t” is the third track from Stewart’s 2025 album, What If.  This marvelous song was written by Stewart, Jake Torrey, and producer Adam Yaron.

“Friends Don’t” begins as a piano ballad. Eventually, the production expands to include emotional, lush strings. Alexander Stewart draws first blood, performing the emotional first verse. Beyond his willingness to take the pain to remain with her, Stewart asserts, “No one has to know / Where you ended up tonight / Your secret is safe as when you’re by my side.” Aww 🥰! Stewart’s performance is beautiful and incredibly expressive.  He has his fair share of tender moments but also showcases the power and soulfulness of his pipes. After the pre-chorus, when “You can call it what…,” he performs the centerpiece, the chorus.  Here, we get some ripe falsetto as well as some gritty moments where he digs in.

“But friends don’t know you like this

Talk with their eyes, stare at your lips

And friends don’t touch you like this

Get with someone to make you jealous

I know, I know

It’s gonna hurt me when you go

I know, I know

I’m still gonna let you come and do what friends don’t.”

Lauren Spencer Smith arrives in the second verse. She keeps the same energy as Stewart, with fewer solo moments. “And I will never make you take responsibility,” she sings, and concludes, “I’d bleed until I’m empty / If it means you won’t resent me.” Word. I love the huskiness of her pipes; that lower register shines. The synergy between them following her verse is epic (chorus, bridge, and the final chorus).  In the bridge, they assert, “Every glance you steal, every chance you get / Every long goodbye with you on my chest / Is the proof I need that it’s not in my head.” Ultimately, on the splendid “Friends Don’t”, Alexander Stewart and Lauren Spencer Smith soar. This dazzling duet is a thing of beauty.

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~ Table of Contents ~

4. Antonio Liranzo, “Fake Friends”

“Fake Friends” → Nana Tingz → 2026

Antonio Liranzo, Fake Friends [📷: Nana Tingz]

“I’m the bestie that you all want / But you turned me into an opp / I’ll be your favorite villain.”
An opp, huh?! Ooh-wee, you better take Antonio Liranzo at his word.  The boy said what he said, NO CAP! He brings the heat and keeps it a buck on his single, “Fake Friends”. “Fake Friends” was written by Liranzo, Ashley Kalina, and Justin Hilton Portis.  Portis produced it.

“Fake Friends” commences enigmatically and moodily; it’s nebulous and unsettling. This sound perfectly encapsulates fakeness, loneliness, and superficiality. Once the groove settles in and Antonio Liranzo begins singing, everything comes together. Liranzo impresses with his sincere and smooth pipes during the ballad portions. His tone is gorgeous, like him 🤫. It’s not all balladry, though! After setting things up, “Fake Friends” morphs into gimmickry, dance-pop during the chorus. His vocals become more effects-laden and rhythmic, characteristic of the genre. But also, the smoother moments come back, too. Thematically, Liranzo characterizes fake friends perfectly: “Main character of the plot / They live to see you fail / They’re jealous they’re the flop / Fake friends.” Woo! Antonio also adds to the growing negative connotation of Los Angeles: “Careful in the city of angels / You’re bound to meet a friendly devil.” Not only in L.A., either. All told, my boy Antonio slays on “Fake Friends”.  It’s safe to say there’s nothing fake about his artistry and talent.

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~ Table of Contents ~

5. Baby Rose & Leon Thomas, “Friends Again”

YEARNALISM → Secretly Canadian → 2026

Baby Rose, YEARNALISM [📷: Secretly Canadian]

“Dream, been dreamin’ all day / Trying to be mature / But here I am, wanting more / But in my mind, I’m not so sure.”
What happens when you pair Baby Rose and Grammy-winning musician Leon Thomas? Sheer magic! And that magic, folks, comes in the form of the high-flying duet, “Friends Again”, the seventh track from her third studio album, YEARNALISM. Baby Rose, Leon Thomas, and Lawson penned “Friends Again.”  Thomas Brenneck and Eric Hagstrom produced it.  The results are nothing short of awesome!

“Friends Again” thrives on its ultra-soulful production work.  Early on, it’s giving neo-soul vibes with piano, bass, and the drums, outlining the compound duple meter. Baby Rose draws first blood, performing the first verse and setting the tone. Her voice is powerful, rich, and robust. From the jump, her distinctiveness shines. “I’d rather fight with the rain / With a match and kerosene,” she sings, and adds, “Bet it all on the flame / Why do I feel this way?” She also sings the first chorus, which is memorable, lyrically, and melodically tuneful:

“Will it ever be the same?

Why did we have to complicate it?

Moment of weakness we can’t explain

Will we ever be friends again?”

Leon Thomas brings it on the second verse, contrasting and complementing Baby Rose. “All of your burning desires / It’s hard to put out this fire,” he asserts, and continues, “Why try to put out these flames / When you always come back the same.” They join forces in the second chorus and the bridge.  The bridge contrasts the verses and choruses. “What about, what about, what about our friendship?” Word. Baby Rose performs most of the outro, with a few contributions from Leon Thomas (“I don’t know,” etc.). All told, Baby Rose and Leon Thomas do their big one with “Friends Again”.

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~ Table of Contents ~

6. Jordan Firstman, “I wanna see my friends dicks”

Secrets → Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc. → 2025

Jordan Firstman, I wanna see my friends dicks [📷: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]

“I wanna see my friends’ dicks out at the bar / I wanna see my friends’ dicks, don’t care if it’s hard.”
So, even if it’s flaccid, Jordan Firstman wants to see it. Noted. With a title like “I wanna see my friends dicks”, little needs to be analyzed or explained. “I wanna see my friends dicks” is the second track from the actor/comedian/musician’s 2025 debut album, Secrets. The two lines excerpted from the unforgettable chorus provide context, if it was needed, that is. Firstman and producer Blake Slatkin wrote this infectious, outlandish, and risqué pop joint. Beyond co-writing, Slatkin puts in work behind the boards. Is “I wanna see my friends dicks” gay? You bet your D it is!

Jordan Firstman, Secrets [📷: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]Yes, “I wanna see my friends dicks” is a gay sex song.  There is no denying that! But take this NSFW gay pop single with a grain of salt 🧂. It is meant to be fun and carefree.  See verse two:

“So go to the bathroom and fluff it up

Whatever you need to do (Mhm)

I just think, I don’t know, it could be fun and cool

To see all seven inches 📏 of you 🍆 (That’s big).”

Well, well, well! Depending on who you are, you are either laughing your ass off or clutching your pearls 😜 😳! On the bridge, fittingly, Jordan lists, and in some cases, describes his friends’ penises.  “Dan’s uncut, Blake is thick / Girthy, hooded, short or long / Come on bro, show me that schlong.” Lawdy! The lyrics thrive off innuendo and, dick, duh! You won’t be able to get “I wanna see my friends dicks” out of your head. I sure can’t!

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~ Table of Contents ~

7. Foo Fighters, “Asking For A Friend”

Your Favorite Toy → RCA Records / Roswell Records, Inc. → 2026

Foo Fighters, Your Favorite Toy [📷: RCA Records / Roswell Records, Inc.]

“Save your promises until we meet again / You can save your promises ‘til the bitter end.”
Word. And with that, so begins Foo Fighters’ “Asking For A Friend”, the 10th and final track from their 12th studio album, Your Favorite Toy, released in 2026. The four-and-a-half-minute rock cut commences with enigmatic, striking guitar lines. The harmonic progression stands out. The chorus is the first section heard. It is performed in a dark, mysterious way. Dave Grohl, who sings beautifully and in a nuanced fashion, adds, “What is real? I’m asking for a friend / Or is this the end?” Notably, the “Is this the end?” lyrics signal more pummeling drumming and a heavier sound. The guitars, which already kicked ass, bring even more juice.

After a nice vocal performance, Grohl grows more assertive, commanding, and at times, gritty. This includes forthcoming iterations of the chorus. His performance is always authentic and sincere.  The tuneful and memorable chorus is the crème de la crème, but other sections of this Grohl / Chris Shiflett / Pat Smear /Nate Mendel / Rami Jaffee /Ilan Rubin-penned song shine too. “When you’re alone, am I part of you?” Grohl asks in the second verse, later responding, “You’re not alone, I am a part of you /… When I’m apart from you.” Thought-provoking.  The bridge is distinct lyrically, with Grohl singing, “Give me a reason, show me a sign / Ugliest truth or your prettiest lie / Free you from burden, take what I give / Take it away now, permission to live.” Before the bridge, there is an intense instrumental section, led by a rousing guitar solo. All in all, Foo Fighters bring it on “Asking For A Friend”, which rocks hard!

~ Table of Contents ~

8. NOJO & DigBar, “Homosexual Friend”

“Homosexual Friend” → NOJO Hits → 2025

NOJO & DigBar, Homosexual Friend [📷: NOJO Hits]

“I got a homosexual friend / He likes homosexual men / He’s a homosexual now / He was a homosexual then.”
Word. That’s a lot of times to repeat the word, homosexual. NOJO goes on to support his “homosexual boy” and “homosexual twin” on the brief but potent “Homosexual Friend”. He is the first voice heard on “Homosexual Friend,” wowing with the melodic chorus. It’s not only NOJO who embraces all things homosexual. An unapologetic, homosexual rapper, DigBar, assists him.

Like NOJO, DigBar rides the hard-nosed, trap musical accompaniment like a champ. His cadence and flow are compelling as H-E-double-hockey-sticks. Better yet, the bars are badass as For Under Consent of the King! “I shoulda knew that my homie was sus when he popped out in a crop top,” DigBar spits, and continues, “I shoulda knew that my homie was sus when he asked to play big booty.” Sus is problematic slang, associating being gay with a negative connotation aka homophobia. That said, DigBar is openly gay, and his music reflects such. He goes on to say he knows his homie is sus because he listens to his music! Notably, “He’s definitely down for a buttfuck / If you in bed with him you gon’ get sucked up / Honestly it’s kinda fucked up / Just like a kid he like playing with dump trucks.” Woo! NOJO melodically raps the second verse, which, like DigBar’s verse, is filled with gay shyt. “He slurping on nut, dick up his butt, he’s a real gay slut,” he raps, and continues, “He’s fucking the longest dick he’s ever taken, it goes all the way to his gut.” Later, this big homo “Loves sucking on sacks / Whites, Asians, and blacks / The biggest homo we know / We all know what you blow.” What more needs to be said? Both NOJO and DigBar gay it up on “Homosexual Friend”, PERIOD 💅!

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~ Table of Contents ~

9. Rihanna, “Friend Of Mine”

“Friend of  Mine” → Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution → 2025 

Rihanna, “Friend of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack [📷: Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution]Rihanna has dropped a few singles along the way since her extended hiatus (since 2016). “Friend of Mine” hails from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack. It features seven writers, including Rihanna.  Among the producers are Jon Bellion, f a l l e n, and Pete Nappi. “Friend of Mine” is polarizing from the start. It commences enigmatically.  The sound effects catch the ears, as does the hard-hitting groove once it kicks in. The first time we hear Rihanna is nearly a minute in.  Once she enters the mix, “Friend Of Mine” gains some stability and makes more sense tonally. Rihanna sounds ok…  given the oddity and wacky nature of this children’s soundtrack cut.  Does she say much? Nope!

“Ooh, I think the word here is déjà vu

Just met you tonight, but you feel like a friend of mine

Feel like a friend of mine, feel like a friend of mine

…How can so familiar be so brand new?”

You get the idea.  Honestly, that’s about the size of it.  She sings two choruses (that’s the only major section) where a new friend feels like an old friend over one of the weirder beats I’ve heard all 2025.  It is what it is…

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~ Table of Contents ~

10. Artemas, “you and i could never be friends”

“you and i could never be friends” → Artemas → 2025

Artemas, you and i could never be friends [📷: Artemas]

“I know that we only just met.”
Facts, Artemas. So, where, exactly, are you going with this? “But you and I ain’t gonna be friends.” Oh.  Hmm, so what is happening between them? What we do know is the bedroom is involved… who’s shocked? Once again, Artemas engages us with another sexual bop, “you and i could never be friends”.  Interestingly, this Artemas/Henry Morris/Kevin White-penned track (produced by Artemas and White) arrives weeks after his mixtape, LOVERCORE, was released. Artemas picks up where he left off, PERIOD.

“You and i could never be friends,” begins with Artemas singing abruptly. Our boy is standing on business! Our utterly naughty English pop singer-songwriter gets right to the point. “You” features an adventurous, noisy backdrop.  There are boisterous, sharp synths and distorted, stuttering drums.  At times, there are holes within the accompaniment, allowing more nuanced musical touches, including some inviting guitar lines and striking keys and sound effects.  The backdrop aside, the star of the show is Artemas, who is unapologetic as… wait for it… fuck. He admits he’s in a dark place in life, horny, and gives no fucks.  “You keep looking at me crazy, it’s a face I recognize / And you’re talking to me sweet while you fuck me with your eyes.” Oh, the eye-fucking! He continues singing in the verse, “You’re lucky that you met me at this dark time of my life / ‘Cause I couldn’t give a fuck if I don’t make it through tonight.” So, is this a hookup or love at first sight?  With some drinks and drugs in them and a trip to the bedroom, friendship is unimportant.  Sex, on the other hand, is the modus operandi.  Is it casual, or, can non-friends become lovers? Debatable.  What’s not debatable is the fact that Artemas satisfies our thirst once more with another sexed-up bop in “you and i could never be friends”.

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~ Table of Contents ~

11. Biz Markie, “Just a Friend”

The Biz Never Sleeps → Cold Chillin’ → 1989 

Biz Markie, The Biz Never Sleeps [📷: Cold Chillin’]

“You, you got what I need / But you say he’s just a friend / And you say he’s just a friend, oh baby.”
Ah, those beloved lines hail from “Just A Friend”, the iconic hit from the late DJ, rapper, and beatboxer Biz Markie (1964 –  2021). Markie was memorably referred to as the Clown Prince of Hip-Hop. “Just A Friend,” which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1990, appeared on his 1989 gold-certified album, The Biz Never Sleeps. It was his sole entry on the pop charts, solidifying his one-hit-wonder status.  “Just a Friend” samples two 1960s songs: “You Got What I Need” by Freddie Scott (1933 – 2007) and “Get Out of My Life, Woman” by Lee Dorsey (1924 – 1986).

The most memorable part of “Just a Friend” is the chorus.  Of course, the chorus lifts heavily off the Freddie Scott record, which arrived more than two decades earlier. Scott was a more skilled vocalist than Markie.  Biz wasn’t supposed to sing the chorus, but because no one showed up to record it, so, he recorded it himself.  It’s easily the most beloved part of the song.  Of course, the verses are colorful too, as Biz imparts the tale of trying to ‘get busy’ with a groupie who claims she doesn’t have a boyfriend – he’s “just a friend.” By the third verse, however, he discovers the truth:

“A fella tongue-kissin’ my girl in her mouth

I was so in shock, my heart went down south

So please, listen to the message that I send

Don’t ever talk to a girl who says she just has a friend…”

Some one-hit wonders just ‘hit different’ than others. “Just A Friend” by Biz Markie is a prime example of that extra-special one-hit wonder.  The platinum-certified single will forever live in our hearts and pop culture!

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~ Table of Contents ~

12. Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, “You’ve Got A Friend”

Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway → Atlantic Recording Corporation → 1972

Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]

“You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am / I’ll come running to see you again.”
Those beloved lyrics hail from a Carole King-penned masterpiece, “You’ve Got A Friend”. “You’ve Got A Friend” is the gift that keeps on giving; many musicians have earned accolades for their renditions of this classic. Two soul music legends, Roberta Flack (1937 – 2025) and Donny Hathaway (1945 – 1979), performed it as a duet. It is the second track on their 1972 self-titled, gold-certified album. “You’ve Got A Friend” was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Group at the 14th Annual Grammy Awards.  A pop hit, it reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“You’ve Got A Friend” is on fire from the get-go. I love the lushness, warmth, and waviness of the electric keyboard. The accompaniment is cool and sophisticated with keys, guitar, bass, and drums. Roberta Flack draws first blood, performing the first half of the verse: “When you’re down and troubled, and you need some lovin’ care / And nothing, nothing is goin’ right.” Flack sings with ease, with a beautiful tone – she sounds incredibly refined. Donny Hathaway performs the second half of the verse, contrasting Flack, bringing more grit and amplified soulfulness: “Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there / To brighten up even your darkest night.” The chemistry and synergy between Flack and Hathaway during the crème de la crème, the chorus (excerpted earlier), is nothing short of epic.  The chorus continues, memorably, “Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you got to do is call / And I’ll be there, you’ve got a friend.” Hathaway performs the first half of the bridge, once more showing off those ultra-soulful pipes. Flack takes the second half, bringing heat with her cooler approach. Following the bridge, both vocalists shine on the chorus, particularly when they sing the word, running, thrice. They eat on the outro, which vamps on the lyric, “You got a friend,” with some ad-libs.  Flack and Hathaway’s rendition of “You’ve Got A Friend” is one of the greatest duets ever.  No in-depth analysis is necessary as the music speaks volumes.

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~ Table of Contents ~

13. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Friendship Train”

Nitty Gritty → Motown → 1969

Gladys Knight & The Pips, Nitty Gritty [📷: Motown]

“This train stands for justice / This train stands for freedom / This train stands for harmony and peace /This train stands for love, love, love.”
Iconic soul group Gladys Knight & The Pips originally recorded “Friendship Train”, which appeared as the 14th and final track from their 1969 album, Nitty Gritty. Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield penned this friendship-driven Motown bop. Whitfield is also credited as the producer. A top 20 hit on the pop charts, “Friendship Train” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It reached number two on the R&B charts.

“Friendship Train” commences with an awesome bass line, followed by a sickening groove and raucous electric guitar riff.  Beyond a stirring rhythm section, the musical backdrop includes fierce, articulated horns. Gladys Knight excels with her brilliant, expressive, and soulful lead vocals.  The message of the song is to promote friendship, love, and unity, not hate.  After highlighting the ills plaguing the world (“Stealing, burning, fighting, killing, nothing but corruption”), Knight asserts in the opening verse, “We got to learn to live with each other / No, no matter what race, creed, or color /… What the world needs now / … Is love and understanding.” Knight gets some assistance in the second verse from one of The Pips briefly, once more touting love, not hatred.  The chorus is where the group’s bread is buttered:

“Come on, get on the friendship train

Everybody shake a hand, shake a hand

I’m talking ‘bout the friendship train

Get on board and shake a hand, make a friend now.”

During the second chorus, Gladys is even grittier and more powerful. She shows off the sheer excellence of her instrument – one of the best voices of all time.  Songs in the 21st century do not sound like “Friendship Train”. However, the message endures, particularly with a resurgence of hate promoted by arguably the most polarizing president ever.

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~ Table of Contents ~ → ~ intro ~

 13 Fantastic Songs About Friends (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Alexander Stewart, Artemas, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Cold Chillin’, Gracie Abrams, Interscope Records, Motown, Nana Tingz, NOJO Hits, Openly Gay Productions, OVO, RCA Records, Republic Records, Roc Nation Distribution, Roswell Records, Inc., Secretly Canadian, UMG Recordings, Inc., Westbury Road Entertainment; from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay; from Unsplash]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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