13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs

Reading Time: 15 min read

13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs feature songs by Ariana Grande, Benson Boone, KAYTRANADA, Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, and War.

“You look good, bitch, can I get a kiss? / Bring your best friend.” Those are the friendly words of Megan Thee Stallion, not my own. Patti LaBelle is less explicit in her friendship endeavors proclaiming, “You are my friend / I never knew it ‘til then / My friend, my friend.” As for young Benson Boone, he sings, “I’m so close to the edge / And I need a friend, yeah, I need a friend.” The friend-driven 13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs is the follow-up to 13 Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs (2023). The keyword is some form of friend, PERIOD. 13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs feature songs by Ariana Grande, Benson Boone, KAYTRANADA, Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, and War. So, without further ado, grab some friends (especially if they’re beautiful, handsome, and hot ), and embrace the friendship that is 13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs!

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1. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”	2. War, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”	3. Megan Thee Stallion, “Best Friend”	4. KAYTRANADA, “Lover/Friend”
5. Patti LaBelle, “You Are My Friend”	6. Benson Boone, “Friend”	7. Landon Barker, “Friends With Your EX”	8. The Chainsmokers, “Summertime Friends”
9. Bryce Bowyn, “Boyfriend for the Night”	10. Morgan Wallen, “Whiskey Friends”	11. LAUNDRY DAY, “FRIENDS”	12. Andrew Gold, “Thank You for Being a Friend”
13. The Staple Singers, “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”

1. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024

“I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide / But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire,” Ariana Grande sings in the first verse of “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”, a juggernaut from her stupendous seventh studio album, eternal sunshine. She continues singing in the first verse of the second single from the LP, “Just wanna let this story die / And I’ll be alright.” I love the subtlety of the thudding beat (four on the floor), which is part of the tasteful nature of the production. In the chorus, the thuds and the intensity of the backdrop become more dynamic, fitting given the rise to the occasion.  “We can’t be friends” features colorful synths and a driving bass line – always a winning formula for the accompaniment! Another part of the winning formula is the violins, which appear at the end. With her elite vocals being her calling card, Grande delivers an honest and memorable chorus:

“We can’t be friends

But I’d like to just pretend

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again.”

Lyrically, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” marks one of the cleverest songs of eternal sunshine, making you question if she’s referencing her ex-husband (Dalton Gomez), the media, or both simultaneously.

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2. War, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

Why Can’t We Be Friends? // Far Out Productions, Inc / Rhino Entertainment Company // 1975

“Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends?” Woo! “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” marks one of the biggest hits by the Grammy-nominated funk band, War. “Why Can’t We Be Friends” is the ninth and final cut from the collective’s 1975 album, Why Can’t We Be Friends?. The classic, which peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, is credited to numerous songwriters, something rarer in the 1970s. Do you know what else makes “Friends” unique? Numerous members of the band sing the verses! Can you say, “Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!”

The chorus, excerpted above, is the section to beat in all its friendliness. However, the brief verses are also a blast. In the first verse, “I’ve seen you ‘round for a long, long time / I remember you when you drank my wine.” Bonded by wine. Word. Later, in the third verse, “I paid my money to the welfare line / I see you standing in it every time.” Hmm, is the singer judging this person for relying too heavily on welfare? It doesn’t stop there whether it is, “Sometimes, I don’t speak right / But yet, I know what I’m talking about” (verse six), or the wordplay of “I know you’re working for the C-I-A / They wouldn’t have you in the Ma-fi-A” (verse seven). The songwriting is entertaining from start to finish, and all singers put their spin on their part. Beyond the vocals and lyrics, the music is fabulous – F-U-N-K-Y. Brilliant, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” fuses funk with a stellar reggae groove. The rhythm section is tight, while the jubilant horns bite. This ‘70s gem will forever be awesome!

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3. Megan Thee Stallion, “Best Friend”

MEGAN: ACT II // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“Two redbones kissin’ in the backseat / Girl, don’t stop, keep goin’ and relax me / You want me to join in? Then ask me / I like girls that like girls, that attract me.” Woo! As always, Megan Thee Stallion ‘gives no fucks’ – she is in full-on, aggressive, unapologetic mode. The Grammy winner isn’t shy about her bisexuality on “Best Friend” is the fifth track from her 2024 album, MEGAN: ACT II. Bankroll Got It, KaiGoinKrazy, Nico Baran, and Shawn “Source” Jarrett produced it. Notably, “Best Friend” samples the 2008 Lil Boosie song “They Dykin.” Megan talks ample shit throughout “Best Friend.” In the first verse, she asserts, “I got a bitch I never mentioned, but she at me / Two bitches goin’ at each other like a rap beef.” Ooh-wee, child! In the second verse, however, she shifts to the opposite sex: “I take dick, papa, I don’t do no running (Nope) / Told him hit the brakes ‘cause I hate the quick pumping.” Damn! She sticks with the men in the bridge, stating, “I’m a fly trap, that thang is real dangerous / Every man I hit, I made the man famous.” Still, in the chorus, she’s intrigued with a ‘bad bitch’: “Bring your best friend / Bad bitch and we look like twins / Can we fuck around again…” Megan Thee Stallion is as fierce as ever on “Best Friend” where it seems to be ‘equal opportunity’ if you catch my drift.

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4. KAYTRANADA, “Lover/Friend”

TIMELESS // KAYTRANADA / RCA // 2023

“Heard you wanna be my lover / Wanna be more than friends / Heard you wanna be my lover / And you can’t pretend.” First and foremost, Canadian DJ/producer KAYTRANADA (Louis Kevin Celestin) is the cat’s meow – an entire V-I-B-E. The Grammy winner delivers another bop with “Lover/Friend”, enlisting the services of Rochelle Jordan on vocals. Celestin and Jordan penned “Lover/Friend” alongside Rush Davis. Celestin, unsurprisingly, handles the work behind the boards on his own. As has been his track record, KAYTRANADA brings the heat. The groove is EVERYTHING on “Lover/Friend.” Truly percussive, the flavor is electrifying. The backdrop is lush and warm, while the sound palette is decadent – rich and sweet to the nth degree. Beyond the instrumental treasures, Jordan proves to be a vocal treasure. The breathiness of her sound is appealing to the ears and incredibly sexy. Her upper register is sweet too. The melodies are tuneful, giving Jordan ample fuel for her fire. The lyrics are none too shabby, as the memorable chorus confirms. Even beyond the chorus, the likes of “No defenses, satisfaction / Stopped your heart, just to get a reaction” put a smile on your face. Ultimately, my man KAYTRANADA is the stuff – a star, a star, a star! Once again, the DJ/music producers puts his foot – actually, both feet – into a song. “Lover/Friend” = #WINNING.

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: December 2023

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5. Patti LaBelle, “You Are My Friend”

Patti LaBelle // Epic // 1977

“You are my friend / I never knew it ‘til then / My friend, my friend.” Word. The great Patti LaBelle ‘brings the heat’ on the ‘friendly’ “You Are My Friend”. “You Are My Friend” is the fifth track on her 1977 album, Patti LaBelle. LaBelle, James Budd Ellison, and L. Armstead Edwards penned the classic. David Rubinson & Friends, Inc. produced the cut. While “You Are My Friend” didn’t impact the pop charts, it performed modestly on the R&B charts (no. 61). LaBelle sings angelically. Her voice is anointed! Her performance is dynamic, expressive, and nuanced. She brings the tuneful melodies to life superbly. Her ad-libs and high-flying vocals are everything, specifically on the bridge where the choir sings, “I’ve been looking around, and you were here all the time…” The lyrics aren’t complicated but solidly convey ‘friendship’ – a special relationship. “You hold my hand, you might not say a word,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “But I see your tears when I show my pain.” Powerful. In the second, LaBelle asserts, “Your love has made me realize / My future looks bright to me all because…” – yup, you guessed it – “You are my friend!” Besides top-notch vocals and thoughtful lyricism, the instrumental accompaniment is marvelous. We’d expect nothing but the crème de la crème supporting a Philly gal like Patti! “You Are My Friend” is epic!

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6. Benson Boone, “Friend”

Fireworks & Rollerblades // Night Street / Warner // 2024

“Only so much weight my back could take, I’m sinkin’ like a stone / … I could use someone to help me pick up the pieces that remain.” A friend! That is what the handsome, often shirtless (and ripped) Benson Boone needs! “Friend” is the penultimate track from the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s 2024, platinum-certified debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades – it’s giving “Beautiful Things” y’all! Boone penned “Friend” alongside Michael Matosic, Jack LaFrantz, and producers Jon Levine and Dan Farber.

“Friend” begins as a ballad, where Boone excels. And by ‘excel,’ Bensons delivers big, nuanced vocals. He brings the gorgeous melodies alive with his powerful instrument. After about a minute in, the tide turns. The tempo picks up, and rhythmic drums anchor this friend-needing song. Besides Boone’s alluring lead vocals, layers of background vocals help keep the song energetic and engaging. “Would you take my call / When my head’s against the wall?” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “And would you sit me down and hear me out? / Would you call me beautiful?” I’ll gladly call you beautiful Benson if it is any consolation . Anyways, the big moment comes by way of the chorus, where a friend is vital to encourage Boone when things get tough, particularly from a mental health perspective.

“I’m so close to the edge

And I need a friend, yeah, I need a friend

Somebody when the world starts cavin’ in

I need a hand, yeah, I need a friend

I’m tryin’ to remember what it’s like

To be young and alive

I’m so close to the edge

And I need a friend, I need a friend.”

All of us need a friend, a confidante, and a shoulder to lean on. Benson Boone sings authentically and beautifully on the relatable, uplifting “Friend”.

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Appears in :  

Benson Boone, Friend: Music Lifts 1 (2025)

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7. Landon Barker, “Friends With Your EX”

“Friends With Your EX” // DTA / Elektra // 2023

In 2023, Gen-Z influencer Landon Barker, the son of Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler, dipped his toes into the music biz with his brief, two-minute debut single, “Friends With Your EX”. His father, Travis, contributed as a writer and producer. In addition to Landon and Travis, Jaden Pullaro, Dark Waves, and noahmadethiss penned “Friends With Your EX.” Travis, Dark Waves, and noahmadethiss produce. “Friends” features pop-punk vibes. Landon offers up respectable singing. The record gets off to an abrupt start with the intro previewing the chorus, which arrives later in full. The chorus is gargantuan – predictable! It’s filled with guitars and pummeling drumming. Notably, “Friends” is tuneful throughout, with the chorus earning top honors in the melodic department:

“I was friends with your ex

You were with him when we met

Guess he hasn’t found out yet

But I know he’s gonna kill me when he sees me with you

You’re a dream in my head

Now I’m sleeping in your bed

He’ll be wishing I was dead

But I know he’s gonna kill me when he sees me with you.”

Ultimately, “Friends With Your EX” is an enjoyable and pleasant introduction of Landon Barker to the world.

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8. The Chainsmokers, “Summertime Friends”

Summertime Friends // Secondhand Happiness, Inc. / Disruptor // 2023

“In the back of the bar / You’re talking to me with the lights on,” Andrew Taggart (often Drew Taggart) sings abruptly, but energetically in the first verse of “Summertime Friends”. The vocalist for the Grammy-winning collective, The Chainsmokers – Taggart and Alex Pall – cites this brief song as the story of how he met his girlfriend ️. The sentiment is sweet as love is a wonderful thing, especially if you’re like Taggart and thought for sure she was out of his league. “You told me love don’t exist,” he continues, “And if it does, it doesn’t last long.” Regarding the sound, “Summertime Friends” leans more pop/rock than dance per se. The vocals, however, sound idiomatic of the dance genre, with the respective effects/production surrounding them. There have been times when Taggart’s pipes have been criticized. He sounds okay here. By the chorus, “Summertime Friends” embraces dance more, with an expanded palette of sounds and a simplistic, repetitive chorus. The key lyric that Taggart sings: “It doesn’t matter where you are.” WOO! All told, this Pall, Taggart, and Scott Harris penned joint is respectable and readymade for summer.

Appears in :  

15 Splendid Summer Songs (2024)

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9. Bryce Bowyn, “Boyfriend for the Night”

“Boyfriend for the Night” // Bryce Bowyn // 2020

“You’re looking real good / Think you’re my remedy / Tonight.” On “Boyfriend for the Night”, D.C.-based electropop singer Bryce Bowyn (Bryce Sulecki) has found ‘him,’ if only temporarily. The boy seems to check off all the boxes. Even if he didn’t, Bowyn admits, “I’m trying to get over my own misery.” Bowyn penned this infectious, sexy queer bop while Zach Benson produced it. The sound and vibe are everything: big, bright drums and a 1980s aesthetic with detuned synths. The instrumental is sweet, but it is Bowyn who ‘steals the show.’ He sings expressively, bringing ample personality to the table. He wants this boy, and who can blame him?! The melodies are tuneful, accentuating the yearning Bryce has. “So, baby, let’s ride / On the back of your bike / We’ll go so fast we’ll forget our past / Tonight.” In other words, the sex they’ll have will be so electric that nothing else matters. Bowyn acknowledges their fun will be for naught come tomorrow via the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Baby be my boyfriend for the night

We can fall in love on your motorbike

By tomorrow we’ll be strangers again

But for now, baby let’s pretend

(Let’s pretend)

We’re meant to be together for life

Baby be my boyfriend for the night.”

Monogamy can be difficult to come by, particularly in the gay community. Bowyn wants more than the fun of one night, but, he understands ‘how it goes.’ His romance may be temporary, but the excellence of “Boyfriend for the Night” lasts longer than an evening rendezvous.

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10. Morgan Wallen, “Whiskey Friends”

One Thing At A Time // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2023

“Yeah, I’m always down for two beers / That ain’t nothin’ new here.” Facts, Morgan Wallen. Country music without beer? That would be a travesty! However, instead of drinking beer tonight, he indulges into whiskey on “Whiskey Friends.” Wallen penned “Whiskey Friends,” the 12^th track from his 2023 album, One Thing At A Time, with Charlie Handsome, Josh Thompson, ERNEST, Hoskins, and Ashley Gorley. Joey Moi produced it. In the second verse, there is a reason why the whiskey is coming out. Wallen is trying to get over her – the relationship is done! Making matters worse, Wallen admits, “I dug myself into a hole in a wall now I gotta drink my way out.” Damn, bro! The most memorable section, the crème de la crème, is the chorus. “She ain’t the only thing I’m puttin’ on ice,” he sings during the chorus, adding, “It’s just me, Jack and Jim / Won’t you play a little Whitley for me and my whiskey friends?” Woo! Wallen sings beautifully, bringing ample twang and expression to this ‘drowning my sorrows’ cut. The musical accompaniment is idiomatic of country, with some sweet, ear-catching guitar and bass riffs. The melodies are memorable, particularly the whiskey-tinged chorus.

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11. LAUNDRY DAY, “FRIENDS”

HOMESICK // Polo and Fomo, LLC // 2019

“Remember being that kid on the first day / That always hated that it was the first day.” Word, Jude Lipkin. Oh, the memories! The LAUNDRY DAY singer continues, “But that’s the day that we met / And it’s kinda crazy how quickly we made amends.” “FRIENDS” is the closing cut on the pop/rock band’s third album, HOMESICK, released in 2019. LAUNDRY DAY and Romil Hemnani, known for his production work with the now defunct BROCKHAMPTON, produced it. On “FRIENDS,” there seems to be plenty of reminiscences. Also, former close friends fall out of favor with one another in some regard yet restore their friendship, at least to some degree. “Guess we ran out of songs / Boy, I haven’t seen you in a bit,” Lipkin sings in one of the choruses. He also proclaims, “We gon’ be alright,” (with assistance from Sawyer Nunes), adding, “Name a time and place we’ll be fine.” There is plenty to dig about “FRIENDS.” The track, set in a major key, features colorful production, including bright keys, synths, and strings. Towards the end, the drums anchor with a sickening groove, upping the ante. Lipkin sings radiantly, bringing the tuneful melodies to life. “FRIENDS” provides a fitting coda for HOMESICK.

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12. Andrew Gold, “Thank You for Being a Friend”

All This and Heaven Too // Elektra / Asylum // 1978

“Thank you for being a friend / Traveled down the road and back again / Your heart is true / You’re a pal and a confidante.” Ooh-wee Andrew Gold (1951 – 2011)! The late soft rock musician delivered a gem with the friendly, thankful, and infectious “Thank You for Being a Friend”. “Thank You for Being a Friend” is the sixth track from his 1978 album, All This and Heaven Too. Famously, it was used as the theme song for the iconic television series, The Golden Girls, sung by Cynthia Fee. “Thank You for Being a Friend,” written and produced by Gold, was one of two top 40 hits (it peaked at no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100).

What makes “Thank You for Being a Friend” the sugar honey iced tea? It’s a well-rounded song that gets a memorable, well-rounded performance. Andrew Gold sounds exceptional from the onset, showing off his marvelous voice. Beyond his instrument, the melodies he sings are memorable – tuneful to the nth degree. The songwriting, particularly the lyrics, are unforgettable and speak to the authenticity of a legitimate friendship:

“And if you threw a party

Invited everyone you knew

You would see

The biggest gift would be from me

And the card attached would say

‘Thank you for being a friend.’”

Adding to the excellence is the musical accompaniment. The production is bright, joyful, and perfectly supports the friendship that Gold sings about. Early on, the keys play a crucial role in establishing a rhythmic foundation. Soon enough, the full rhythm section enters the mix, providing a sound anchor for Gold. Gold plays keys and percussion, joined by Waddy Wachtel (guitar), Kenny Edwards (bass), and Jeff Porcaro (drums). Gold, Edwards, and Brock Walsh are the background vocalists, adding colorful harmonies to this timeless cut. “Thank You for Being a Friend” will never not rock !

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13. The Staple Singers, “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”

Be What You Are // Stax / Fantasy, Inc. // 1973

“Can you feel it in your bones?” That’s what the legendary Mavis Staples and The Staple Singers sing on “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”. She continues, “Oh, a change is comin’ on / From every walk of life / People are seeing the light.” Amen ! “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)” is the fourth track from the Chicago soul/gospel collective’s 1973 album, Be What You Are. “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)” gave the Rock and Roll / Gospel Music Hall of Famers another top 40 hit, peaking at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The groovy classic was written by Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson, and Carl Hampton. Al Bell produced.

“Can’t you feel it in your heart now? / A new thing is taking shape / Reach out, touch a hand / Yo, make a friend if you can.” Ooh wee! The musical accompaniment is everything when it comes to “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend).” It is lushly arranged featuring sophisticated orchestral touches (winds and strings). As expected, the rhythm section is tight – ‘in the pocket.’ Do you know what else is ‘everything?’ The vocals! Mavis Staples sounds top-notch on lead. Meanwhile, the harmonized background vocals by The Staple Singers are elite. “Touch” thrives thanks to tuneful melodies, particularly the feel-good, uplifting chorus:

“Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can.”

The songwriting is thoughtful and positive – it’s all good vibes with “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend).” “Every day folk are waking up / To the need for one another / We’re on our way / Making the world a better place.” Sadly, more than 50 years after the release of the awesome “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”, we still have a long, long way to go. We need to heed the words of this classic more than ever!

Appears in :

The Staple Singers, Touch a Hand (Make a Friend): Throwback Vibez 165 (2024)

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13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Asylum, Big Loud, Bryce Bowyn, Disruptor, DTA, Elektra, Epic, Far Out Productions, Inc, Hot Girl Productions LLC, KAYTRANADA, Mercury, Night Street, Polo and Fomo, LLC, RCA, Republic, Rhino Entertainment Company, Secondhand Happiness, Inc., Stax, Fantasy, Inc., Warner; Cedric Fauntleroy, Gustavo Fring, Kampus Production, Pavel Danilyuk, William Fortunato from Pexels; AcatXlo from Pixabay]

13 More Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on January 29, 2025January 29, 2025