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“25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them” features songs by The Carters, dvsn, FINNEAS, Jeremy Zucker & Melanie Martinez.

Merriam-Webster defines a friend (plural: friends) as “one attached to another by affection or esteem” or simply, “acquaintance.” Numerous times on The Musical Hype, there have been playlists built around the topic of friendship. Some prime examples? 10 Songs About Friends, Enemies & Rivals, 12 Friends & Strangers Songs, and most recently, 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs. So, with so much friendship that’s already went down, what’s the need for more? Well, by our estimations, you can never have enough friendship, so, we present 25 SONGS THAT CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP… WELL, SOME OF THEM.

25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them captures some of the ‘greatest hits’ from the aforementioned lists and adds to it. It’s not every day that a 25-song list is published after all. This is no definitive list, obviously, but there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. 25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them features musical selections courtesy of The Carters, dvsn, FINNEAS, Jeremy Zucker, and Melanie Martinez among many others. Without further ado, embrace the FRIENDSHIP!

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1. Jeremy Zucker, “Not Ur Friend”

Love is not dying • Republic • 2020

We commence this gigantic friendship playlist with a song that’s totally NOT about friendship – how appropriate! The song is definitely worth the time – “Not Ur Friend”, which appears on Love is not dying, the debut album by pop artist Jeremy Zucker. According to Zucker, per The Prelude Press, “not ur friend” is “…really just a fun, matter of fact song about cutting a toxic person out of your life.”

The ‘matter of fact’ part of “not ur friend” shows up explicitly on the centerpiece of the record, the chorus:

“Hang up if you ever think of calling
Me up, not afraid to say it, darling
Sorry, I’m not sorry if it hurts
I don’t mean to make it worse
I’ve decided that I’m not your fucking friend.”

Man, does that f-bomb have some power or what! While that’s not the only moment where Zucker has a case of the potty mouth, he’s honest about his feelings. After encouraging his ex to celebrate her birthday, he asserts, “I’ll be / On my way to distant shores / If you weren’t so insecure / You’d learn to close each open door for me…” His honesty continues on the second verse and pre-chorus (“Darling, watch me disappear / Ignorance is bliss, I hear, and / I have always been sincere to you”), ultimately continuing to build up to the fact that he’s “NOT YOUR FUCKING FRIEND.” Mood and lyrics really carry “not ur friend.”

2. Spencer Barnett, “Best Friend”

I’m Fine (EP) • Chateau Barnett • 2020

Cultured Mag definitely seem to have an accurate take on Spencer Barnett – he is indeed “one to watch.” Following his debut EP, Reckless (2019), and approaching his 20^th year on Earth, Barnett releases his second EP and first of the new decade, I’m Fine. This six-song, 16-minute-long effort certainly shows off his potential.

“Best Friend,” the opener, is an instant bop, thanks to the old-school soul cues. The soulful backdrop is initially merely an intro, that shifts to a guitar-based sound accompanying Barnett’s expressive, nuanced vocals. Producers Hoskins & The 23^rd and Denis Kosiak definitely deserve a shout out. Soul and pop/rock merge together beautifully on the chorus, where he sings:

“I’m my own worst enemy
I’m my own best friend
I won’t say I’mma be the death of me
Until then I’mma ride to the end.”

With the rhythmic nature of some of the melodic lines, as well as sneaking in a f-bomb (two actually), Barnett also bring some hip-hop swagger to the mix. “Best Friend” previously appeared on: Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020, 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs, and 15 Colorful Songs, Approximately Two Minutes or Less.

3.King Princess, “Best Friend”

Cheap Queen (Deluxe) • Zelig • 2020

“Oh, you know I know that feeling / Oh, you wish that you chose me / So, I’m gon’ be cold / So, I’m gon’ be cold.” Ah, friendship and matters of the heart – both brilliant, relatable topics for any song! King Princess (Mikaela Straus) issued the deluxe edition of her 2019 debut album, Cheap Queen, on Valentine’s Day 2020. She added the ballad at hand, “Best Friend,” which is co-written by Straus and Nick Long, and produced by King Princess, Mark Ronson, and Mike Malchicoff.

On “Best Friend,” it seems as if King Princess’ ‘best friend’ chose a man (or perhaps men) over her essentially. “Call me after two years and then / Cry about your bad luck with men,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “And ask me how the fuck have I been…” The extra punch with the f-bomb confirms their ties ran deeper than merely being best friends. By the way, just in case you weren’t aware, Straus is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community (check out “Pussy is God”). On the second verse, she comes right out about the state of their relationship: “You told me I was made for your love / But every time I need you, you pass… / And everything you do just reminds me / Of how you couldn’t stand by my side.”

The chorus, which commences this blurb, sums up Straus’ bitterness. She’s a lover scorned, and hearing from her ‘best friend’ only reignites the pain. “Now you wanna be my best friend,” she sings on the outro, adding, “It’s not my fault, not my fault you need me / And I’ve picked up, I’ve picked up my pieces.” “Best Friend” is one of many of these friendship-oriented songs that appeared on the playlist, 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs.

4. G-Eazy, “Still Be Friends”

Ft. Tory Lanez & Tyga

“Still Be Friends” • RCA • 2020

Sigh, the always confident G-Eazy enlisted Tory Lanez and Tyga for the enjoyable, sex-driven banger, “Still Be Friends”. Yep, the Bay Area rapper is definitely ‘feeling himself.’ And just so you get a better picture of the friendship, well, the cover art features a picture of a condom in the wrapper

Part of the 11 (!) co-writers for this ‘masterpiece’ are attributed to the interpolations in the mix. Foreign Teck and Tariq Beats gives G-Eazy and company a banging backdrop, perfect fuel for their unapologetic fire. After Foreign Teck makes the proclamation on the intro “Everything Foreign,” Tory Lanez drops the catchy, melodic chorus:

“I know you don’t do one-night stands
So, I’m the closest thing
Now can we fuck and still be friends, though?
And If you haven’t fucked a friend
I’d be the closest thing
So, can we fuck and still be friends, though?”

Wow. After revealing the cards via the chorus, G-Eazy is on autopilot, making it clear “She not my girlfriend though, we just friends” – friends that are ‘doing it’ of course. Tyga arrives on the second verse, bragging “I can pull any bitch, man it’s automatic,” adding more notches to his belt. After ‘doing work’ on the chorus, Troy Lanez drops a straight-up rap on the third verse, keeping it sexual: “When I kill the pussy, they gon’ arrest me / I be lookin’ at it like, ‘Don’t test me.’” Holy 💩!

“Still Be Friends” doesn’t change any lives – there’s no depth – but, hey, it’s enjoyable. Shallow, mind you, but enjoyable.

5. dvsn, “Friends”

Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR

A Muse in Her Feelings • OVO Sound / Warner • 2020

When you run a music site where you review music regularly, it’s easy for the backlog to become full. My backlog never empties as some albums may end up being listened to in full, yet, don’t get a full review. One of those albums that wasn’t reviewed was A Muse in Her Feelings by Canadian R&B duo, dvsn. “A Muse” received some love, but A Muse in Her Feelings found itself trapped in backlog land – cruel. But, to give dvsn a lift, there is a song encompassing friendship – “Friends.” Furthermore, there’s collaboration with fellow Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR.

The sleekly produced “Friends” arrives as the second track on A Muse in Her Feelings, following “No Good.” Idiomatic of contemporary R&B and specifically the Canadian R&B vibe, the record is sleekly produced by five-time Grammy nominee Noel Cadastre. So, what does that mean, ultimately? Well, it means Daniel Daley and PARTYNEXTDOOR have great inspiration to discuss friendship! Well, let’s just say, neither musician is listening to their friends. On the first verse, Daley informs us, “Friends tellin’ me I’m crazy / That I’m wasting time with you… / That’s not the way I see it.” Fair enough… Joined by PND on the chorus, they come to the conclusion, “Stop listenin’ to my friends / ‘Cause the way I see it, now you’re mine.”

Yeah, love will mess a friendship up in a minute – not that I would know! Anyways… PARTYNEXTDOOR picks it up on the second verse, making it clear that this girl is his and that his friends “Seem to always listen / To the bad things that you do.” Of course, those ‘bad things’ he’s not experiencing, so, guess what? “STOP LISTENIN’ TO MY FRIENDS!” FRIENDSHIP!!!

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6. Billie Eilish, “Bury a Friend”

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

“Step on the glass, staple your tongue / Bury a friend, try to wake up / Cannibal class, killing the son / Bury a friend, I wanna end me.” The majority of When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? could’ve ended up on the 51 Best Songs of 2019 like the song at hand, “Bury a Friend” does. Billie Eilish did serious work on that album, which won numerous Grammys including the highly coveted Album of the Year. As far as “Bury a Friend” goes, it’s a truly entertaining, haunting record that served as a superb advance single from the album.

The ‘alt’ is full throttle on the totally left-of-center joint from the jump. The kick drum dominant groove is unique, and has a haunting, enigmatic sensibility. That sensibility extends with the continual undertone of Eilish, who sounds quite nonchalant, as well as with the terrific, minimalist production work. The things that Eilish and her brother, Grammy-winning producer FINNEAS concoct, are one-of-a-kind; quite distinct. Speaking of FINNEAS…

7. FINNEAS, “I Lost a Friend”

Blood Harmony • OYOY • 2019

FINNEAS (Finneas O’Connell) gets the most accolades for producing his sister’s (Billie Eilish) breakthrough, debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?. He deserves such accolades for that project – the production was definitely innovative and Grammy-worthy. Still, as an artist in his own right, O’Connell deserves more credit. Case in point, “I Lost a Friend” from his 2019 EP, Blood Harmony.

“I lost a friend / Like keys in a sofa / Like a wallet in the backseat / Like ice in the summer heat / I lost a friend.” Lyrically, “I Lost a Friend” latches the first time you hear it. FINNEAS describes a fallout of a childhood friend from him past, and how much it has affected him to this day. This is best exemplified on the incredibly catchy chorus, where O’Connell sounds absolutely marvelous vocally:

“I lost my mind, and nobody believes me
Say, ‘I know that he don’t need me
‘Cause he made a little too much money to be twenty and sad’
And I’ll be fine without him
But all I do is write about him
How the hell did I lose a friend I never had?
Never had.”

Adding to the allure of the lyrics is the production, which is, well, FINNEAS’ ‘ace in the hole.’ Like his work for others, he crafts a stellar musical backdrop, which perfectly suits his voice. “I Lost a Friend” is a certified bop in its own right. It’s previously appeared on the playlists 11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost and Weekly Gems No. 1.

8. DaBaby, “Best Friend”

Ft. Rich the Kid

Baby on Baby • Interscope • 2019

DaBaby has a knack for infectious bangers – understatement (“Suge” is LIT). That said, the friendship-oriented “Best Friend,” produced by SethInTheKitchen, does quite ascend to the same heights as the ace-in-the-hole from Baby on Baby. Still, it packs a punch. Is DaBaby transcendent? Hell no – that’s not what we associate with the rapper in the least. He is definitely confident though.

“I fucked her once and I had her again / And my shit so hard when I freestyle / I don’t need to havin’ a pen,” he brags on the first verse. For good measure, he adds, “I know that little ho, that’s your main / I’m a fuck her and run up her mileage…” Asshole move, but I suppose DaBaby does what and whoever he wants to. After another frank verse, featured guest Rich the Kid arrives for the third verse. As expected, he’s drippy AF:

“Your n***a got riches, I cut the coupe
My neck so sick I need some soup
My bitch, she rich, get money, too…”

So, where exactly does the ‘best friend’ component come in? That would be the DaBaby chorus:

“And I just got a DM from your best friend
And you mad, I know, yeah, you mad, I know yeah.”

“Best Friend” fittingly graced the playlist, 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs.

9. Tyler, the Creator, “Are We Still Friends”

IGOR • Columbia • 2019

Tyler, the Creator has come a long way – understatement. His career has been filled with controversy, including ample examples of homophobia. However, beginning with his album Flower Boy, he began to open up about his own sexuality. That continues on the most ambitious and unexpected album of his career, the Grammy-winning IGOR. No, Tyler still never comes right out and says what everybody is thinking about him sexually, but undoubtedly sexuality plays a pivotal role in this relationship and romance-driven, non-traditional album. After first appearing on 13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions, we reprise the closing cut on this friendship-driven affair, “Are We Still Friends?”

Question(s): “Are we still friends? Can we be friends?” To reiterate, “Are We Still Friends?” concludes IGOR soulfully and radiantly. “Are We Still Friends?” samples the Memphis soul of Al Green (“Dream”). This feels like a natural follow-up to “I Don’t Love You Anymore” (the preceding record) because it serves as resolution. Basically, Tyler wants to know is post-relationship if him and his ex- can remain friends (“If we can still see each other / Shake your hand, say hi…”). Interestingly, Pharrell Williams appears as does Jack White, who delivers an uncredited guitar solo.

10. Melanie Martinez, “Lunchbox Friends”

K-12 • Atlantic • 2019

Melanie Martinez was among the most compelling contestants on NBC’s vocal competition, The Voice. Where The Voice hasn’t exactly catapulted many of its alumni into big-time success, Martinez has achieved her fair share of success. Quite a quirky, alternative individual, it paid dividends on her 2015 major label debut, Cry Baby. Four years later, she returned with another distinct, conceptual affair with her ‘school-centric’ sophomore album, K-12. Cry Baby, the central character on Cry Baby, returned on K-12, which is notably accompanied by a 90+ minute film. “Lunchbox Friends” certainly qualifies for inclusion on this friendship themed list.

“After lunch, we can walk to class / Talk about the boys that we want to smash / Talk about ways to get a little more cash / After that I’ll ignore your ass…” As evidenced by the aforementioned lyrics, on “Lunchbox Friends,” Martinez seems to clarify the definition of legitimate friendship as opposed to “lunchbox friends.” On the chorus, she sings:

“I don’t want no lunchbox friends, no
I want someone who understands, oh, no
Come to my house, let’s die together
Friendship that will last forever, no
No lunchbox friends, no, no
No lunchbox friends
Come to my house, let’s die together
Friendship that will last forever, no.”

Worth noting, the record uses some pitch shifting, specifically on the chorus. Sigh, it certainly keeps things modern. Furthermore, “Lunchbox Friends” remains true to the school-oriented lyrics and themes of K-12.

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11. Sofi Tukker, “Best Friend”

Ft. NERVO, The Knocks & ALISA UENO

Treehouse • Ultra • 2018

It’s all good for dance duo Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) on “Best Friend”, among the best songs of 2017. Released in advance of their 2018, Grammy-nominated album, Treehouse, “Best Friend” features great production, solid vocals (gimmicky and natural), and catchy songwriting.

“Best Friend” commences with a bang. The friendship begins with an abrupt intro (the eventual chorus), backed by a sick percussion groove.

“I think that I’ll keep loving you, way past 65
We made a language for us two, we don’t need to describe
Every time you call on me, I drop what I do
You are my best friend and we’ve got some shit to shoot.”

It’s followed by a more aggressive instrumental, with biting horns leading the charge. The groove intensifies, setting up the infectious pre-chorus, performed by The Knocks (“Yo, you wanna meet me at the bar?). In addition to The Knocks, NERVO and Alisa Ueno get in on the infectious, groovy action.

12. The Carters, “Friends”

Everything is Love • Columbia • 2018

In 2018, many fans of Beyoncé and Jay-Z got something that they’d been long waiting for years – a joint album. Everything is Love performed respectably on the charts, but it didn’t end up being an effort that could be considered transcendent, or an extraordinary success on the Billboard 200. Regardless, Everything is Love yields a song that fits the parameters of this friendship-themed compendium: “Friends.”

“My friends, real friends, better than your friends
That’s how we keep poppin’ out that Benz, yeah
No foes, real friends, we ain’t even got to pretend, yeah
Get bands, get bands, spend it all on my friends.”

In the context of Everything is Love, “Friends” wasn’t listed among my gems when reviewing the album. Still, when you examine the album, it’s tough to outperform “SUMMER,” “APES**T”, or “NICE” – just saying. Regardless, Beyoncé dominates this enjoyable, near-six-minute-long, sleekly produced joint, which features production from The Carters, Boi-1da, Jahann Sweet, NAV, Sevn Thomas, and Fred Ball. It starts with the aforementioned chorus, which receives a variation later in the track. Then we get a number of sections from Bey, including a repetitive refrain (“Gon’ pull me up, pull me up…”), the chorus again, and the first verse. That verse is all about her crew: “My friends are goals, your friends are foes.” She later continues her domination with a third verse, which notably references 4:44, a second chorus, and an outro.

So, Beyoncé dominates. Where’s Jay-Z? He gets an extended second verse – no worries. Sticking with the theme, Hov drops lyrics including “I’m pullin’ up on my dog, make sure he okay, I don’t even have time” and “Tight circle, no squares, I’m geometrically opposed to you.” Maybe more intriguing is the reference to Meek Mill: “When I say, ‘Free the dogs,’ I free ‘em, that’s how Meek got his freedom.” “WHOOMP! (THERE IT IS)”!

13. Camila Cabello, “Real Friends”

Camila • Epic • 2018

“Real Friends” has appeared on multiple friendship-oriented lists – 10 Songs About Friends, Enemies & Rivals and 12 Friends & Strangers Songs. Sigh, we can safely say that the friendship is LIT! The 2017 single eventually arrived as the seventh track from Camila, the 2018 debut album from Camila Cabello. Cabello certainly warmed up winter 2018 with Camila, earning two Grammy nominations. Enough background though – must focus on just how ‘real’ this friendship is!

“I’m just lookin’ for some real friends / All they ever do is let me down / Every time I let somebody in / Then I find out what they’re all about.” Well, Camila, that would definitely qualify as a big-time bummer. On the chorus, the crowning achievement of “Real Friends,” she goes on to add:

“Wonder where they’re all hidin’ out
I’m just lookin’ for some real friends
Gotta get up out of this town…”

Ultimately, “Real Friends” is an enjoyable and thoughtful if low-key offering from Cabello. The production work is simple, with few frills (Frank Dukes). Despite the conservative backdrop, it’s both effective and fitting. Vocally, there’s more cooing than an overt, dramatic statement. Regardless, Cabello sounds beautiful and sincere. The message is strong, and vocal harmonization and subtle cues are more than enough to carry the record.

14. Rex Orange County, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”

Ft. Randy Newman

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” • Rex Orange County • 2018

Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected collaborations that truly pique your interest. I mean, who expected alternative singer/songwriter Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor) and veteran singer/songwriter Randy Newman to collaborate? No one. The pair duetted on The Toy Story classic – penned and originally performed by Newman – “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”.

According to a tweet by Rex, Newman not only allowed him to cover the song, but also agreed to sing with him. How cool is that? Now that’s FRIENDSHIP!

thank you @RandyNewman & @Spotify pic.twitter.com/I0rpyO4ipa

— rex orange county (@rexorangecounty) May 31, 2018

Rex Orange County and Randy Newman keep things incredibly simple on this duet – the backdrop is comprised solely of piano accompaniment, performed by Rex. Both musicians equally split the portions of the song, trading lines back and forward. Newman sounds gritty and seasoned, with his distinct set of pipes, while Rex sounds boyish and youthful – a great contrast. The only rub is minor – the two never sing together in unison. Regardless, it’s a pretty rad happening.

15. Rich the Kid, “Dead Friends”

The World is Yours • Interscope • 2018

Rich the Kid closes out his debut album, The World is Yours, with “Dead Friends”, which is fueled by rap beef. Supposedly, “Dead Friends” takes shots at Lil Uzi Vert. Interestingly, YouTuber helloyassine has an interesting video about Lil Uzi Vert, though The Dark Side of Lil Uzi Vert only mentions the Rich The Kid’s beef in passing – there were much bigger fish to fry.

The hook is ferocious; ice cold:

“You little n***as
My check bigger
Can’t flex, n***a
Can’t bet witcha
Teach you how to be a boss, top dropped off
Motherfuck the fame, I done came to the vault
All them dead friends
You a middleman
You a little man
Your money getting shorter
My bitch from ‘cross the water
Teach you how to count it, all about it, better boss up.”

Essentially, he plays the I’m better than you game, which features boasts involving money, but also references foreign girls, sigh. The second verse contains two particularly distinct moments. One references his wrist (“My wrist too cold with Moncler”), while the second seems most pertinent to Lil Uzi Vert (“Come to Rich forever, be a star”). “Dead Friends” previously appeared on the playlist, 12 Friends & Strangers Songs.

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16. FRITOGANG, “Best Friend”

Are You Even Listening? • FRITOGANG • 2018

“Said yo best friend said she wanna fuck wit me / Know that bitch vivacious, bitch keep me good company / Make that pussy whistle, got my dick glistening / Baby is you listening? cause you can get it too.” It’s a filthy hook, courtesy of FRITOGANG (Tonsoul specifically), but it’s quite effective on “Best Friend,” the fifth track off from the collective’s 2018 album, Are You Even Listening? The hook should definitely make it clear that sex is definitely a big deal on this particular ‘best friend’ song the fittingly reemerges on this friendship touting list.

“Best Friend” features stellar production work, in the contemporary R&B/hip-hop vein. Following the hook by Tonsoul, Spec Kay drops some bars on the first verse, filled with drama:

“Cause these bitches ‘ready know that I’m involved with a chick
I don’t wanna get lost in this shit, I guess that I’m calling it quits like.”

Mike Stone takes over on the second verse, continuing to focus on sex and “hoes wilding out.” What does he do? Well, he ‘lay(s) low,’ adding:

“And all my dogs man they slay hoes
So go shawty go, take your time, do it slow
But I can’t take you home, no I can’t take you home...
I don’t wanna make you mine, I just wanna get you off...”

Tonsoul gets his own verse, as well as an outro, on the second part of the song, which continues to focus on sex, ‘hoes,’ ‘bitches.’

“All my hoes a pot of gold, I’m balling bitch like finger roll
All my hoes nostalgic, exquisite, oh so elegant
...Fucked around now the whole crew caught feels
Fucked around and now the whole team wanna chill
I’ve been making money so these bitches wanna chill, right?
Well not too long ago, I’m like fuck these hoes.”

Yep, “Best Friend” in the hands of FRITOGANG is quite a musical listening experience…

17. Jason Mraz, “More Than Friends”

Ft. Meghan Trainor

Know. • Atlantic • 2018

“More Than Friends”, the third track from Know., the sixth studio album by Grammy-winner Jason Mraz, pairs him with a fellow Grammy-winner, Meghan Trainor. It marks the sole collaborative song on Know. The record commences with light accompaniment initially – rhythm guitar – before expanding to include drums, steel guitar, and piano. Overall, Mraz and Trainor exhibit excellent vocal blend and chemistry. The performance is lighthearted but also alluring and radiant.

Mraz sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus by himself. On the first verse, with friendship firmly planted, he’s ready to take things a step further. On the pre-chorus, he tells his potential lover, “Take it easy / ‘Cause it ain’t easy to say.” On the chorus, he expresses his feelings to become an item. Trainor, who sings the second verse, agrees that it’s time to take it seriously. Later, the post-chorus finds both asking to be each other’s significant other. All in all, it’s enjoyable and relatable, if a bit on the light, schmaltzy side.

18. Goldlink, “Got Friends”

“Got Friends” • RCA • 2018

So, let’s check off some boxes, shall we? A Grammy-nominated lead artist? GoldLink, check. A Grammy-winning featured artist? Miguel, check. An awesome production team? The Stereotypes, check. Put that all together, and you have the single, “Got Friends” which also checks off the friendship requirement as well!

“Got Friends” commences with a smooth chorus by performed by Miguel. It should come as no shock that the title serves a prominent role lyrically. It should also come as no surprise how he refers to his ‘women’ – it goes with the culture.

“She said…
All of my bitches got friends
...And they bad, they bad, so we good
...You don’t need to pick, nah
All of my bitches got friends.”

Hmm. “Look, I ain’t really gotta rap about it, I just talk about it ‘cause I live it now.” Okay then. GoldLink first appears on the first verse, rapping “‘bout this PYT” who is “Bad as fuck, ass fatter than a hammer truck ask her, prolly keep my hammer tucked.” He likes this girl who’s bad and ‘well-built,’ and naturally wants to ‘do it,’ not to mention adding a couple more to the act. But that’s where Miguel comes in again with the friendly chorus, followed by more situations from GoldLink, characterizing various women, and one he seems to like in particular. Sigh.

Basically, “Got Friends” is a song that’s all about “Girls Girls Girls” – nothing wrong with that, of course. Miguel and GoldLink perform well over the superb production work by The Stereotypes. The chorus is a draw even if the messaging is shallow. Miguel at least asks for participation on the outro: “If you and all your girls bad as fuck, put your hands up.” FRIENDSHIP?

19. Marshmello & Anne-Marie, “FRIENDS”

Speak Your Mind • Asylum • 2018

“Haven’t I made it obvious? / Haven’t I made it clear? / Want me to spell it out for you? / F-R-I-EN-D-S.” “FRIENDS” is set in a minor key but sounds exuberant regardless. And, you should note people, this has been dubbed *OFFICIAL FRIENDZONE ANTHEM*, apparently. As a producer, Marshmello is on-point. Even with the semi-dark vibe thanks to the minor key, the guitar conveys a sense of cool – ‘chill’ if you will. The first verse is relatively light, carried by guitar, while the drum programming arrives on the chorus. Naturally, the second verse is more robustly produced.

Of course, we sort of just jumped right into “FRIENDS” and failed to mention the lead artist, didn’t we? Although “FRIENDS” marks a joint effort, the song appears on Speak Your Mind, the 2018 debut album by English singer Anne-Marie. Since there are lyrics, and since lyrics are required to expound upon friendship, well, I’d say Anne-Marie’s role is pretty important. She

delivers unapologetic, feisty vocals. In regard to her musical personality, she’s chocked-full of attitude. We wouldn’t have it any other way, particularly when she gets a bit ‘salty’ (“Don’t mess it up, talking that shit / Only gonna push me away, that’s it”). Ultimately, the pair makes sweet music together. “FRIENDS” reappears after appearances on 10 Songs About Friends, Enemies & Rivals and 12 Friends & Strangers Songs.

20. Cøzybøy, “I swear this søng is abøut eating øut my best friend’s pussy”

Cøme Undøne • cøzy recørds • 2018

“I swear this søng is abøut eating øut my best friend’s pussy.” No, your eyes didn’t fail you – you read the song title correctly. This isn’t the only blunt song title that appears on cøme undøne, the 2018 album by self-described R&B/underground hip-hop/emo/indie/alternative artist, Cøzybøy. There’s also “I put her pussy øn a pedestal and that shit fucked me up” and “løving yøu is hard because yøu’ve ønly fucked with fuckbøys.” Wow… After originally appearing on 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs, it’s blunt title alone earned it a spot on this list!

The song at hand actually commences cøme undøne. The sound of the record is lush, the tempo is slow, and cøzybøy is, well quite expressive. The first part of the song isn’t nearly as explicit as you might expect from a title referencing cunnilingus of all things. That said, the third verse, and the following ‘breakdown’ section, is dirtier. “Try to fill my heart when I’m fuckin with a bitch but / I can’t find a way to escape the emptiness yuh,” he sings on the third verse, continuing, “Baby, my love, tell me it is enough.” The cunnilingus is specifically referenced on the breakdown:

“…Heavy are my eyes now
Falling with your sighs, girl
My head between your thighs
I’ll fuck you with my lungs now
Tryna find a hole
Wrap me up gold baby
Can you find my soul?
My chest is goin numb baby
Will you be my ho?”

Yeah, there’s just a lot of 💩 going down with ole boy on this record – that’s about all you can say about that…

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21. Owl City, “All My Friends”

Cinematic • Owl City • 2018

Not every song written about friends is a great friendship song. At the top, Jeremy Zucker made it clear that he was “NOT YOUR FUCKING FRIEND” – that’s not only strong language, but more importantly, strong words and emotions. On “All My Friends”, things don’t run that deep. Part of the reason is because it’s not a deep song. How ‘not deep’ is “All My Friends?” Well, it’s reprised from the utterly shameful The Worst Songs of 2017

Keeping it real, Owl City (Adam Young) should thank Jake Paul and Team 10 for making the worst song of 2017 by a mile (“It’s Everyday Bro”). Unfortunately, his own song, “All My Friends” came a very close second – TOTALLY NOT GOOD! “All My Friends” is nothing short of a hot, funky mess. It’s godawful. It sounds like country or pseudo-country, something that Owl City certainly hasn’t been associated with throughout his career (like, Adam, WTF?). To make things more confounding and off-putting, Young raps… Just let that sink in… Corny moments make this disaster even more disastrous, including iterations of words/phrases “awestruck,” “Aww shucks,” and the prolonged torture of “oh” drawn out. F#@$ing awful.

I know, I know, I’m probably not exhibiting friendship by talking 💩 about “All My Friends,” but day-um, this just wasn’t it…

22. Demi Lovato, “Ruin the Friendship”

Tell Me You Love Me • Hollywood / Island • 2017

So, not every song on this list is locked into a traditional view of friendship. I don’t know what’s wrong with people, but, to each his or her own. Demi Lovato certainly didn’t get the memo on “Ruin the Friendship,” which appears on her sixth studio album, Tell Me You Love Me (2017). Although “Ruin the Friendship” wasn’t a single from Tell Me You Love Me, it ranks among the very best songs regardless. And to be fair, Lovato’s ruination of the friendship isn’t malicious…

“Ruin the Friendship” is sexual, given the fact that Lovato wants to ‘get closer’ to put it mildly. That, my friends is where this friendship destroying comes into play!

“Your body’s looking good tonight
I’m thinking we should cross the line
Let’s ruin the friendship, let’s ruin the friendship.”

Hey, a lot of us are willing to ruin friendships if that is the reason why! Tasteful for the most part, Lovato doesn’t resist the f-bomb for extra emphasis on the second verse:

“Baby, you and I got history (History)
And we can’t deny our chemistry (Chemistry)
So why the fuck are we a mystery? (Mystery)
Let’s just go with the connection, give me your affection.”

23. Keyshia Cole, “Best Friend”

11:11 Reset • Epic • 2017

“Best Friend” was released as an advance single from 11:11 Reset, the seventh studio album by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Keyshia Cole. Another well-rounded affair from Cole, 11:11 Reset had its fair share of adversity. First of all, it came on the heels of the worst album of the singer’s career, Point of No Return (2014). Secondly, the promo campaign was quiet – lackadaisical at best. Regardless, “Best Friend” marked one of the elite moments from the album. Additionally, it fits the parameters of this playlist with its ‘best friend’ title.

In the context of 11:11 Reset, “Best Friend” builds off the excellence of “Incapable”, another advance single that precedes it on the track list. The production work is lush, firmly planted in the urban contemporary, adult contemporary R&B style. Slickly produced, it’s modern, yet possesses classic cues as well. This is clearly Cole’s lane. She delivers sensational vocals, coming up big on this ballad. In addition to her stellar lead, the harmonized backing vocals shine on the chorus.

“‘Cause I would be your best friend
Be there late at night when you’re walking in
Be there in morning when
(Be there when you) open your eyes
I’ll be by your side.”

Thematically, the subject matter is thoughtful. “Best Friend” is all about dedication within a relationship; monogamy. Cole asserts that she’ll be his best friend. Additionally, the bridge is ‘high-flying,’ further elevating the soulfulness and sincerity of the song. Cole delivers superb ad-libs on the final chorus. “Best Friend” previously graced 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs.

24. Chris Stapleton, “Friendship”

From a Room: Volume 2 • Mercury • 2017

“If you’re on the street, I’ll take your hand / If you’re hungry, I’ll give you food / If it’s money you need, I got some saved / If you’re sick, I’ll visit you.” Now that’s FRIENDSHIP! Chris Stapleton is a ‘boss’ in country music. Though it wasn’t as heralded as his first album of 2017, From a Room: Volume 2 confirmed why Stapleton is the face of traditional, outlaw country. The nine-track From a Room: Volume 2 is an incredibly consistent album, and amazingly, there are songs better than the record at hand, “Friendship.”

“We got friendship / The kind that last a lifetime / Through all the hardship / You know you’re a friend of mine…” Perhaps there are songs better than “Friendship” on the album but what better way to close an album? FRIENDSHIP is the modus operandi of this list after all!!! This easygoing, feel-good number is a stark contrast to “Death Row,” the moody closer for From a Room: Volume 1. The exuberance and fire of Stapleton is simply irresistible. It’s previously appeared on both 10 Songs About Friends, Enemies & Rivals and 12 Friends & Strangers Songs. Hey, can’t get enough of that FRIENDSHIP!!!

25. The Weeknd, “Tell Your Friends”

Beauty Behind the Madness • Republic • 2015

“I’m that n***a with the hair / Singin’ ‘bout poppin’ pills, fuckin’ bitches, livin’ life so trill.” Safe to say, The Weeknd doesn’t tend to sugarcoat anything – UNDERSTATEMENT. He certainly didn’t on his 2015 album, Beauty Behind the Madness, which would earn him the Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album (he also won Best R&B Performance for “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”). The song at hand, “Tell Your Friends” is blunt AF – straight to the point. The above-mentioned lyrics, excerpted from the chorus, make that abundantly clear.

Backtracking, on the first verse, The Weeknd asserts, “That money is the only thing I’m chasin’ / And some dope dimes on some coke lines.” Yeah, he’s been singing about drugs for a long, long time. He continues, in sexual fashion, singing, “Gimme head all night, cum four times.” The Weeknd and sexual subject matter? Also, no surprise. Again, he’s street-smart and brutally honest on this ‘tell-all’ urban contemporary gem. “Tell Your Friends” previously graced the playlist 13 Worthwhile, Incredibly Telling Songs.

25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them [Photo Credits: Asylum, Atlantic, Chateau Barnett, Columbia, cøzy recørds, Darkroom, Epic, FRITOGANG, Hollywood, Interscope, Island, Mercury, OVO Sound, Owl City, OYOY, RCA, Republic, Rex Orange County, Ultra, Warner, Zelig]

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25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on June 5, 2020June 5, 2020