Dionne & Friends, “That’s What Friends Are For” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 55^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friends. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 55^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “That’s What Friends Are For”, performed by 🎙 Dionne & Friends.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

Sometimes, the cover version of a song ends up being the definitive version. As I’ve composed many Head 2 Head columns, I’ve discovered this frequently. A prime example is 🎵 “That’s What Friends Are For”, composed by iconic songwriters 🎼 ✍ Burt Bacharach and 🎼 ✍ Carole Bayer Sager.  Originally, it was recorded by 🎙 Rod Stewart – shocking, right? 🤯 Stewart’s version, which eventually appeared on the expanded version 💿 Body Wishes (1983), predated the 🎙 Dionne & Friends edition by three years! No disrespect to Rod, but the best and most successful rendition of the song is performed by 🎙 Dionne Warwick, 🎙 Elton John, 🎙 Gladys Knight, and 🎙 Stevie Wonder.

The aforementioned quartet took “That’s What Friends Are For” to no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. Of course, they did – you saw who the four friends were, right? Just the addition of Stevie Wonder’s harmonica is enough to declare this 🏆 Grammy-winning performance as the definitive take.  The record appears on Warwick’s album, Friends, and fittingly, she takes the reins first in the first verse.  Her voice is easygoing – pleasant and radiant. Elton John joins her for the final lyric, duetting with her on select lines in the beloved, friendly chorus!

“Keep smiling, keep shining

Knowing you can always count on me for sure

That’s what friends are for

In good times, in bad times

I’ll be on your side forevermore

Oh, that’s what friends are for.”

Stevie Wonder arrives in the second verse, showing off one of the most impressive vocals music has ever known.  He brings more grit than Dionne and is joined by Elton John in the second half. These two have remarkable chemistry, something that made their reunion on 🎵 “Finish Line” (2021) from 💿 The Lockdown Sessions so special.  During the chorus, it’s all Stevie, who sets up an equally powerful chorus by Gladys Knight.  That rich alto has rarely been matched – no cap.  Finally, Elton John gets his biggest moments, showing off his own soulful, unrivaled vocals on the final chorus, with the return of Dionne and the rest of the friends.

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Final Thoughts 💭

Honestly, as I finish writing about this pop/R&B classic, I’m still mind-blown that this was Rod Stewart’s song.  Ultimately, the universe aligned, and 🎙 Dionne Warwick, 🎙 Elton John, 🎙 Gladys Knight, and 🎙 Stevie Wonder did this feel-good, thoughtful classic justice.

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🎙 Dionne Warwick • 💿 Platinum & Gold Collection • 🏷 Sony Legacy • 🗓 2003

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Dionne & Friends, “That’s What Friends Are For”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 55 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, Sony Legacy]

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