In the 55th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne & Friends.
T
he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback VibezTheme & 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.
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.
Dionne Warwick •
Platinum & Gold Collection •
Sony Legacy •
2003
Dionne & Friends, “That’s What Friends Are For”: Throwback Vibez
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No. 55 (2022) [
: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay, Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, The Musical Hype, Sony Legacy]