I’ve probably said it millions of time, but where would we be without friends? If you’re looking to let your girls know how much they are appreciated outside of their birthdays and Christmas, but you’re not good with words, the following songs will go a long way. Granted, no one makes mix CDs for people like they used to, to leave on their desks or in their dorms or lockers, but feel free to post any of these 10 best buddy bangers on the Facebook walls of those you can count on most. What? Who isn’t on Facebook in this day and age?
“Count on Me” by Whitney Houston feat CeCe Winans
The ultimate happy ending song for the ultimate black girlfriend film, Waiting to Exhale (remember New Years on the beach?), “Count on Me” is a song meant for that best best friend. Not the wishy washy one you barely hear from. And with these two vocal powerhouses laying it down on the track, it’s not one of those ballads you’ll have trouble making it through more than once (sorry, but “Wind Beneath My Wings” is TOO much for me). It’s beautiful and reassuring, meant to be sung out of tune between besties. Now all you have to do is fight to see who’ll do Whitney’s part…
“Best Friend” by Aaliyah feat Missy Elliott
This one is for the “tell it like it is” friend. The one that wont sugarcoat a thing, and wants you to get your ish together at all times. Think the Janet Jackson friend to Regina King in Poetic Justice. You always leave your conversations with them irritated, cause everyone just wants to whine sometimes. But that bestie is a true BFF because they’re forever looking out for your best interests. The lyrics of this song speak to that, and with a head-bobbing Timbaland beat in the back, and Missy and Baby Girl on the vocals, it all comes together.
“Friends” by Whodini
How could I leave this off, right? Well, I almost did because this song has its random moments. But it makes a lot of sense in helping you figure out who are your real friends, who are the leeches and backstabbers, and who is no good and needs to be deleted from your contacts list. This is one of those on the drive home tracks to make you think, ponder…and pop lock. I mean c’mon, this is the ultimate pop lock and robot song ya’ll, do you hear that beat? *Proceeds to pass a right handed pop lock to no one*
“What About Your Friends” by TLC
For the friends who love to wear condoms on their eyes and bring back the early ‘90s on a Saturday night in, this is your jam. The ultimate ringtone for your doting bestie(s) and also a lesson on what a true friend is. Make this the ringtone for your closets buds you can count on, and TLC’s other hit, “Silly H@” for the wannabes that you can’t.
“Girl” by Destiny’s Child
I hated this video, playing off the “Sex and the City” theme just didn’t work for me with one girl missing. But it’s all about the song, and this one was a good one. A song for the consoling girlfriends in your life, you know, the one’s who continuously ask you, ‘are you sure you’re okay’ whether you feel like talking or not, it’s like a modern day woman’s version of “Lean on Me,” with an ode to the Good Burger track “Were All Dudes” track on the side (I’m a dude, she’s a dude, and we’re all dudes!”). But anywho, dedicate it to the friend with the best listening ear, or the friend with all the problems that could use a good one.
“Best Friend” by Brandy
Who doesn’t enjoy some old, old school Brandy from time to time? And this one is a must for a good friend you couldn’t imagine life without. Your lifeline, your partner in crime, your home girl, the meaning of Ace boon coon (ignore the last part though). I often think sentimental songs with a faster beat and a dope chorus are the best kinds, and that’s why this little diddy works.
“That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick and Friends
Any song with Stevie on harmonica is a blessing, but this song itself is a great dedication for the blessing in your life. Like Dionne and “friends” say, “For good times and bad times, that’s what friends are for.” Think how wack this track would have been if instead they said, “When it’s convenient, or never, that’s what are friends are for.” Because that’s not what friends are for, right? With all the talent on this one, this ensemble track is very necessary for the consistent homie in your corner.
“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Scrap all the remakes, the original Bill Withers classic is just what the doctor ordered on a bad day. Almost as important as having a friend to gab to on the phone on that same terrible day. He might say “Call on me brother,” but “Lean on Me” transcends to all genders and people in general, cause “We all need, somebody, to lean on.” And if you say you don’t Mr. Withers will change your mind.
“I’m Your Friend” by Bobby Brown feat Debra Winans
Before Karrine “Superhead” Steffans proved herself not to be a good friend to Bobby Brown (see her talking smack about him sleeping on her couch while he was asleep on the couch), Bobby made this lighthearted track about the benefits of a true friendship with Debra Winans. The Winans sure are good for songs about friendship huh? It’s all about being there, and shows off the insane vocal talents of both Bobby (in his prime) and Debra. It also helps that there’s some good strings that send a great vibe.
“Anytime You Need a Friend” by Mariah Carey
Upcoming Mama Mariah has been and probably will always be the go to person for a heartfelt ballad. Don’t believe so? Check out “Anytime You Need a Friend.” Backed by a choir with some formidable pipes themselves, Carey reminds the listener that with good friends you’re never alone. Aint that the truth.
