Songs for your best friend

You've Got a Friend — James Taylor, 1971

Gentle and plain-spoken. The one to send after a rough week, with no explanation needed.

Lean on Me — Bill Withers, 1972

A promise more than a song. Good for the friend who never asks for help and should.

With a Little Help from My Friends — The Beatles, 1967

Short, warm and a little silly. Works at the start of a party or a video.

Stand by Me — Ben E. King, 1961

For the friend who has been there since before either of you had a clue.

Count on Me — Bruno Mars, 2010

Ukulele, easy chorus, no drama. Nice for a younger friendship or a group chat.

Thank You for Being a Friend — Andrew Gold, 1978

Yes, the Golden Girls one. Perfect for a friendship that will still be going at eighty.

I'll Be There for You — The Rembrandts, 1995

The Friends theme. Expect clapping on cue from anyone who grew up in the nineties.

You've Got a Friend in Me — Randy Newman, 1995

From Toy Story. Sweet without trying too hard, and funny if you play it straight-faced.

You're My Best Friend — Queen, 1975

John Deacon wrote it for his wife, but the title says it all. Bright and happy.

Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel, 1970

For when they are going through something big. Slow, and worth listening to properly.

That's What Friends Are For — Dionne Warwick, 1985

A soft eighties ballad that fits a thank-you message or the end of a slideshow.

Dancing Queen — ABBA, 1976

Play it when the room needs lifting. Nobody stays sitting down.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun — Cyndi Lauper, 1983

Loud, joyful and perfect for a girls-night birthday.

Wannabe — Spice Girls, 1996

The friendship-first pop song. If you know the words, you know the words.

Best Friend — Saweetie, 2021

With Doja Cat. For the friend who hypes you up in every photo.

I Gotta Feeling — The Black Eyed Peas, 2009

A reliable party opener, especially for a thirtieth.

Celebration — Kool & The Gang, 1980

Works for any age and any crowd. Save it for when the cake comes out.

Good as Hell — Lizzo, 2016

For a friend who has had a hard year and deserves to feel great.

Shut Up and Dance — Walk the Moon, 2014

Fast, bouncy and impossible to stand still to.

Uptown Funk — Mark Ronson, 2014

With Bruno Mars. The safest bet if the party has mixed ages.

Life Is a Highway — Tom Cochrane, 1991

The obvious first track once you hit the motorway, and obvious for a reason.

Don't Stop Me Now — Queen, 1978

Starts slow, then goes. Time it for the moment you both know the chorus is coming.

Mr. Brightside — The Killers, 2004

Every friend group has shouted this at least once. Carry on the tradition.

Sweet Caroline — Neil Diamond, 1969

Built for a crowd, but just as good with two people doing the horn parts.

Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver, 1971

For the drive back, when everyone is tired and happy.

Walking on Sunshine — Katrina and the Waves, 1985

Pure good mood. Play it the morning you set off.

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) — Green Day, 1997

Acoustic and bittersweet. The right close for a leaving-do video.

See You Again — Wiz Khalifa, 2015

With Charlie Puth. Written as a farewell to a friend, so it carries weight. Use it gently.

Home — Phillip Phillips, 2012

Hopeful rather than sad. Good for a friend starting over somewhere new.

Forever Young — Rod Stewart, 1988

A warm blessing of a song for a friend heading off on an adventure.