[Best Friend] Western friendship songs for women — classic tracks to dedicate to your cherished friends

Wind Beneath My WingsBette Midler

Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video)

Female friendships come in many forms.

This song expresses gratitude and love for a dear best friend who has always supported the singer from behind the scenes.

Although many artists have performed it, Bette Midler’s 1988 cover version was included on the soundtrack of the film “Beaches” and became a huge hit, winning a Grammy Award.

It conveys deep love for a friend who never stepped into the spotlight but always encouraged her from behind, saying, “You are my greatest hero,” and “I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.” Her voice, resonating from the depths of her heart, speaks to the bonds of women’s friendship.

Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On

Her smooth, gently delivered natural vocals and organic sound are soothing just to listen to.

The song that brought the British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae—whose self-titled 2006 debut became a global hit—into the spotlight is Put Your Records On.

Even if you don’t know her name, many of you have probably heard it somewhere.

With a vibe that makes you want to listen on a slow early morning with a cup of coffee in hand, this song celebrates the importance of being natural and true to yourself.

If you want to cheer up a friend who’s feeling down, why not, as the lyrics suggest, “put your favorite records on” and gently be there for them?

We’re Going To Be FriendsThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – We’re Going To Be Friends (Official Music Video)

It’s a cute song about the relationship with a new friend, Suzy Lee, at the start of a new school term.

On November 7, 2017, a picture book with the same title, written by Jack White, will also be released.

Suzy Lee appears multiple times in The White Stripes’ songs, so fans may already be familiar with her.

You’re My Best FriendQueen

Queen – You’re My Best Friend (Official Video)

This song is about my wife, so some people might feel it’s different from friendship.

But overseas, you often see the idea of “loving your best friend and then becoming husband and wife.” In Japan, too, couples who are like friends seem to get along really well, don’t they?

Best FriendBrandy

Brandy – Best Friend (Official Video)

Brandy, the legendary prodigy singer who debuted at 15 and whose self-titled first album suddenly sold six million copies worldwide.

The song we’re featuring here, “Best Friend,” is included on that album and was also released as a single, with an unmistakably 90s urban R&B vibe.

Her vocals, delivered in Brandy’s husky tone, still carry a touch of youth while sounding confident and assured.

Reading the lyrics, you find a straightforward, teenaged sincerity in the way she sings about a cherished friend—but in fact, the song is dedicated to Brandy’s younger brother, Ray J.

The idea that her little brother is her best friend is somehow heartwarming!

WannabeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Wannabe (Official Music Video)

Myself included, for those who spent their youth in the 1990s, the girl group whose name you likely know—even if you didn’t listen to Western music—is the Spice Girls.

Formed in 1994 in the UK, their active period was relatively short—just a few years—but they were the most successful girl group in the world at the time.

Their debut single “Wannabe,” released in 1996, was a record-breaking hit and one of the defining songs of the ’90s.

Interestingly, the track was released in Japan before their home country.

With a perfectly crafted pop structure and melody, and lyrics that can truly be called an anthem for women, it hasn’t lost any of its luster over the years.

It’s a song with timeless appeal that goes beyond mere nostalgia, so I encourage younger listeners to give it a try.