Ah, February — the season of love (and various delicious love-related candies). But while it’s definitely fine to spend the month celebrating romantic love, can we take some time to celebrate our love for our friends, too? After all, they’re the ones who really make our world go round — they’re there to celebrate the good times, help us cope during the bad times and force us to put pants on and leave the house during the “meh” times. Whether you’ve known them since grade school or just met them last year at work, you know that your life wouldn’t be the same without them.
Friends improve our lives, and even our health — according to a 2010 review of scientific literature, having friends is tied to living a longer life, and has a greater impact on life expectancy than even how much we exercise.
This playlist is a salute to our besties — the people who have helped us become our best, have seen us at our worst, and always tell us when we have spinach in our teeth. We included old classics and newer favorites, all with one theme in common: loving our best buddies. Or pals. Or amigos. Or crew. Whatever you call them, you know that they think you’re the best and have your back forever.
You Can't Make Old Friends — Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Friends — Led Zeppelin
That's What Friends Are For — Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Glady Knight and Stevie Wonder
All My Friends — LCD Soundsystem
Together Again — Janet Jackson
Real Friends — Camila Cabello
Wish You Were Here — Pink Floyd
I'll Stand By You — the Pretenders
Umbrella — Rihanna featuring JAY-Z
You're My Best Friend — Queen
Lean On Me — Bill Withers
With A Little Help From My Friends — The Beatles
Good As Hell — Lizzo
You've Got A Friend — Carole King
Thank You For Being A Friend — Andrew Gold