Anytime You Need a Friend
"Anytime You Need a Friend" is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, for her third studio album, Music Box (1993). It was released on May 24, 1994, through Columbia Records, as the fifth and final single from the album. The song is influenced by pop, R&B and gospel genres. While the album focused heavily on pop oriented and radio friendly material, "Anytime You Need a Friend" deviated from the formula, finishing as the only gospel-infused song on Music Box. Lyrically, the song's protagonist tells her love interest that anytime he may need a friend, she will be there unconditionally for him. Throughout the song's bridge and climax, critics noted the lyrics altering from those of a friend, to those of a lover.
Anytime You Need a Friend
In the still, Carey is seen singing. Behind her stand the choir, perched on the large stairwell. Critics noted the inclusions of God and religion in the video, during moments such as this when prayer to God is imminent.
The Music Box Tour was the debut concert tour in 1993 by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, in support of her Diamond-certified third studio album, Music Box (1993). It is Carey's first headlining tour, visiting six cities in the United States. The tour lasted seven shows, starting on November 3, 1993 in Miami, Florida, and ended on December 10, 1993 in New York City.
Tour program cover