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

OathCher Lloyd ft. Becky G

Cher Lloyd – Oath (Official Video) ft. Becky G

Cher Lloyd is a female singer who competed in Season 7 of the massively popular British reality music competition The X Factor and made her debut in 2011.

Her 2012 hit “Want U Back” found success in the United States as well, propelling her to worldwide popularity.

Featured on her debut album Sticks and Stones, “Oath” is a straightforward friendship anthem featuring rapper Becky G—who was 15 at the time—as a guest.

As suggested by its Japanese subtitle, “Our Oath,” the song shines brilliantly as the two sing with upbeat energy about being best friends no matter what and always staying together.

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You Need To Calm DownTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down

Taylor Swift expresses the honest feelings that women often find hard to say out loud—briskly and brilliantly—in the form of outstanding songs.

Having achieved massive commercial success at a young age, she’s also been subjected to a great deal of malicious criticism.

“You Need to Calm Down” is her way of gently admonishing people with different values to take it down a notch.

At the same time, the track offers an approach to issues like America’s polarization, and its music video—featuring many celebrities—lands a perfect punchline when Katy Perry, with whom Taylor was reported to have had a feud, appears at the end.

Through its euphoric melody and sound, the song teaches the importance of self-affirmation and understanding others, and it ultimately ties into themes of love and friendship.

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True FriendHannah Montana

Hannah Montana – True Friend Music Video

If you’re a fan of 2000s teen-oriented foreign dramas, the name “Hannah Montana” is probably impossible to forget, isn’t it? Miley Cyrus, who played Miley Stewart—also known as Hannah Montana—catapulted into stardom thanks to the show, and it goes without saying that she has since gained worldwide recognition as a solo artist as well.

The song introduced here, “True Friend,” is included on the album “Hannah Montana 2,” which was released in 2007 and became a major hit.

True to its title, this light, catchy pop number straightforwardly expresses gratitude for a dear friend.

Its very simplicity gives it a timeless quality that never fades, no matter how many years go by.

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I’m Only Me When I’m With YouTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – I’m Only Me When I’m With You

When I hear the phrase sung at the end of the chorus—something like “I can only be honest when you’re by my side”—I’m enveloped by a warm, gentle feeling.

It’s an early classic from one of the top stars of the modern pop scene, Taylor Swift.

The song was included as a bonus track on the reissue of her self-titled debut album, released in 2006 when she was just 16, and there’s an MV that lets you enjoy Taylor in her most natural light.

If you only know the Taylor who’s gone all-in on pop music today, you might be a little surprised by this breezy country-pop track.

While it can be heard as a love song, its lyrics also work as a friendship anthem, capturing the feelings of a teenager and resonating directly with listeners of any age.

I’d love to head out on a drive with a like-minded friend, this song as our BGM!

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BelieveShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Believe (Official)

Listening to Shawn Mendes’s warm melodies—showcasing soft acoustic guitar tones, light pop sensibilities, and his outstandingly beautiful voice—makes you feel like you could forget all your troubles.

This song, “Believe,” released in 2015 by the young and popular Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, was written for Disney’s musical film Descendants.

The lyrics, born from a youthful attitude—“You can do anything; I believe that, and I believe in you”—overflow with a refreshingly positive spirit.

It might be nice for female friends who love male Western pop singers to listen to this track together and open up about their worries.

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7 ringsAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – 7 rings (Official Video)

It’s said that this song was inspired by American singer-songwriter and actress Ariana Grande’s experience of buying seven engagement rings—one for herself and six for her friends.

The music video has a slightly mysterious vibe that feels both mature and strangely cute.

Some of you might have thought, “I’ve heard this somewhere before,” right? In fact, it samples the famous song My Favorite Things from the popular musical The Sound of Music.

Long LiveTaylor Swift

Long Live (Live/2011)

It’s a song I’d proudly recommend not only to fans but to anyone.

Released as a digital download in 2012, it’s a thank-you song written for the band members and staff—the management team that supports her—and it conveys a bond of care and consideration.

A hidden gem that reached No.

13 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs chart, it’s often given to express gratitude to friends, colleagues, and others who are always there for you, which is why I selected it as a friendship song in Western music.