Aside from its critical acceptance, the song achieved strong worldwide chart positions and peaked at number twelve on the US Billboard Hot 100, but became her first single to miss out the top-ten. The song was well received by contemporary music critics, many of which praised Carey's large spanning vocal range, as well as its gospel influence that they felt was missing on most of Music Box. Throughout the song's bridge and climax, critics noted the lyrics altering from those of a friend, to those of a lover. Lyrically, the song's protagonist tells her love interest that anytime he may need a friend, she will be there unconditionally for him. 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. The song is influenced by pop, R&B and gospel music genres. It was released on through Columbia Records, as the fourth and final single from the album. The song was written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, for her third studio album, Music Box (1993).

' Anytime You Need a Friend' is a song by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey.

Anytime you need a friend