: In 2020, to celebrate 30 years of her career, Carey released a 13-track Anytime You Need a Friend EP containing various remixes from the original vault.
: The official black-and-white music video, directed by Danielle Federici, marked a significant style shift for Carey as she debuted a sleek, straightened hairstyle, moving away from her signature curls. Mariah Carey - Anytime You Need A Friend
: Carey has revealed that she wrote the song from the perspective of what God might say to someone in times of fear. At the time, she felt "desperately alone" and "like a prisoner" due to her controlling marriage to Tommy Mottola. : In 2020, to celebrate 30 years of
: An earlier version directed by Diane Martel—featuring Carey in a medieval-style gown with her natural curls—was ultimately shelved but was partially revealed in 2020 via Entertainment Tonight . Chart Impact & Legacy At the time, she felt "desperately alone" and
: The video features Carey and a choir in a large foyer, juxtaposed with scenes of lonely individuals in New York City who find comfort through faith and companionship.
"Anytime You Need a Friend" is a gospel-inspired power ballad by Mariah Carey, released in May 1994 as the fourth and final single from her diamond-certified third studio album, Music Box (1993). Written and produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, the song is widely celebrated for its spiritual depth and Carey's extensive vocal range, which spans from her deep lower register to her signature whistle notes.
Experience the different versions and live performances of this vocal masterpiece: Mariah Carey - Anytime You Need A Friend YouTube · MariahCareyVEVO