Friend Like Me

Production

The song was originally designed as a Cab Calloway-style big band number. Some elements of this concept remain (for instance, when the Genie scats, in typical Calloway moves), but after Robin Williams was cast it was expanded as a more comedic, pop-culture-filled song.

ScreenCrush stated that remnants of the previous version of the film can be seen in this sequence:

Synopsis

After being released from his lamp by Aladdin, the Genie announces that he can grant three wishes to give the thief nearly anything he desires. When Aladdin expresses skepticism over the extent of the Genie's powers, the Genie stages an elaborate musical number and stresses that he can be a friend unlike any others Aladdin has ever had. This song is similar to the use of contemporary references in "Be Our Guest", performed by the enchanted cutlery of Beauty and the Beast, and "A Guy Like You", performed by the Gargoyles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The same happens in the live-action remake.

Critical reception

Spirituality & Practice described it as "the big production number of the film".

In a review of the Broadway version of the film, BuzzFeed wrote that the "seven-and-a-half minute 'Friend Like Me' is easily this season's best production number, and a jaw-dropping athletic feat." NewYork.com wrote "Rarely does a production number receive a standing ovation in the middle of a show, but 'Friend Like Me' [has] them standing in the aisles before intermission.".

In popular culture

In 1996 2Pac recorded the song "Never Had a Friend Like Me", which interpolates "Friend Like Me". This song is featured on the 1997 original soundtrack for the film, Gridlock'd.

Will Smith, as the Genie, performs the song in the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin, and as a rap in the end credits, with DJ Khaled.

Charts

Certifications

Will Smith version

References

References

1. (August 20, 2013). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Disney's "Aladdin"".
2. "Aladdin - Film Reviews - Films - Spirituality & Practice".
3. (May 19, 2014). "It's Impossible Not To Dance To "Friend Like Me" From The New "Aladdin" Musical". BuzzFeed Inc..
4. "5 Reasons to See Disney's 'Aladdin' on Broadway - March 28, 2014 - NewYork.com".
5. "Will Smith - Friend Like Me (From "Aladdin"/Audio Only)".
6. "Will Smith - Friend Like Me (End Title) (From "Aladdin"/Audio Only) ft. DJ Khaled".
7. "Will Smith - Friend Like Me (from Aladdin) (Official Video)".
8. (June 3, 2019). "NZ Hot Singles Chart". [[Recorded Music NZ]].
9. "Digital Chart – Week 26 of 2019".