Rod Stewart - That's What Friends Are For (Night Shift Soundtrack)

[@brianl3766]

"Hello, this is Chuck reminding Bill to SHUT UP!!" It's been a couple years too many since I last watched this classic.

[@Richman-iw4tv]

Somebody put me in a time machine and send me back to the 80s please?

[@WilliamDavidHobbs]

Didn't think it was that great at the time but every day I grow older I think the same thing.

[@MayaState]

In 2019, this song has aged very, very well. The film is still pretty great, too!

[@ToniEl87]

I was today years old when I realized Rod Stewart originally recorded this. 😳 2020

[@scottdill9617]

I first heard this song when I went and saw the movie in 1982. I loved the song. Never thought of it again until EJ, DW, SW, and GK got together and sung it. Rod's version is the best hands down!

[@babysimba4653]

This version is not necessarily superior in any way, shape or form whatsoever. It is the original version and by virtue of that fact may be consider "better" - but that is the only noticeable virtue it holds over the subsequent recording. If you can actually name and describe any musical aspects - singing, the melodic discrepancies between them, instrumentation, overall production - that establish this as superior, and you truly believe that you can make a serious case therein, then good ahead and try - good luck! Otherwise it's nothing but personal bias to same this is the best version, let alone "hands down". A mighty strong case can be made that the Friends version is easily better. I could go into specifics, but only if you want me to.

[@Jonnn79]

baby simba Yes, it is.

[@babysimba4653]

Jonnn79 Well, that's a brilliantly compelling argument if ever there was one. No need to cite examples, give explanations, construct a case! Oh no - just the old "I'm right, you're wrong nah nah nah". Ignoramus! Do you have no shame? Do you have no f***ing shame?

[@Shadow74342]

Scott Dill Totally agree; and I've heard all the others.

[@adamharris7775]

Scott Dill This song came out in 1983.

Dang, and ALL THIS TIME I thought the Dionne & Friends version was the original...…………………..shows what I know! Well done, Rod. (Deep Tracks on Sirius radio brought me here).

[@robertreynolds1606]

Rod owns this song, no one does it like him and besides, it's the movie version EOS

[@jebright8712]

The Cover in 85 with Dionne Warwick is what made this song famous. Burt Bacharach is a musical genius though.

[@donniemoder1466]

Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager "own" the rights to the song, they wrote it.

[@chrismulwee4911]

@@jebright8712 Between this and the Dionne and Friends cover, Bacharach recorded his own version as an instrumental under the title Night Shift Love Theme.

[@danwroy]

Sorry, Mrs. Warwick owns this now

[@Juliaflo]

@@donniemoder1466 Yes, let's rock the ampersand.

[@ulyssesnorth6843]

I agree with pricepittsburgh. I fondly remember this playing at the end of Night Shift - the city lights glimmering on a winter evening. I think of Night Shift as a holiday movie. This version is just more heart felt than the Warwick's version, if you ask me.

[@derekchin6403]

I love both versions. Feelings are different based on context. The version with Elton John, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight is celebratory. Rod's is bittersweet, especially in connection to the film, a terrific romantic comedy with Henry Winkler, Shelley Long and "introducing" Michael Keaton.

[@jebright8712]

Romantic Comedy!? Hookers and Pimps in the Morgue. Man falls in love with a Hooker and wants to marry her. The world is pretty sick and twisted!

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

@@jebright8712 Well, it's sooo woke and offended now...for values, we're back in the '50s again.

[@michael_jolls]

This movie is one of Ron Howard's best. I hope it gets a revival in the coming years.

[@martymcfly5434]

And re issuing the Soundtrack on CD!!😉👍

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

It's still Howard's best, actually. ;-)

[@andrewunjo158]

Not the biggest Rod Stewart fan but this is THE definitive version and it is truly underrated.

[@babysimba4653]

Absolute nonsense. It may be underrated, but the Friends version has mighty and undeniable virtues and strengths that this version distinctly lacks; to make such a pithy and fatuous statement a la "this is THE [all caps, mind] definitive version" is just a gratuitous exercise in indulging in idle, thoughtless personal bias with no other rationale behind it to speak of. I put it to you that the overall vocal performance from the combined performers in the 1985 recording absolutely outstrips this version by 100 to one - for emotion, heart, variety, power, intensity, sentiment, honesty, soul, for being uplifting, empowering, tear-jerking, and the rest of it - there is absolutely no comparison to be made on any conceivable grounds whatsoever between this and the later recording. And I will back up this argument to the hilt any day of any week. If you want further elaboration, I am happy to provide it.

[@Jonnn79]

baby simba Underrated and better. :)

[@babysimba4653]

Jonnn79 You're quite right, of course. While we're at it, I'd like to point out that Venus is brighter than the sun, and that bumblebees can fly higher than eagles & that a crippled tortoise can run faster than a cheetah. There are other analogies if you want them. :)

[@Shadow74342]

baby simba Why don't you go somewhere else & have a waaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaa session. you might finally find someone to agree with you.

[@spunky2006]

You need to go somewhere else and leave baby simba alone before I lose my temper and beat your sorry ass into the ground where it belongs you damn fool. Also you ain't baby simba's boss nor are you in charge as well, meanwhile you need to learn to quit running your mouth before somebody breaks it while that thing you call an ass ends up being beaten into the ground. Now either leave baby simba alone or you and your ass will be beaten into the ground.

[@rayc5515]

1982 movie, Man where did all the time go? The time went by fast, went from a young man to an old man. Great song and good movie.

[@jebright8712]

I agree with you. I was 12 back in 87. 30 Years went by so fast I swear I lost a decade or two. It's like I woke up one day and I was over 40 years old... WTF Happened!?

[@DirtyBirdy245]

27 here, and this flick is the best comedy of the decade in tie with Fletch. I am an extension of my father, and I keep and respect that bond. Wish the people could set aside their differences the same.

[@Juliaflo]

Yikes! 40 years, and it still glows.

[@dannysimion]

Oh Rod Stewart's version has a more soft rock and tender version than the one with Dione Warwick & Company did which sounded more R&B pop and sappy for my liking. This version I don't mind blasting out loud. Timeless vocals he has here.

[@cecegiles4583]

Of course you would like this better 😂😂😂😂

[@cameronrashaudunlimited]

This is one of the reasons I loved this movie...this song.

[@johanndealwis4053]

It’s so heartwarming

[@ter521fad]

Love the keyboard sound at the beginning of this song.

[@DrummerDanVa]

Wonderful song. Cool movie. First time I ever saw Michael Keaton in an acting role.

[@turdferguon]

me too

[@MayaState]

Beetlejuice for me. Didn't know of this film until I saw it at a store in maybe 2005, right before video tapes were no longer on shelves. One of the best blind buys I've ever made, alongside After Hours.

[@darthvirgin7157]

and he stole the movie in every scene of his. i know then he would be a big star.

[@cubdukat]

If I remember right, that was his first movie. Ron Howard knew talent when he saw it.

[@rouge2100]

Some SERIOUS sax playing there. Classic song. Classic Singer. Classic movie.

[@brianng4452]

Woah, one of the best rod stewart songs right here

[@jiverdude2775]

I LOVE THIS VERSION. I know the 85 version w/ Dionne, EJ, Stevie, etc...was the #1 song of that year. Cool. But, to ME, THIS IS THE ONE. No comparison!!!!

[@7Limousine]

This is one of those song which is timeless. Written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager for "Nightshift". Rod did a great job on this song....the intro is very haunting like the rest of the song. A perfect song overall in music and lyrics!

[@joeleone2228]

Best version, and fantastic way to end a GREAT movie.

[@jaypegmaming8084]

This song came before the version of Dionne Warwick & Friends, unfortunately this version was not heard very much. I really liked it when I heard it on the movie Night Shift..

[@coyoteartist]

This was the graduation song we used in 8th grade in 1993. That was Warwick's version. I never knew Rod did it as I never even heard of this movie. If it was on the radio in 1982, I missed it being like 3. But I sure knew her's a few years later

[@victorhernandez8723]

R.I.P., Burt Bacharach.

[@quantumphaser]

This is the version I have always loved. I dedicate it to my sweet Dana.

[@blakkkslime666]

First, I'm a HUGE Elton John fan, I've probably listened to BENNIE AND THE JETS more times than anybody on this earth. I also like Dionne Warwick. All of that being said, Rod's delivery, combined with the movie it was tied to, makes this version, THE version. Period.

[@jebright8712]

Crazy Talk. The movie wasn't very good. Hookers and Pimps in the Morgue!? I like the actors but what was Ron Howard thinking?? You know the 85 Cover of this Song make you cry every time!

[@sallunetta7333]

Great song. Perfect ending for an Incredible movie! 😆😆😆

[@jebright8712]

LOL incredible movie...sick, twisted, crippled!

[@beverlygraham9510]

Besides the adult content I liove this movie and soundtrack yay! Shelly long , Michael Keaton, Henry winkler, cameos Charles fleischer

[@marefazioli1213]

Love that movie

[@ASVP330]

Love the movie too

[@kevinwilliams1015]

1st time hearing this!!

[@BlueCometEntertainment347]

This is better than the other version.

[@keonta81]

I disagree

[@BlueCometEntertainment347]

@@keonta81 That's your opinion

[@bendaio2344]

Takes me back to being a kid miss those days

[@terencejones9044]

i haven't heard this version in over 30 yrs!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for uploading this song!!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!

[@deanhutchinson7652]

One of my favorite songs ever.

[@jerseytomato100]

In the movie, when this plays over aerial views of NYC lit up at night, I get a little sad. I miss the pre-9/11 NYC so much.

[@ortizmo]

Sorry.....Rod's version of this is definitive.

[@Juliaflo]

I second that motion.

[@cameronrashaudunlimited]

Great song for a great movie. One of my favorites.

[@LaVonne_208]

I never knew Rod Stewart originated this song, I always thought it was Dionne Warwick's song, wow, both versions are beautiful though.

[@YYCkike]

This is the one. Rod Stewart you're the best

[@MMAfighter38113]

A hell of a lot better than the other versions I've heard. FYI, Rod is still singing. Dionne is doing informercials for the psychic friend's network.

[@adamharris7775]

In this song, the Yamaha DX7 internal patch "Electric Piano 1" was heard.

[@chasenip2]

I just watched this movie 30 some years after I watched (and loved) it on HDFY. The whole movie the instrumental version was play and I'm like WTF?!?! I had no idea.I love Rod but he's all wrong for this kind of song, It belongs to Dionne....Burt wrote all her biggest hits.

[@georgepav1777]

ok there was a tear their :)

[@oldbrokenhands]

Didn't know the history of the song, now that I do, came looking for this version.

[@Jonnyskins22]

Thank you for posting this song. I takes me back to a fun time in my life.

[@OkiMedia1]

Wish it had that original video of NY skyline at night from Night Shift (1982).

[@jaypegmaming8084]

this is the original and the best version, ironic that this was not popular in the airwaves

[@DangerousSnape]

Great upload and superb quality!!

[@babysimba4653]

Since people are making the ludicrous claim that this version is better than the later recording, I will set the record straight in a definitive fashion so that there is no confusion. Firstly, the 1985 version features features two of the greatest singers & songwriters in the popular era, at arguably the peak or not far past the peak of their powers who both put in marvellous shifts - particularly Wonder. Even if the song was just sung by him & John - both of whom are almost certainly, undeniably, on the balance of evidence, all things considered, finer overall performers than even the great Rod Stewart - it would still be infinitely finer and more unforgettable than Stewart's version. Next, throw in arguably two of the finest, most sensational black songstresses there have been, albeit in the twilight of their careers, who also sink their heart & soul into the performance - when you put them all together, all building on each other's presence, the collaboration being more than the sum of its parts - and you have a timeless, superlative, wonderful cumulative musical experience of the highest, rarest order, rarely matched for emotion and spine-tingling genuine sentiment. Considering the theme of the song, the camaraderie & team work of the singers (including Stevie's harp), it all makes for a stone cold tearjerker and one of the greatest one-off supergroup efforts in chart history. To call Stewart's relatively insipid version the better of two is nothing short of risible - with all respect to Rod! There's a reason that the Friends version is and always will be played at weddings, parties, graduations, funerals, classic hits stations, valedictories, retirements, 21sts, get togethers, holidays and so forth, whilst the earlier version never does, and it's not mere chance.

[@Jonnn79]

No. This one's better. :)

[@babysimba4653]

Jonnn79 Well that's a brilliantly compelling argument if ever I heard one. No need to cite examples, give explanations, draw comparisons, or construct a meaningful and intelligent case worthy of consideration. Oh god no - just default to the old "I'm right nah nah nah and I'm taking my ball and going home". And what is to stop me simply saying "No. This one is inferior". If you believe in merely saying that one or the other is better, and that by doing so it settles the case, then each and every time someone makes that statement one way or the other, the relative merit flips back and forth each time. What a stupid and moronic world you want it to be. You pitiful feeble godforsaken ignoramus! Do you have NO F***ING SHAME? :)

[@CodPatrol]

True, it all depends really, certain parts of this song sound better while other parts in Dionne's version sound better. Wonder and Elton are probably on the top 10 best artists ever list, Rod is a good singer but he is nothing compared to both of them, Rod is on top 40, I'd say.

[@Shadow74342]

baby simba Yawn......

[@amazed66]

+baby simba Why did you say "most sensational songstresses there have been" where's the relevance there? Why not just say most sensational songstresses there have been and leave it at that, unless of course you think that widens the scope and makes them somehow less so in the pecking order.

[@57xmasbaby]

This is the best version. Hands down. It's the original and it put Shelly Long on the map.

[@adamharris7775]

This song got recorded and released in 1983.

[@ulyssesnorth6843]

Come to think of it, this would work as a Christmas song.

[@seabreeze9296]

didn't know there was an earlier version of this song than Dionne Warwick

[@7Limousine]

This song was almost living in oblivion....the idea came from Elizabeth Taylor to use this song, which was written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager for the research of AIDS. So the writers and artist donate their proceeds to AMFAR foundation. In that period, 1986 that the song was 4 weeks on number one on the Billboard it raised a total of 2 million dollars. But even today the proceeds of this song still going to the AMFAR foundation. And even today Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick is using this great song in their separate live performances all over the world.

[@bradrainwater8056]

I love you Wendy!! Always💜🌹💚

[@mascipersosro6009]

the legend .... fist song this

[@JohnAllanification]

the scene wherein she was making breakfast

[@3DAnimatist]

BBC manchester brought me to the 1985 version, then it brought me here

[@GeorgeRother]

I like this version better than the one by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. That's saying a lot because I love all those artists especially Dionne and Gladys.

[@Unknown-bq9id]

This should have played at the end of Unpregnant (2019)...

[@scottm8579]

I like both versions. The other is known for Steve Wonder's harmonica. This one is.. I think its a synth piano?

[@samlarosa2947]

Dionne's I think is better with wonder giving the harmonic background. But rod always gives a good performance.

[@CodPatrol]

Sam LaRosa Both have parts better than others.

[@briangibson6403]

★ Thankyou to Rod and All My Facebook​ Friends ★

[@nickpelz4373]

I like in the film when Michael Keaton said he wanted lamb chops when the lawyer offered them a drink

[@pricepittsburgh]

Yeah, I heard this at the end of Night Shift in 82 and loved it. When I heard Dionne's version a few years latter I was disgusted. Not that she didn't do it well, but it seemed no one had heard Rod's version as it wasn't released as a single. Plus Dionne should ahve sang it alone, her "Friends" made it worse

[@jer98om]

I was just watching a documentary on Dionne and saw she heard the song while watching the movie. I don’t like Rod Stewart bit this is a good version. I still like the revised version more but this is a really really good interpretation. I didn’t know it had multiple verses

[@cmulwee001]

Hey! I hear that the soundtrack also has an instrumental version of the song performed by Bacharach himself? Correct? if so, please post it.

[@vernonhill7681]

Arguably, based on this version already having been released, Dionne's version should not have been eligible for Song of the Year. I could be wrong (Lord knows I've been wrong before) but I seem to recall that there was a Grammy rule about re-issues and/or cover versions of songs. I think it stated that to be eligible for Song of the Year it had to be original to that Grammy year. Record of the year was more flexible partly due to the fact that the producer and artist were awarded whereas for Song of the year it was the composer. The rule was made because in theory a composer could win year after year for the same song.

[@richierichit]

I don't know what the Grammy rules are, but "Wind Beneath My Wings" won Song of the Year when Bette Midler sang it back in '89, and that song had been recorded by just about everyone already: Gladys Knight, Sheena Easton, Lou Rawls, Gary Morris, to name a few.

[@vernonhill7681]

The rules almost have to have been, if not changed, certainly modified as rap has become the dominant musical genre. Sampling is so much a part of rap that almost every song would be ineligible.

[@martharichler6672]

I agree with the comments here ... it's more understated than the Dionne Warwick extravaganza. But I guess this more exuberant version was effective in raising money for AIDs, so maybe it had to be unabashedly commercial - and for a good cause. But Rod Stewart brings a gentle warmth to it - so it's the one I'm going to play on my show, Night Train, Christmas Eve. I might even play both back-to-back. Hope you'll join me on Radio Winchcombe, 107.1 FM and online. It's 10pm to midnight. LIVE. Yikes! And no commercial anything here. In fact, we're all volunteers and hoping the station can survive. So hoping you'll listen. Every listen counts. Http://www.radiowinchcombe.co.uk Night Train with Martha Richler. It'll be - I hope - a special 2-hour show. You'll notice my other shows are a bit unusual! I was a cartoonist before working as a radio DJ.

[@etylamanepa5575]

🇮🇩👍👍👍

[@daveheel]

first time hearing this version, the original. rod can't go wrong but if you have to compare to dionne's version, well for me, that version kills this by far. this arrangement isn't great and don't care too much for the heavy synth.

[@jck6661]

Las dos versiones 1982 & 1985 son increibles, me gusto mucho mas esta cancion que la pelicula. Musicalmente me quedo con version de 1985 Dionne Warwick & Friends. Scene the movie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKnUhKlvjtRsm9U

[@jeromepowell4813]

Rod Stewart sounds like he smoked ten packs of cigarettes before recording this song. Its dry and has no life. The other version had life and heart and passion. This version the only thing good about it is the fact it was heard so the other version could come to play

[@Shadow74342]

Jerome Powell couldn't disagree more

[@ajdc88]

+Jerome Powell calm down, jerome

[@jebright8712]

You speak the Truth!

[@chrisxray68]

The other version sucked

[@keonta81]

I agree.this wasn't rod best work in my opinion

[@abhinaba__saha]

[@Indrayogi1]

It is better than Dionne Warwick version...

[@hardtechnoboy]

Helen Reddy also did a version of this song. RIP Helen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXSTYaF5m85-nas

[@mustlovepretzels]

Edible paper.

[@claudedavis201]

Dionne Warwick did it better tbh. Nobody beats Stevie Wonder. Sorry.

[@keonta81]

I agree

[@lindae4118]

Dionne’s version is better

[@keonta81]

I agree