a relationship the protagonist has with another individual, telling them that anytime they need a friend, she will be there unconditionally. Throughout the song, the lyrics seemingly show the evolving relationship between the couple. Carey sings Anytime you need a friend / I will be here / You'll never be alone again / So don't you fear / Even if you're miles away / I'm by your side / So don't you ever be lonely / Love will make it alright, which hints at a current friendship where more still uncovered emotions are present. Author Chris Nickson explains on the song's switch in relationship, as the lyrics change to If you just believe in me / I will love you endlessly / Take my hand / Take me into your heart / I'll be there forever baby / I won't let go / I'll never let go. The protagonist is willing to accept the relationship as only a friend, but tells her partner that no matter his feelings for her, she loves him and still wishes to be loved by him, something she will never forget or "let go". Critical reception "Anytime You Need a Friend" was generally well received by contemporary music critics, many of whom praised the song's gospel influence as well as Carey's vocal range. Following the mixed reception to its parent album, Music Box, it was deemed a strong contrast to the album's pop influence. Critics agreed that through lowering Carey's vocal bombast, the album suffered due to lowered passion and energy levels. The song however, was considered the only standout from the album, altering heavily from the pop oriented formula of Music Box. A writer from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution branded it as "the center of the album." J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun wrote, "Where another singer might have been tempted to turn "Anytime You Need a Friend" into a full-blown sanctified sing-out, Carey and producer Walter Afanasieff use the gospel harmonies on the chorus as contrast for Carey's pop soul vocal." Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as "a sweet and spiritual vow of support woven into a melodic pop ballad." He added, "Displaying soulful finesse and earnest warmth, Carey continues to prove her growth as a vocalist, soaring over a grand gospel choir with ease." Troy J. Augusto from Cash Box declared it as "a potent mix of spirituality and faith (long-running