Is That's What Friends Are For a good place to start with Johnny Mathis?

Yes, That's What Friends Are For is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Mathis listeners. Smooth melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere characteristic of 1970s easy listening. By 1978, Johnny Mathis was already an established pop icon, having released numerous albums since his debut in the late 1950s. 'That's What Friends Are For' arrived during a phase of continued popularity, showcasing his ability to adapt to the evolving musical landscape while retaining his signature romantic style.

Who is That's What Friends Are For for?

That's What Friends Are For works well if you're into steady melodic exploration, heartfelt moments of connection and easy listening for relaxation.

How many songs are on That's What Friends Are For?

That's What Friends Are For has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

That's What Friends Are For

Johnny Mathis · 1978

32 min · 10 tracks · pop music

Smooth melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere characteristic of 1970s easy listening.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You’re All I Need to Get By Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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That's What Friends Are For — This track, written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, became emblematic of friendship and support, later popularized by its re-recording by Warwick. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics and lush instrumentation captures the essence of community and care that defines the album.
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Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) — This cover showcases Mathis's smooth vocal delivery paired with a rich arrangement, allowing him to interpret the longing and hope embedded in the lyrics beautifully. The song exemplifies his ability to convey deep emotion through melodic phrasing.
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Heaven Must Have Sent You — The upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics highlight Mathis's versatility as he navigates both romance and celebration within this track. Its infectious energy stands out amidst the album's softer songs, adding dynamic range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, with most tracks relying on lush string arrangements and soft percussion.
Vocal harmonies are prominent, often layering Mathis's voice with backing vocals to create a rich texture.
Several tracks incorporate smooth transitions between verses and choruses, maintaining a flowing feel throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic exploration
heartfelt moments of connection
easy listening for relaxation
warm background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its warm sound, though not the most accessible entry point.
Themes: charity single legacy· 1970s friendship anthems
Career context: By 1978, Johnny Mathis was already an established pop icon, having released numerous albums since his debut in the late 1950s. 'That's What Friends Are For' arrived during a phase of continued popularity, showcasing his ability to adapt to the evolving musical landscape while retaining his signature romantic style.
Stylistic neighbors: Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole