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Best Friend's Brother

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"Best Friend's Brother"
Justice squatting with her right leg extended outwards
Single by Victorious cast featuring Victoria Justice
from the album Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show
ReleasedMay 20, 2011
StudioMound
Westlake
Rocket Carousel (Los Angeles, California)
Genre
Length3:39
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Kool Kojak
Victorious singles chronology
"Beggin' on Your Knees"
(2011) 		"Best Friend's Brother"
(2011) 		"It's Not Christmas Without You"
(2011)
Victoria Justice singles chronology
"Beggin' on Your Knees"
(2011) 		"Best Friend's Brother"
(2011) 		"It's Not Christmas Without You"
(2011)
Music video
"Best Friend's Brother" on YouTube

"Best Friend's Brother" is a song performed by the Victorious cast featuring American singer Victoria Justice from the show's debut soundtrack album, Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show (2011). The song was written by Justice, Kool Kojak, and Savan Kotecha, with production being handled solely by Kool Kojak. It was released as the fourth single from the album on May 20, 2011, through Columbia Records in association with Nickelodeon. The song later appeared in a Victorious episode, where Tori Vega (Justice), Cat Valentine (Ariana Grande), and Andre Harris (Leon Thomas III) perform the song during their high school's prom.

"Best Friend's Brother" is an uptempo and upbeat pop and synth-pop song with lyrics about a girl being infatuated with her best friend's brother. The song was met with generally positive reviews from critics, with the majority of them praising the melody. It peaked at number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the US Kid Digital Song Sales chart. An accompanying music video was released in May 2011 and portrays dreaming of attracting her best friend's brother.

Release and usage in Victorious

[edit]

"Best Friend's Brother" was released as the fourth single from the American television sitcom Victorious's debut soundtrack album Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show (2011) on May 20, 2011.[1][2][3][4] The song was later featured on the show in an episode titled "Prom Wrecker".[5] In the episode, Tori Vega (Victoria Justice) has her friends help her set up Hollywood Arts High School's first prom, inadvertently ruining a play meant for her frenemy Jade West (Elizabeth Gillies) for that day. Seeking vengeance, Jade tries to sabotage the prom while Tori tries to stop her. The episode concludes with Tori, Cat Valentine (Ariana Grande), and Andre Harris (Leon Thomas III) performing "Best Friend's Brother" in the pouring rain as the prom attendees dance along.[5][6][7]

Writing and music

[edit]

Justice wrote "Best Friend's Brother" when she was 17 years old,[8][9] along with Kool Kojak and Savan Kotecha. Justice told Teen.com that the idea for the song came to her while she was in the studio with Kool Kojak and Kotecha. She said they were having a hard time thinking of a song, and the concept for "Best Friend's Brother" came to her.[10]

Kool Kojak also produced the track, along with providing all the instruments and programming for it. The mixing for the song was provided by Greg Wells and took place at Rocket Carousel in Los Angeles, California with the engineering provided by Mighty Mike Garity at Westlake Studios and Mound Studios, both of which are also in Los Angeles.[11]

In an interview with Seventeen magazine, Justice revealed that "Best Friend's Brother" was inspired by an attraction she had to her friend's older brother when she was 14. She stated the group would hang out at her friend's home, where they would play video games and go swimming. Justice mentioned that she and her friend's brother appeared to like each other, but never pursued a relationship. She explained that she did not want to jeopardize her friendship by trying to date her friend's older brother.[12]

During an interview with Teen Vogue, Justice revealed that Victorious producer Dan Schneider liked the song and asked that she include it in the show.[13] Musically, "Best Friend's Brother" is an upbeat and uptempo pop and synth-pop song.[14][15][10][16] The song's lyrics are about a girl obsessing over her best friend's older brother: "I don't want to, but I want to/'Cause I just can't get him out of my mind/Yeah, yeah, yeah yeah/My best friend's brother is the one for me!/BFB!/BFB!"[14][17][18]

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Common Sense Media[14]

"Best Friend's Brother" received positive reviews from music critics. Jessica Dawson, writing for Common Sense Media, mentioned that while the song's "music and lyrics aren't groundbreaking", she stated that it was "catchy and fun" and would be heavily rotated on many teenagers' playlists.[14] She thought that while the single's message "might be a little sketchy for younger kids", the song is "innocent enough and has no bad language or iffy content".[14] Jason Lipshutz, for Billboard magazine, mentioned that the song "zip[s] along with compact hooks and unabashed attitude".[19] The staff of J-14 magazine described "Best Friend's Brother" as a "catchy song".[20]

Jocelyn Vena for MTV labeled the track as "catchy", comparing it to Katy Perry's 2011 hit single "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)".[16] Nancy J. Parisi of The Buffalo News emphasized Justice's theme of being infatuated with her best friend's brother, describing the song as "ultra-direct".[21] Mark Wedel for the Kalamazoo Gazette wrote that the song has "positive lyrics for strong young women".[22] Brendan Wetmore of Elite Daily labeled the song as a "gem", noting that while Justice was busy working on her debut album, the song would "hold us over".[23] The staff of In Touch Weekly opined "Best Friend's Brother" is a "smash single".[24] Tiara B, writing for The Shade Room, put the song at number eight on her "Victorious: The Top 10 Songs That Still Have Us Hooked" list, labeling it as a "shoot-your-shot anthem".[25] Writing for Her Campus, Megan Gaertner and Allison Kane placed the song at number two on their "the Best Songs from Victorious" list, saying it is "just so catchy".[18]

"Best Friend's Brother" debuted at number 93 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart dated June 18, 2011.[26] The song later peaked at number 86 on the chart, lasting four weeks on the chart and giving Justice her third Hot 100 hit in the United States.[27] "Best Friend's Brother" also peaked at number one on the US Kid Digital Song Sales chart and number 27 on the US Pop Digital Song Sales chart.[28][29]

Promotion

[edit]

A music video for "Beggin on Your Knees" was first released in May 2011 on Nickelodeon.[30][31] It was subsequently uploaded to the official Victorious YouTube channel on September 20, 2012.[32] Before filming the music video, Justice learned the choreography at a dance studio to prepare for the performance.[33] The video features Justice being attracted to her best friend's older brother and daydreaming about him. It also features other members of the Victorious cast.[10][14]

In October 2011, J-14 promoted the song by launching a contest that offered one winner and a friend the opportunity to fly to Los Angeles and meet Justice.[34][35] Justice performed the song live during her 2012 and 2013 tours.[21][36] In 2022, fellow Victorious actor Matt Bennett performed the song live during some of his DJ concert sets.[6]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits are taken from Victorious liner notes.[11]

Charts

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References

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  1. ^ Dawidziak, Mark (July 28, 2011). "Victoria Justice to sign copies of 'Victorious' CD in Mayfield Heights". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  2. ^ Cheung, Nadine (August 1, 2011). "Victoria Justice Opens Up About the 'Victorious' Soundtrack and Her Upcoming Solo Album (Exclusive)". Cambio.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ "Best Friend's Brother (feat. Victoria Justice) on Spotify". Spotify (US). Archived from the original on October 4, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  4. ^ "Best Friend's Brother (feat. Victoria Justice) on Apple Music". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Ross, Robyn (May 17, 2011). "Video Exclusive: Victoria Justice Debuts New Single on Victorious Prom Episode". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Zachian, Skylar (July 9, 2022). "Event of the Summer: iParty with Matt Bennett!". Young Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  7. ^ Margolis, Sam; McQuiston, Rachel (December 8, 2019). "5 Most Iconic 'Victorious' Songs". Her Campus. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  8. ^ Wedel, Mark (September 12, 2012). "Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice looks to broaden appeal beyond teen audiences". Kalamazoo Gazette. Archived from the original on January 9, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  9. ^ Crowley, Liam (October 16, 2024). "Victoria Justice 'Would Be Open' to Victorious Revival (Exclusive)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c Vena, Jocelyn (June 20, 2011). "'Victorious' Star Victoria Justice Talks 'Being True' To Herself On New Album". MTV. Archived from the original on June 23, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ^ a b Victorious (liner notes). Victorious and Victoria Justice. United States: Columbia. 2011.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ Gandhi, Neha (July 29, 2011). "Exclusive Interview: Victoria Justice". Seventeen. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  13. ^ Lewis, Casey (August 4, 2011). "Victoria Justice On Her New Album and Personal Style". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on May 20, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Dawson, Jessica (May 20, 2011). "Best Friend's Brother (CD single)". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. ^ "Victoria Justice brings fun, message of girl power to Great Allentown Fair". The Express-Times. September 3, 2012. Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  16. ^ a b Vena, Jocelyn (July 25, 2011). "Victoria Justice Is Putting Her All Into Solo Album". MTV. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  17. ^ Garafano, Lauren (July 18, 2019). "21 Songs That 'GenZennials' Know All The Lyrics To By Heart". BuzzFeed. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  18. ^ a b Gaertner, Megan; Kane, Allison (November 8, 2019). "The Best Songs from Victorious". Her Campus. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  19. ^ Lipshutz, Jason (August 19, 2014). "Victoria Justice's Music Career: Why Ariana Grande's Co-Star Is Still Worth Watching". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 29, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  20. ^ "J-14 Video: Victoria Justice's 'Best Friend's Brother' Pop-Up Style". J-14. August 5, 2011. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  21. ^ a b J. Parisi, Nancy (July 29, 2013). "Big Time Rush, Victoria Justice thrill their fans at Darien Lake". The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  22. ^ Wedel, Mark (September 15, 2012). "Victoria Justice gets screams of approval at the Allegan County Fair (review with photo gallery)". Kalamazoo Gazette. Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  23. ^ Wetmore, Brendan (February 10, 2021). "Here Are The Odds Victoria Justice Will Finally Release Her Debut Album This Year". Elite Daily. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  24. ^ "Victoria Justice's A Doll!". In Touch Weekly. September 27, 2011. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
  25. ^ B, Tiara (March 28, 2025). "Celebrating 15 Years of 'Victorious': The Top 10 Songs That Still Have Us Hooked". The Shade Room. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  26. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 History - June 18, 2011". Billboard. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  27. ^ a b "Victoria Justice Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  28. ^ a b "Victoria Justice Chart History (Kids Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 18, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2025.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  29. ^ a b "Victoria Justice Chart History (Pop Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  30. ^ Longman, Haley (May 27, 2011). "Victoria Justice's Advice? 'Don't Make Out With Your Best Friend's Brother In Front Of Your Best Friend' (Exclusive Video)". Teen.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  31. ^ Hasaka, Amanda (May 30, 2011). "Victoria Justice Is After Her 'Best Friend's Brother'! (Video)". Celebuzz. Archived from the original on May 30, 2011. Retrieved April 11, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  32. ^ "Victorious Cast - Best Friend's Brother ft. Victoria Justice". YouTube. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  33. ^ "J-14 Video: Victoria Justice Rehearses 'Best Friend's Brother'". J-14. June 14, 2011. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  34. ^ "J-14 Win It: Photo Shoot with Victoria Justice". J-14. October 7, 2011. Archived from the original on October 10, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  35. ^ "Official Rules for Victoria Justice Photo Shoot". J-14. October 7, 2011. Archived from the original on October 10, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  36. ^ McAlpin, Autumn (August 3, 2012). "Victoria Justice thrills kids of all ages at Pacific". The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on February 9, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2025.
  37. ^ "Kid Digital Song Sales - Year-End". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
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