Friends, released in 1971, was the fourth official album release for Elton John. It was a project John and Bernie Taupin took on before their breakout success in the US, based on the Friends film released in the same year. It was certified gold in April 1971 by the RIAA. It became John's third gold record in as many months in that market (following the albums Elton John in February and Tumbleweed Connection in March). The title track was a minor hit in the US (#34 on the pop chart) despite the film's poor performance.