These 13 Songs Are The Best

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These 13 Songs Are The Best features music courtesy of Drake, The Emotions, Surfaces, Tina Turner, and Vanessa Williams.

Can you think of some of the BEST songs? For example, “(Wooh-ooh-wooh) / This is gonna be the best day of my life /… My li-i-i-i-i-i-ife.” Ah, when American Authors released “Best Day of My Life”, graduations were forever changed! How about a little Marvin Sapp? After all, “He saw The Best In Me / When everyone else around / Could only see the worst in me.” More recently than both American Authors or Marvin Sapp, Scottish singer/songwriter Lewis Capaldi asserted, “I wanna say, ‘I wish that you never left’ / Oh, but instead, I only Wish You the Best.” If you didn’t catch the drift, all 13 songs on These 13 Songs Are The Best don’t focus on BEST-ness in regard to quality, but simply, the songs must use the word, BEST, PERIOD!!! These 13 Songs Are The Best features music courtesy of Drake, The Emotions, Surfaces, Tina Turner, and Vanessa Williams among others. Also, it should be noted that the three songs shouted out above – “Best Day of My Life”, “The Best In Me”, and “Wish You The Best” weren’t included. Hey, but a shout out is better than nothing, right? Without further ado, let’s jump right into the B-E-S-T!!!

1. The Emotions, “Best of My Love”

Rejoice • Columbia • 1977

“Demonstrating love and affection / That you give so openly, yeah / I like the way you make me feel about you, baby / Want the whole wide world to see.” Woo! When it comes to renowned R&B/soul collective  The Emotions, the first song that comes to mine is… “Best of My Love”, PERIOD!!! Most often, The Emotions were a trio, originally comprised of siblings  Wanda,   Sheila, and  Jeanette Hutchinson. Notably, their younger sister,  Pamela (1958 – 2020), joined beginning with the collective’s best known album,  Rejoice (1977). Their platinum certified LP features the Grammy-winning, platinum certified, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. “Best of My Love” spent five weeks in the penthouse on the pop charts, and four weeks atop the R&B charts. Impressive!

classic It should be noted that the infectious “Best of My Love” was written by Al McKay and Maurice White. White, who also produced the track, is famous in his own right as a member of an iconic funk/R&B/soul collective: ️ Earth, Wind & Fire. Naturally, with his work behind the boards, catchy songwriting, and tuneful melodies, The Emotions thrived. The minute the bombastic, exuberant introduction is played, “Best of My Love” is instantly recognizable – one of the biggest soul records of the 1970s. The groove is electrifying, the horns sound incredibly ripe on the hits and riffs, while the rhythm section is DEFINITELY ‘in the pocket’ as they say. The vocals are elite as well, bringing plenty of attitude as the sisters celebrate L-O-V-E. The chorus is the section to beat – DUH! Sing it with me: “Whoa, whoa, you got the best of my love.” Even so, the verses are epic too, showing off the best of the group. “Best of My Love” speaks for itself as the crème de la crème of the soul catalog.

Appears in :

The Emotions, Best of My Love: Throwback Vibez 132 (2023)

2. Surfaces, “Sunday Best”

Where the Light Is • Surfaces Music / TenThousand Projects • 2019

“Ayy, feeling good, like I should / Went and took a walk around the neighborhood,” Forrest sings on the vibe that is “Sunday Best.” “Sunday Best” appears on Surfaces’ 2019 album, Where the Light Is. Even so, the record wouldn’t ‘blow up’ until 2020. Forrest continues the vibe on the ultra-catchy, infectious chorus: “Feeling blessed, never stressed / Got that sunshine on my Sunday best.” As intended, listening to “Sunday Best” makes you feel good. This is an inoffensive, pleasant pop record. Furthermore, Surfaces uplifts listeners with positivity. No, there’s no brand-new revelations we haven’t heard, but what Forrest does serve up resonates. For example, “Every day can be a better day, despite the challenge / All you gotta do is leave it better than you found it” is wise. Also true is the assertion made on the pre-chorus that “Everyone falls down sometimes / But you just gotta know it’ll all be fine.” Sure, it’s not as easy as just saying some words that’ll magically make everything alright, but Forrest and Colin Padalecki deliver a strong, must-hear message.

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3. Vanessa Williams, “Save The Best For Last”

The Comfort Zone • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 1991

“Sometimes the snow comes down in June / Sometimes the sun goes ‘round the moon,” Vanessa Williams sings in the first verse of the ballad, “Save The Best For Last”. She continues, “I see the passion in your eyes / Sometimes it’s all a big surprise.” For Williams, “Save The Best For Last” would become the song that defined her music career – by far her biggest hit. The gold-certified, sixth track from her 1991 album, The Comfort Zone, spent five weeks at no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

divine The impact of “Save the Best For Last,” a song not originally written or intended for Vanessa Williams, can’t be understated. The Comfort Zone debuted tepidly at no. 105 the Billboard 200 in September 1991. Eventually certified triple platinum by the RIAA, it reached its peak, no. 17, in April 1992, coinciding with the peak of “Save The Best for Last.” The production, in the adult contemporary R&B vein, is incredibly smooth. Vocally, 11-time Grammy nominee Williams serves up sweet, chill, easy-going vocals. She sounds incredibly sophisticated handling the lead vocals. Did she ever break a sweat while singing it? Doesn’t seem like it. Even so, Williams does a masterful job making the songwriting sound authentic and passionate. Fueling the fire is love – unrequited, unfortunately! “Cause how could you give your love to someone else / And share your dreams with me?” Legit question. The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is none other than the chorus:

“But now we’re standing face to face

Isn’t this world a crazy place?

Just when I thought our chance had passed

You go and save the best for last.”

Years and years later, “Save The Best For Last” remains one of the best songs of the 1990s.

Appears in :

Vanessa Williams, Save The Best For Last: Throwback Vibez 133 (2023)

4. Conan Gray, “Best Friend”

Superache • Republic • 2022

As you’d expect the Conan Gray song, “Best Friend” ( Superache, 2022), is about friendship. In Conan’s hands, the friend(s) aren’t just his ‘best friend,’ but his “fucking best friend, that’s my fucking right hand.” Gray is profane AF, serving up no shortage of f-bombs. A prime example: “Remember when you broke up with your fucking ex? … God, I swear that bitch was such a narcissist.” Woo! Is the profanity necessary? Eh, probably not, but I find the contrast of a relatively low-key performance with the bite of swearing intriguing, like #FCK YEAH! Compared to the verses, the chorus is more energetic without being overblown.

Appears in :

13 Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs (2023)

5. Alicia Keys, “Best of Me”

KEYS • AK Worldwide Productions, Inc. / RCA • 2021

In advance of her 2021 album, Keys, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys released singles “Best of Me (Originals)” and “Best of Me (Unlocked)” – two distinct versions of the same song. One of the big things that stands out about “Best of Me” is the vibe. Keys seems to be channeling a certain aesthetic – a sound more than poetic, transcendent songwriting. “Best of Me” takes its time establishing itself, never feeling like it’s in a rush. There’s a sense of enigma initially. Lyrically, Keys keeps it simple on the verses, pre-chorus, as well as the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Baby, baby

We gonna rock forever

Ah-ha, ah-ha, ah

You get the best of me

… You got a way to make me feel.”

Vocally, Keys sounds nice, not doing anything game changing with her pipes but again, embracing feel and vibe. She produces the original version while the ‘unlocked’ version adds Mike WiLL Made-It to the fold.

Appears in :

Best: 5ive Songs No. 91 (2021)

6. Machine Gun Kelly & blackbear, “My ex’s best friend”

Tickets to My Downfall • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2020

On his 2020 album, Tickets to My Downfall, Machine Gun Kelly did an ‘about face’ shifting from rap to pop-punk. All in all, it wasn’t a far-fetched shift considering Kells looks the part and has always had a rock star aesthetic. Furthermore, Tickets to My Downfall has some intriguing moments including “My ex’s best friend” featuring blackbear. Naturally, him and blackbear are a perfect match. Both possess that rock energy (and ample tattoos). The listener, additionally, is treated to a rad chorus:

“I swear to God, I never fall in love

Then you showed up and I can’t get enough of it

I swear to God, I never fall in love

I never fall in love, but I can’t get enough of it.”

While I’ve emphasized the rock lane, this song does feature some hip-hop, particularly during bear’s verse. Those drums – NOT ROCK, that’s for sure! Furthermore, bear’s melody is rhythmic, like rap and melodic rap. Ultimately, the results of this sub-two-and-a-half-minute joint are successful.

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7. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”

Imagination • RCA • 1973

“If anyone should ever write my life story / For whatever reason, there might be…” Those iconic lines hail from the chorus of the beloved Gladys Knight & The Pips classic, “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”. How beloved is “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”? Well, it earned success on the pop charts, peaking impressively at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Gospel icon James Cleveland transformed the Jim Weatherly-penned joint into a gospel classic: “Jesus is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”. It’s worth noting, that the reverend gives Gladys her props. The utterly sublime chorus continues, “Ooh, you’ll be there between each line of pain and glory / ‘Cause you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

You're the best thing since ever Clearly, Gladys Knight, who handles the lead, backed up by The Pips, sings about a legitimate love – one that’s everlasting. In the first verse, she’s thankful to have his companionship: “I guess you could say that I’ve been lucky / Well, I guess you could say it’s all because of you.” Aww! Taken out of context, you could argue that Knight could possibly be speaking about a higher power, but the second verse debunks this: “‘Cause for every moment that I’ve spent hurting / There was a moment that I spent, just loving you.” This is an incredibly positive and thoughtful song. Surprisingly, this lushly produced, marvelously penned gem isn’t the crowning achievement of Imagination – that honors belong to the no. 1, Grammy-winning hit, “Midnight Train to Georgia” (also penned by Weatherly). Regardless, “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is one of the top soul classics of all time – truly stunning.

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8. Lana Del Rey “The Next Best American Record”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Polydor / Interscope • 2019

“Whatever’s on tonight, I just wanna party with you / Topanga’s hot tonight, I’m taking off my bathing suit…” In the context of the epic, Grammy nominated, Lana Del Rey album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!, the near-six-minute long “The Next Best American Record” pays ode to America, again. Specifically, “The Next Best American Record” highlights the state of California, which is common from Del Rey. Notably, she references Topanga (“Topanga’s hot tonight, I’m taking off my bathing suit”) and Malibu (“We play The Eagles down in Malibu and I want it) in the chorus. Furthermore, she mentions the 405 in the bridge. Besides referencing the state and its attractions and luxuries, she highlights the desire for love (“There’s something that I never knew I wanted”), as well as the aspiration to attain fame in all its glory (“We were so obsessed with writing the next best American record / ‘Cause we were just that good”).

9. Drake, “Best I Ever Had”

So Far Gone • Young Money / Cash Money • 2009

“You the fuckin’ best (Ayy), you the fuckin’ best (Ayy) / You the best I ever had…” It’s quite the compliment to tell somebody that they’re the fuckin’ best. Sure, it was explicit on the part of Grammy-winning rapper/singer, Drake, but, the expletive made it clear that she’s, indeed, the “Best I Ever Had.” A breakthrough hit for Drake from his 2009 EP, So Far Gone, “Best I Ever Had” peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, the single marked the first of 69 top-10 hits on the pop charts (and counting). Produced by Boi-1da, the multi-platinum single samples two songs: “Fallin’ in Love” courtesy of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds from 1975, and “Do It For the Baby” by Lil Wayne from 2008. The backdrop is perfect fuel for Drake’s flow – gassing him up as he makes it clear that she is the sugar honey iced tea (“Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no make-up on That’s when you’re the prettiest / I hope that you don’t take it wrong”). “Best I Ever Had” will always be remembered as that song that put Aubrey Drake Graham on the map. You could say it’s one of his BEST.

10. Saweetie, “Best Friend” (Ft. Doja Cat)

“Best Friend” • ICY / Warner • 2021

Rapper Saweetie, assisted by Grammy-nominated female rapper, Doja Cat, brings the heat (and friendship) on the enjoyable “Best Friend”. Despite running just two-and-a-half-minute, that’s enough time for Saweetie and Doja to be unapologetic! With numerous songwriters on deck, it’s Dr. Luke and Rocco Did It Again that do work behind the boards. They give the rappers a minimalist backdrop: 808s/trap drums and a minor key synth. It’s perfect fuel for the fire as we’re made aware of the ‘bad bitch’ status from the jump. The centerpiece is the chorus:

“That my best friend, she a real bad bitch

Got her own money, she don’t need no nig’

On the dance floor, she had two, three drinks

Now she twerkin’, she throw it out and come back in…”

Each rapper has their own one-liners whether it’s “I hit her phone with the tea, like ‘Bitch, guess what? / All the rich-ass boys wann fuck on us!” (Saweetie) or “That’s my best friend, if you need a freak / I ain’t dumb, but motherfucker, she my Tweedledee” (Doja Cat). With these two on the track, the expectation was a banger, and that’s the result, PERIOD!

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11. Sofi Tukker, “Best Friend” (Ft. NERVO, The Knocks & ALISA UENO)

Treehouse • Ultra • 2018

It’s all good for dance duo Sofi Tukker ( Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) on “Best Friend”, among the best songs of 2017. Released in advance of their 2018, Grammy-nominated album, Treehouse, “Best Friend” features great production, solid vocals (gimmicky and natural), and catchy songwriting. “Best Friend” commences with a bang. The friendship begins with an abrupt intro (the eventual chorus), backed by a sick percussion groove.

“I think that I’ll keep loving you, way past 65

We made a language for us two, we don’t need to describe

Every time you call on me, I drop what I do

You are my best friend and we’ve got some shit to shoot.”

It’s followed by a more aggressive instrumental, with biting horns leading the charge. The groove intensifies, setting up the infectious pre-chorus, performed by The Knocks (“Yo, you wanna meet me at the bar?). In addition to The Knocks, NERVO and Alisa Ueno get in on the infectious, groovy action.

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12. Daniel Caesar, “Best Part” (Ft. H.E.R.)

Freudian • Golden Child Recordings • 2017

“If life is a movie, then you’re the best part, oh / You’re the best part, ooh / Best part…” Aww, how sweet ! Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar deservedly earned two Grammy nominations for his debut album, Freudian (Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Album). After failing to win at the 60^th Annual Grammy Awards, Caesar, alongside H.E.R., earned his first Grammy for “Best Part” (R&B Performance), one of the true bright spots from the LP. Best Part” is a slow and sensual track which plays to the strengths of both artists. The guitar accompaniment helps to establish a simple, romantic vibe ️. The vocal chemistry between Caesar and H.E.R. is top-notch. H.E.R. sings the first verse and pre-chorus, asserting, “You’re the coffee ️ that I need in the morning / You’re my sunshine ️ in the rain ️ when it’s pouring.” As for Caesar, who performs the second verse and second pre-chorus, he paints a picture of waking up next to her, making love, and how crucial she is – “My water when I’m stuck in the desert / You’re the Tylenol I take when my head hurts / You’re the sunshine of my life.” “Best Part” is easily one of the best parts of both musicians’ careers.

Appears in :

10 Parts, Pieces, Elements & Fragments Songs (2018)

13. Tina Turner, “The Best”

Foreign Affair • Parlophone • 1989

“Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams / Speak the language of love like you know what it means.” In my mind, Tina Turner was definitely one of “The Best”, just like her beloved hit song (a cover!). “The Best,” which appeared on her 1989 album, Foreign Affair, somehow missed the top 10 – what a travesty. It did ultimately peak at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. So, what makes “The Best” simply the best? Well, it’s “Better than all the rest” first and foremost because of the epic, powerful vocals by Tina Turner. Turner was truly one of a kind. Who sounded like her? No one! The songwriting by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight is superb. Turner executes the memorable lyrics and tuneful melody superbly. The chorus, of course, is the centerpiece:

“Oh, you’re simply the best

Better than all the rest

Better than anyone

Anyone I ever met

I’m stuck on your heart, baby

I hang on every word you say

Oh, tear us apart? No, no

Baby, I would rather be dead.”

You Da Best The chorus ranks at or near the top of her catalog, as well as the 1980s. Besides the voice and solid songwriting, the sound and production are superb as well. The energetic sound exemplifies the quintessential 80s sound with the groove being EVERYTHING. Also, the key change is idiomatic of the times. As Turner did so well in her comeback/rebrand in the 80s, “The Best” blends pop and rock with ample soul within her pipes. “The Best” is, simply, one of the best songs ever. Rest in Peace Queen!

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These 13 Songs Are The Best [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Bad Boy, Columbia, Golden Child Recordings, Interscope, Parlophone, Polydor, RCA, Surfaces Music / TenThousand Projects, Ultra, Warner; Harrison Vásquez, RDNE Stock Project from Pexels]

These 13 Songs Are The Best | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on September 4, 2023September 4, 2023