Tina Turner, The Best | Throwback Vibez

In the 80^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “The Best” by Tina Turner. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 80^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “The Best”, performed by Tina Turner.

via GIPHY

“Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams / Speak the language of love like you know what it means.” WOO! Sadly, on May 24, 2023, the world lost an icon, and one of my very favorite musicians, Tina Turner .  In my mind, The Grammy winner was definitely one of “The Best”, just like her beloved hit song (a cover!).  Furthermore, because of my fanboy status, I’ve covered Turner on many occasions on The Musical Hype including the lesser known “Sweet Rhode Island Red”, the compelling soundtrack cut, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”, and of course, her sole no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100,   “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. “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.”

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!

via GIPHY

Tina Turner • Foreign Affair • Parlophone • 1989

Tina Turner, “The Best”: Throwback Vibez No. 80 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Parlophone; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]