Tina Turner – The Best

About the song

“The Best” is an iconic power ballad and pop-rock anthem that was originally written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight. It was first recorded by Bonnie Tyler in 1988, but it was Tina Turner’s electrifying cover, released in 1989 on her album Foreign Affair, that catapulted the song to global superstardom. Turner’s version, featuring a memorable saxophone solo by Edgar Winter, became one of her most recognized and beloved songs, synonymous with her powerful voice and indomitable spirit. It’s a declaration of passionate admiration and unwavering devotion, delivered with her characteristic force.

The sound and style: “The Best” is a classic late 1980s power ballad blended with pop-rock and R&B elements. It’s characterized by its anthemic chorus, strong melodic hooks, dynamic arrangement, and of course, Tina Turner’s commanding vocals. The sound is polished, expansive, and full of emotional conviction, designed to be both radio-friendly and incredibly impactful. It has a triumphant and uplifting feel.

Musical features:

• Tina Turner’s Dominant Vocals: Turner’s vocal performance is the undeniable highlight. She sings with immense power, passion, and a distinctive husky timbre. Her voice builds from a more restrained beginning to a soaring, full-throated delivery in the chorus, conveying absolute conviction and adoration.
• Catchy, Anthemic Chorus: The chorus, “You’re simply the best / Better than all the rest / Better than anyone / Anyone I’ve ever met,” is incredibly memorable, singable, and instantly uplifting.
• Prominent Saxophone Solo: Edgar Winter’s saxophone solo is a signature element of the song, adding a soulful and bluesy texture that complements Turner’s vocals beautifully and provides a classic 80s rock feel.
• Driving Drum Beat and Bassline: The rhythm section provides a solid, steady, and propulsive beat that anchors the song and gives it its dynamic energy.
• Layered Instrumentation: The production features keyboards, guitars (both rhythm and lead), and a solid bass line, creating a rich and full soundscape that supports the powerful vocals.
• Dynamic Buildup: The song builds effectively from the verses to the more intense and soaring chorus, creating a satisfying emotional arc.

It’s powerful, passionate, and uplifting, an ultimate declaration of adoration.

Lyrical themes and atmosphere:

“I call you when I need you, my heart’s on fire / You come to me, come to me wild and wild / When you come to me, give me everything I need”

The lyrics are an unequivocal declaration of intense admiration and love for someone. The narrator describes their partner as being “simply the best,” superior to everyone else they’ve ever known, and the source of all their needs and dreams. The atmosphere is one of profound devotion, passion, and certainty. It captures the feeling of finding that one extraordinary person who illuminates your world and makes you feel strong and complete. It’s a celebration of superlative qualities in a loved one.

Themes:

• Unconditional Love and Adoration: Expressing extreme admiration and deep love for another person.
• Idealization: Viewing the loved one as superior to all others.
• Strength and Support: Acknowledging the partner as a source of strength and emotional fulfillment.
• Passion and Desire: Conveying intense romantic feelings.
• Joy and Fulfillment: The happiness found in a truly profound connection.

Unlike songs that explore the complexities or struggles of love, “The Best” is a straightforward and powerful celebration of its highest, most exhilarating form.

Legacy and impact:

• Global Smash Hit: Became a massive international success, particularly in the UK and Australia, and a signature song for Tina Turner.
• Sporting Anthem: Famously adopted by various sports teams and leagues (most notably Rugby League in Australia) as an unofficial anthem, due to its empowering and triumphant message.
• Pop Culture Icon: Its chorus is instantly recognizable and has been widely used in advertising, films, and television, cementing its place in popular culture.
• Definitive Cover: Widely considered the definitive version of the song, surpassing the original recording.
• Tina Turner’s Legacy: A cornerstone of her legendary comeback career, showcasing her enduring vocal power and stage presence.

“The Best” is more than just a hit song; it’s a timeless anthem of celebration, whether for a loved one, a team, or simply the joy of finding something truly exceptional.

Final thoughts: Tina Turner’s “The Best” is an absolute powerhouse. From the moment that iconic sax riff kicks in, you know you’re in for something special. Turner’s vocal performance is simply breathtaking, filled with an unbridled passion and conviction that makes every word feel deeply personal and true. It’s an anthem of pure, unadulterated adoration, delivered with such force and sincerity that it transcends mere pop music to become a universally recognized declaration of excellence. It perfectly embodies Tina Turner’s own “best” qualities as an artist – raw power, emotional depth, and undeniable charisma.

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Lyrics

“The Best”

I call you when I need you
When my heart’s on fire
You come to me, come to me
Wild and wired

When you come to me
Give me everything I need

Give me a lifetime of promises
And a world of dreams
Speak the language of love
Like you know what it means

And it can’t be wrong
Take my heart and make it strong, baby

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met
I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Tear us apart
Baby, I would rather be dead

In your heart I see the start
Of every night and every day
In your eyes I get lost
I get washed away

Just as long as I’m here in your arms
I could be in no better place

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met
I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Tear us apart, no, no, no
Baby, I would rather be dead

Each time you leave me I start losing control
You’re walking away with my heart and my soul
I can feel you even when I’m alone
Oh, baby, don’t let go!

You’re the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met
I’m stuck on your heart
I hang on every word you say
Tear us apart, no, no
Baby, I would rather be dead

You’re the best

You’re the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met
I’m stuck on your heart, baby
I hang on every word you say
Tear us apart, no, no
Baby, I would rather be dead

You’re the best
You’re better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met

Oh, you’re the best