from STRONGER
written by David Foster, Jeremy Lubbock & Richard Marx
“The Best Of Me” is without any doubt one of David Foster’s lovelier compositions ever. This sweet ballad, co-written with famed arranger, Jeremy Lubbock and superstar singer/songwriter Richard Marx, was initially recorded a couple times by Foster for his solo releases. The second version, sung as a duet with Olivia Newton-John, made the Billboard charts in 1986 and was also a top adult contemporary hit.
The charm of “The Best Of Me” became evident to the eyes of amazing singers like Kenny Rogers, Phil Perry and Barry Manilow who covered this song always with fine results. Manilow’s version was produced by Foster in 1992 for a special box set release. Another interesting cover of “The Best Of Me” was recorded in 1989 by UK superstar, Cliff Richard. Richard’s version of “The Best Of Me,” given its important chart action, can easily be considered the most successful ever. The song was included on the veteran singer’s top ten album “Stronger” and its release, marketed as Richard’s 100th single, reached #2 on the UK charts. Richard’s vocal performance is flawless and captures perfectly the lyrics’ spirit supported by some minimal keyboard accompaniment and an intense guitar solo. Through The years the beauty of “The Best Of Me” has attracted many more singers and just recently Michael Buble sung it under Foster’s production for his “Crazy Love: Hollywood Edition” album. Another precious take of this song is the one by its co-writer, Richard Marx that can be found on the European edition of his 2010 album, “Stories To Tell.”
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/the_best_of_me.mp3|titles=The Best Of Me|artists=Cliff Richard]
Lead Vocals: Cliff Richard
Bass: Mark Griffiths
Guitar: John Clark
Keyboards & Programming: Paul Moessl
Drum Programming: Keith Bessey
Arranged by Paul Moessl
Produced by Cliff Richard
Lyrics
So many years gone
Still I remember
How did I ever let my heart believe
In one who never gave enough to me
And so many years gone
With love that was so wrong
I can’t forget the way it used to be
And how you changed the taste of love for me
You were my one more chance
I never thought I’d find
You were the one moment
I’ll always have in my mind
No-one will ever touch me more
And I only hope that in return
I might have saved the best of me for you
And we’ll have no ending
If we can hold on
And I think I’ve come this far because of you
Could be no other love but yours will do
You were my one more chance
I never thought I’d find
You were the one moment
I’ll always have in my mind
No-one will ever touch me more
And I only hope that in return
I might have saved the best of me for you
No-one will ever touch me more
And I only hope that in return
No matter how much we have to learn
I might have saved the best of me for you
For you
I saved the best of me
You were my one more chance
You were the one romance
(Repeats)