Eddie writesTake Two: “(Simply) the Best” (Bonnie Tyler Vs. Tina Turner Vs. Noah Reid)

by Eddie Sayago

For this entry of Take Two, we look at a popular song from three decades ago that has become immensely popular thanks to a hit TV show, which has lead to memes and GIFs. To this writer’s surprise, it turns out that Tina Turner’s “The Best” is actually a cover itself...

The Original: Bonnie Tyler "(Simply) The Best" (1988)

Fun fact: Tina Turner's version is actually a cover. The O.G. of this stellar song goes to Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" is featured on her 1988 album Hide Your Heart, which was produced by Desmond Child (who had a very busy year, working with everyone from Joan Jett and Bon Jovi to Cher and Michael Bolton.) Tyler's recording was a Top Ten hit...in Norway. Hide Your Heart failed to chart on the Billboard charts.

A Cover: Tina Turner "(Simply) The Best" (1989)

There are two versions of Turner's cover. The first one, which is the one we all know very well, did a lot better on the charts, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989 and has been featured in numerous promos for restaurants, products, and sporting events. The second version, recorded and released a few years later, was a duet with Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes to promote the New South Wales rugby season.

Another Cover: Noah Reid "(Simply) The Best" (2018)

Until I wrote this piece, I always thought that Tina Turner's version was the truly original version. Turner's version, recorded and released only a year after Tyler's, got a boost in 2018 when it was featured in the fourth season of "Schitt's Creek", when Noah Reid, as his character Patrick, performed the song to his boyfriend-turned-fiancee David (Dan Levy) at a talent show. Reid, who is also a professional musician, is going on tour this spring, and it appears this could be the song that everyone sings along to when he's onstage.