Wynonna Judd Channels Her Inner Bonnie Tyler in “The Best”

About the Song

Penned by Australian record producer and songwriter Mike Chapman and American songwriter and musician Holly Knight, “The Best” is a pop rock song originally recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler. It was produced by American songwriter and producer Desmond Child in 1988. The song was a part of Tyler’s 1988 album Hide Your Heart although it was named Notes from America in the U.S.

The following year, Tina Turner rendered her own version of “The Best“. It was one of the tracks included on her 1989 hit album Foreign Affair. Interestingly, it was more successful than that of Tyler’s original version. Tyler’s original version did not fare any higher as it just peaked at no. 10 on Norway’s VG-Lista while no. 95 on the U.K. Singles Official Charts Company.

On the other hand, Turner’s version was a hit in many charts worldwide. To note, it was a chart-topper in at least 17 countries. It was no. 4 in Australia, no. 2 in both Austria and Belgium, and no. 3 in Canada, Finland, Italy, and Switzerland. In addition, it ranked no. 4 in Germany and Ireland, and no. 5 in the Netherlands, Norway and the U.K. Although it was not as popular as those in the earlier mentioned countries, the song still penetrated music charts in France where it ranked no. 23, no. 28 in New Zealand, no. 20 in Spain, no. 11 in Sweden, and no. 15 in the United States. Overall, Turner’s version penetrated the European Hot 100 Singles in 1989 as the third most popular song of the year.

Wynonna Judd’s Powerful Performance

Wynonna Judd is known for her powerful voice exuded in her songs. She started as a part of the most successful female duo, The Judds (with her mother, Naomi) in the late 70’s until the early 90’s. Her strong vocals together with her emotional performances just set her apart from other artists of any genre.

In 2005, Wynona covered Bonnie Tyler’s “The Best” during her concert. Before starting the powerful song, she opened it enumerating some of her “she-roes” (female heroes) which includes Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Aretha Franklin. Some of whom she considers her inspiration in music. She then started with a strong kick signaling the beginning of the song. Truly, Wynonna perfomed so well and without a doubt, gave justice to the song.

Watch Wynonna Judd’s powerful rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s 1988 hit “The Best”:

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