"The Best of You" is a song by American musician Booker T. Jones and a single from the album The Best of You (1980). The B-side to the single is "Let's Go Dancin'". Booker T. Jones version Background "The Best of You" backed with "Let's Go Dancin'" was released as a 45 rpm single on A&M 2234-S in 1980.Discogs - Booker T. Jones – The Best Of You
The song is also used as the B side for Jones' single "We Could Stay Together" which was a hit in Australia in 1980,45Cat - Booker T. Jones And Rita Coolidge - 7" Singles Discography, AustraliaTop 100 Singles - Every AMR Top 100 Single in 1980, We Could Stay Together Booker T. Jones & Rita Coolidge 27 OCT '80 #60 and "You Got Me Spinning" which was a hit in New Zealand in 1982.45Cat - Booker T. Jones - You Got Me SpinningHitparade.ch - Booker T. Jones – You Got Me Spinning
Reception Jones' album was one of the four Record World Picks of the Week for the week of 3 May. The review of the album was positive with his pleasant voice and the pop appeal being noted. The reviewer also wrote that Jones was most effective on the slow ballads and gave "The Best of You" and "Will You Be the One" as examples.Record World, May 3, 1980 - Page 41 PICKS OF THE WEEK, THE BEST OF YOU BOOKER T JONES-A&M SP-4798
"The Best of You" was a Record World Single Pick for the week of 21 June. The reviewer wrote that Jones was in rare form with the song and his voice was shimmering alongside the prominent guitar. The reviewer also mentioned the strong crossover potential of the song.Record World, June 21, 1980 - Page 12 Record World Single Picks, BOOKER T. JONES-A&M 2234 THE BEST OF YOU Kenny Thomas version
Background The song was given a new audience in 1991 when the song was covered by English singer Kenny Thomas, retitled "Best of You", from his debut album, Voices (1991). Thomas's version, produced by Ian Green was released by Cooltempo Records and reached 11 in the United Kingdom and also charted in France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Charts Weekly charts Chart (1991–1992)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) 197Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) 27Europe (European Hit Radio) 10Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)Radio Luxembourg Singles. October 20, 1991. 9 UK Airplay (Music Week) 2UK Dance (Music Week) 2UK Club Chart (Record Mirror) 2
Year-end charts Chart (1991)PositionUK Club Chart (Record Mirror) 46
References
External links Discogs - Booker T. Jones – The Best Of You TheRareGrooveMan channel, Mar 31, 2013 - Booker T. Jones - The Best Of You (audio) Discogs - Kenny Thomas – Best Of You Mixsensei channel, May 27, 2009 - Kenny Thomas - Best Of You (audio)