The Best Things in Life Are Free

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For the 1927 song, see The Best Things in Life Are Free (1927 song). For the 1956 film, see The Best Things in Life Are Free (film).
"The Best Things in Life Are Free"
Cover for the 1992 release
Single by Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson
from the album Mo' Money soundtrack and Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995 re-release)
B-side
  • DMC Megamix (10:52)
  • (1995 re-issue)
ReleasedMay 12, 1992 (1992-05-12)
RecordedFebruary – March 1992
Studio
Genre
Length
  • 4:36 (Mo' Money soundtrack w/ BBD and Ralph Tresvant)
  • 4:04 (1995 re-issue)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Luther Vandross singles chronology
"Sometimes It's Only Love"
(1992) 		"The Best Things in Life Are Free"
(1992) 		"Little Miracles (Happen Every Day)"
(1993)
Janet Jackson singles chronology
"State of the World"
(1991) 		"The Best Things in Life Are Free"
(1992) 		"That's the Way Love Goes"
(1993)
Bell Biv DeVoe singles chronology
"Word to the Mutha!"
(1991) 		"The Best Things in Life Are Free"
(1992) 		"Gangsta"
(1993)
Ralph Tresvant singles chronology
"Money Can't Buy You Love"
(1992) 		"The Best Things in Life Are Free"
(1992) 		"Who's the Mack"
(1993)
Music video
"The Best Things in Life Are Free" on YouTube

"The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a duet between American singers Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson, recorded for the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced soundtrack to the 1992 American film Mo' Money, starring Damon Wayans. The song was composed by Jam, Lewis, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch. The song was released as the soundtrack's lead single on May 12, 1992, by Perspective Records and A&M Records. Additionally, the song was remixed by David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, and CJ Mackintosh. The duet became a major hit in several countries, peaking at number two in Australia and the United Kingdom, number six in Ireland and New Zealand, number eight in Canada and Germany, and number 10 in the United States. Its music video was directed by Paris Barclay, but didn't feature Vandross and Jackson. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

The song was later included on Vandross' compilations One Night with You: The Best of Love, Volume 2 and Lovesongs, as well as Jackson's own compilations Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 and Number Ones respectively. In 1995, the song was re-released as the second single from Jackson's aforementioned Design of a Decade 1986–1996 compilation album, included new remixes by Roger Sanchez, K-Klass and MK, exclusively in European countries. A further re-release followed as a limited-edition single in 1996. Jackson included the song on her 2011 tour, Number Ones, Up Close and Personal, and her 2015–2016 Unbreakable World Tour. It is also included in her 2019 Las Vegas Residency Janet Jackson: Metamorphosis.

Background and composition[edit]

In March 1991, Jackson signed an unprecedented $32 million contract with Virgin Records, the largest record deal at the time, although it was quickly exceeded by her brother Michael and his label, Epic Records.[1] Prior to her first release with Virgin, Jackson was asked by Jam and Lewis to record a song for the soundtrack to the feature film Mo' Money, released in 1992 by their label Perspective Records. Jon Bream of the Star Tribune reported: "For most movie soundtracks, producers negotiate with record companies, managers and lawyers for the services of big-name singers. Like the Hollywood outsiders that they are, Edina-based Jam and Lewis went directly to such stars as Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Bell Biv DeVoe, Color Me Badd and Johnny Gill."[2] It was the first all-new song Jackson recorded at the new location of Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina, Minnesota, which was completed 2 months after wrapping up recording on her fourth studio album Rhythm Nation 1814 in May 1989 at the original Minneapolis studio.[3] She had done re-recordings and remixes there from 1989 to 1991.

"The Best Things in Life Are Free" is an R&B, dance-pop and house song with a "steady beat".[4] It is written in the key of F♯m and their vocal ranges span from the low-note of F♯3 to C♯6.[4] The song is set in the signature of common time and has a moderate tempo of 120 pulsations per minute.[4] It follows the basic chord progression of B7m—C♯7m—F♯7.[4]

Critical reception[edit]

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "First peek into the hotly anticipated soundtrack to the film Mo' Money is a glittery, star-studded pop/jack affair. Vandross and Jackson vocally swerve and weave around each other like they've been singing together for years. Added flavor comes from guest raps by Bell Biv DeVoe and Tresvant. The true kudos, however, go to the masterful Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who have crafted a slammin' track that would work no matter what."[5] Amy Linden from Entertainment Weekly commented, "While the combo of Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross may be a marketing dream, artistically it blows. The trademark busy groove that defines Janet buries Luther, who doesn’t need a crutch and who, when free of misguided arrangements, eats singers like Janet for lunch."[6]

John Martinucci from the Gavin Report said the duo "sound great together working over this high energy song".[7] Also Alan Jones from Music Week agreed that "it's appeal is in the super-smooth vocal combination of Janet and Luther", and named the single Pick of the Week.[8] Another Music Week editor, Andy Beevers, felt the track is "very catchy and funky".[9] Iestyn George from NME noted its "sweet soul tread" that "carry an equally refreshing air of simplicity."[10] Tom Doyle from Smash Hits described it as "a smooth club number with a dreamy soul feel and a rap from the "special guests" in the middle."[11]

Chart performance[edit]

In the United States, "The Best Things in Life Are Free" debuted at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 the week of May 30, 1992.[12] Three weeks later, the song peaked at number 10 for three consecutive weeks and ended at number 41 on the year-end chart.[13][14][15][16] The song also peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[15][17]

In the United Kingdom the song was released in August 1992 and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, spending 13 weeks in the chart.[18] It became Jackson's first top-ten hit in the UK since "Let's Wait Awhile" reached number three in 1987.[19] The song was remixed in 1995 and re-released, reaching number seven.[20] It was the remixed version that was included on international releases of Janet's compilation album Design of a Decade: 1986–1996. In Australia the single spent five consecutive weeks at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart,[21] spending 18 weeks on the chart, and was ranked at number six on the year-end chart.[22]

Music video[edit]

A music video was made for "The Best Things in Life Are Free", directed by American television director, producer, and writer Paris Barclay,[23] although neither Vandross nor Jackson appear in it. Instead, the video features Mo' Money's stars Damon Wayans and Stacey Dash, at a carnival, lip-synching to the song; Damon's brother Marlon Wayans, who also appears in Mo' Money, has a cameo appearance in the video.

Also included on the track is Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe of Bell Biv DeVoe. Ralph Tresvant also has a very brief spoken line. He appears solo on the song "Money Can't Buy You Love" from the soundtrack.

Track listings[edit]

Original version[edit]

"A Little Bit of Mo' Money The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" consists of three snippets: "Money Can't Buy You Love" by Ralph Tresvant, "Let's Just Run Away" by Johnny Gill, and "Let's Get Together (So Groovy Now)" by Krush.

1995 remixes[edit]

"Megamix" consists of seven songs by Janet Jackson: "What Have You Done for Me Lately", "When I Think of You", "Escapade", "Miss You Much", "Alright", "The Pleasure Principle", and "Runaway".

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Certifications for "The Best Things in Life Are Free"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[22] Platinum 70,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[67] Silver 200,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history[edit]

Release history and formats for "The Best Things in Life Are Free"
Region Version Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States Original May 12, 1992
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[citation needed]
United Kingdom August 3, 1992 [68]
1995 remixes December 4, 1995
  • CD
  • cassette
 A&M [69]
December 18, 1995 12-inch vinyl double pack [70]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Bronson 2003, p. 817
  2. ^ Jon Bream (June 21, 1992), "On the Fast Track // Edina-based Producers Skip Hollywood Protocol in Lining Up Stars, Recording Movie's Soundtrack", Star Tribune, p. 01.F, ISSN 0895-2825
  3. ^ "Flyte Time Grand Opening | A Prince Discography - guide2prince". Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
  4. ^ a b c d Janet Jackson - The Best Things in Life Are Free Sheet Music (Digital Download). Musicnotes.com.
  5. ^ Flick, Larry (May 23, 1992). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  6. ^ Linden, Amy (July 31, 1992). "Music Review: 'Mo' Money'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  7. ^ Martinucci, John (May 8, 1992). "Urban: New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 42. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  8. ^ Jones, Alan (June 27, 1992). "Mainstream: Singles - Pick of the Week" (PDF). Music Week. p. 10. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  9. ^ Beevers, Andy (July 18, 1992). "Dance: Pick of the Week" (PDF). Music Week. p. 8. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  10. ^ George, Iestyn (September 30, 1995). "Long Play". NME. p. 56. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  11. ^ Doyle, Tom (August 5, 1992). "New Singles". Smash Hits. p. 41. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  12. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100: Week Ending of May 30, 1992". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  13. ^ DeKnock, Jan (June 12, 1992). "Kris Kross 'Jumps' to new record". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  14. ^ DeKnock, Jan (June 26, 1992). "Chart action slows as summer arrives". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  15. ^ a b c "Luther Vandross Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  16. ^ a b "Top Pop Singles 1992". Billboard. Nielsen Media Business, Inc. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  17. ^ Whitburn 2004, p. 811
  18. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  19. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 29 March 1987 - 04 April 1987". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  20. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  21. ^ a b "Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson – The Best Things in Life Are Free". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  22. ^ a b c "1992 ARIA Singles Chart". ARIA. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  23. ^ Joe (May 19, 2019). "From The Vault: Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross – 'The Best Things In Life Are Free'". Thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  24. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records. 1992. 31458 7406-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (Japanese CD single liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records. 1992. POCM-1013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records. 1992. 31458 7406 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  27. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records. 1992. 28968 0010 7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  28. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (US cassette single cassette notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records. 1992. 28968 0010 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK CD single liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, A&M Records. 1992. PERD 7400, 587 400-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, A&M Records. 1992. PERT 7400, 587 400-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  31. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, A&M Records. 1992. PERSS 7400, 587 400-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK cassette single sleeve). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, A&M Records. 1992. PERCS 7400, 587 400-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  33. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (Australian CD single liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, Polydor Records. 1992. 587 401-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (Australian cassette single sleeve). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. Perspective Records, Polydor Records. 1992. 587 401-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  35. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK CD1 liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1995. 581 309-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK cassette single sleeve). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1995. 581 309-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (UK CD2 liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1995. 581 311-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  38. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (French CD liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1995. 581 308-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  39. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (German CD liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1996. 581 496-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  40. ^ The Best Things in Life Are Free (European maxi-CD liner notes). Luther Vandross, Janet Jackson. A&M Records. 1996. 581 497-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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  67. ^ "British single certifications – Janet Jackson & Luther Vandross – The Best Thing in Life Are Free". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  68. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. August 1, 1992. p. 19.
  69. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. December 2, 1995. p. 48. Misprinted as December 3 on source. The Albums section uses the correct date.
  70. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. December 16, 1995. p. 43.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Bronson, Fred (2003), The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits, Billboard Books, ISBN 0823076776
  • Dyson, Michael Eric (1993), Reflecting Black: African-American Cultural Criticism, University of Minnesota Press, ISBN 0816621411
  • Whitburn, Joel (2004), Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004, Record Research Inc., ISBN 0898201608

External links[edit]

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