Album: The Comfort Zone (Wing)
Songwriters: Wendy Waldman, Jon Lind and Phil Galdston
Hit #1: March 28th, 1992 (3 Weeks)
"Save The Best For Last" and it's preceding single, the sensual Euro R&B-tinged #2 hit "The Comfort Zone", took Vanessa Williams out of the dance-pop realm and saw her successfully transition into more of a sophisticated songstress. The move might have paved the way for some boring material, but it did help earn her some industry credibility, including six Grammy nominations for The Comfort Zone album alone.
The well-arranged and beautifully-penned "Save The Best For Last" was the type of signature ballad every female singer longed to have. What young belle looking for that uber-smash could resist interpreting such finely written trife as "Sometimes the snow comes down in June/ Sometimes the sun goes 'round the moon"? Never an in-your-face type of soul singer, Williams paced, gentle phrasings add to the song's preciousness despite the deliciously biting undertone of the lyrics.
"Save..." is aimed at an ex-boyfriend with a history of stomping all over her heart then begging for another chance when he realized he had it best with her. "All of the nights you came to me/ When some silly girl had set you free," she recalls with a sigh, later adding "I wondered what was wrong with you." Too bad the chorus will leave you wondering what the hell is wrong with her, as his umpteenth shot at a reconciliation once again reduces her to a forgiving sap, foolishly willing to let him back in her life. Didn't this girl watch Ricki Lake? Or at least any of her friends? Somebody should of let her know "once a snake, always a snake".
Nevertheless, "Save The Best For Last" lodged itself atop both the pop and R&B charts, scoring a Gold certification and becoming the biggest hit of Williams' musical career. At the Grammy's, it grabbed nods for Record of The Year, Song of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal. Somewhat oddly, the song even became a sort of holiday standard throughout the '90's. Because nothing says Christmastime like a cheating man whimpering at his woman's doorstep.
DL: "Save The Best For Last" (YFH)
2 comments:
awww damn man, nobody appreciates vanessa for her music. adhd has made us only remember ugly betty and the miss america scandal (that *was* her right? she got dibbs!)
but this entry man. i mean im not sayin you picked the wrong song cus arguably this is her HIT but man o man.. comfort zone was my JAM!
remember i got so much work to do? fam... you jsut made my day
I was in the Philippines for a summer vacation when this was the big hit - everyone and their moms over there was all over this song. Apparently, A/C MOR is HUGE in the Philippines, and still is.
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