"The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a Grammy-nominated 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, as well as Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe. 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. The song was later included on Vandross' compilations ' and Lovesongs, as well as Jackson's own compilations ' and Number Ones respectively. In 1995, the song was re-released as the second single from Jackson's aforementioned Design of a Decade 1986–1996compilation album, included new remixes by Roger Sanchez, K-Klass and MK, exclusively in European countries. 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.
Background and composition
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. Prior to her first release with Virgin, Jackson was asked by Jam and Lewis to record a song for the sound track 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." It was the first all-new song Jackson recorded at the new location of Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina, MN, which was completed 2 months after wrapping up recording on her fourth studio albumRhythm Nation 1814 in May 1989 at the original Minneapolis studio. 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." It is written in the key of F#m and their vocal ranges span from the low-note of F#3 to C#6. The song is set in the signature of common time and has a moderate tempo of 120 pulsations per minute. It follows the basic chord progression of B7m—C#7m—F#7.
Critical reception
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."
Chart performance
In the United States, "The Best Things in Life Are Free" debuted at number 24 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 the week of May 30, 1992. Three weeks later, the song peaked at number 10 for three consecutive weeks and ended at number 41 on the year-end chart. The song also peaked at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. 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. It became Jackson's first top-ten hit in the UK since "Let's Wait Awhile" reached number three in 1987. The song was remixed in 1995 and re-released, reaching number seven. It was the remixed version that was included on international releases of Janet's compilation album . In Australia the single spent five consecutive weeks at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart, spending 18 weeks on the chart, and was ranked at number six on the year-end chart.
Music video
A music video was made for the song, 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.
