"U R the Best Thing" is the debut single by Northern Irishmusical groupD:Ream. Originally a club hit released in 1992, the song has been remixed and re-released two times: in 1993 and in 1994. The 1994 version, also known as the Perfecto Mix (by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne), was most successful peaking at number 3 in Scotland, number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 6 in Ireland. It also peaked at number 13 on the Eurochart Hot 100. The 1993 version reached number 1 on the BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart in the US. There were made three different music videos for the song.
The track was voted "#1 Single Of The Year" by BBC Radio in 1993.[1] In 1996, British magazine Mixmag included the song as number 96 in their 100 Greatest Dance Singles Of All Time list.[2]
In 1992, British newspaper Lennox Herald described "U R the Best Thing" as a "house track with hypnotic song and certain club smash."[3]Mixmag deemed it a "heart-stopping, piano pounding epic." Music Week called it "excellent", adding that it "mates well-crafted lyrics with some of this year's most essential samples and breaks".[4]James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update stated that the track is "featuring some soaring support by D'borah Asher but made most exciting by its rippling vibes breaks, husky pop singer Peter Cunnah and DJ Al McKenzie's thumping and surging jangly house bounder".[5]
1993 version[]
In 1993, Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "The element that sets this record apart from the pack of wolves vying for recognition is that there is a real song tucked beneath the barrage of studio tricks and house beats. Here is one that doesn't lose any of its appeal once you stop twirling; the melody and lyrics stay with long after daylight. Props to the group's masterminds, Peter Cunnah and M Mackenzie, for going the extra mile and giving us something to feel and whistle to."[6] Dave Sholin from Gavin Report noted that "the pair blends a house sound with a just a taste of alternative."[7] Andy Beevers from Music Week gave the song five out of five, complimenting the "superb new Morales mixes which have been getting a great dancefloor reaction".[8]James Hamilton from the magazine's RM Dance Update described it as a "wriggling jangly canterer".[9]
1994 version[]
In 1994, Scottish newspaper Dundee Courier picked it as a "standout" track from the album.[10]Music & Media wrote, "Yep, it's them again with their umpteenth rerelease. Remixed by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, it's another step up the stairs to stardom for the pop dance duo."[11] Alan Jones from Music Week rated the new remix four out of five, adding it as "a bankable follow up to their number one hit, Things Can Only Get Better."[12] Tim Jeffery from the magazine's RM Dance Update said, "These new Perfecto mixes keep the attractive flute part while adding strings and a distictive piano sound to make the song an anthem once again. Stylish, commercial and probably a hit second time around."[13] Another editor, James Hamilton deemed it a "attractive huskily crooned throbbing 122.9bpm" Perfecto remix.[14] John Kilgo from The Network Forty commented, "Looking for a flavorful uptempo dance track? Look no further than this techno jammer that has scored the #1 position on the dance charts."[15] Pop Rescue noted the "big" vocals from D’Borah Asher and the house piano, adding that "this song does feel somewhat more mellow though, giving Peter plenty of space to show off his vocals in the verse."[16] Adam Higginbotham from Select described it as "perfect feelgood pop-dance record" and said it "left no one in any doubt about where they were coming from."[17] Darren Ressler from Vibe called it a "buoyant" smash.[18]
Track listing[]
CD maxi, Europe (1992)
No.
Title
Length
1.
"U R the Best Thing"
4:09
2.
"U R the Best Thing" (D:Ream Dub)
6:33
3.
"U R the Best Thing" (Sasha Full Mix)
7:55
4.
"U R the Best Thing" (12" Mix)
6:18
5.
"U R the Best Thing" (Accapella)
4:57
6.
"U R the Best Thing" (Slow Hand Super Summer Disco Mix)