Sports are all about determining “the best.” The world champs. The gold medalist. The yellow jersey. The strongest man alive. Number one! It’s a perspective that saps the fun out of sports for a lot of people. Why enter a marathon you can’t win, for example?

Aside from those few genetically gifted individuals who have a shot at being “the best,” the only real competition any of us have is ourselves. Can I climb that hill? Can I go that distance? How many buses can I jump on my Harley? Change your thinking from “be the best” to “do your best” and all those cool events go from spectator sports to participation sports, no matter your age or condition.

Below are a few tracks about the best from my stacks, and if these aren’t enough for you it looks like I made a similar playlist five years ago. Apparently my memory is not the best.

“Best Chance We’ve Ever Had,” Big Star.

“The Best I Can Do,” Joe Jackson.

“Sunday’s Best,” Elvis Costello and the Attractions.

“Best Days,” Blur.

“Best I Can,” Rush.

“Best Of Both Worlds,” Midnight Oil.

“The Best Room,” Modest Mouse.

“Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” Gladys Knight and the Pips.

There you have it: Eight songs that are the best around, nothing’s ever gonna keep them down. What did I miss? I’m listening.