"Save the Best for Last" is a song by American singer and actress Vanessa Williams, released in January 1992 as the third single from her second studio album, The Comfort Zone (1991).

It is a ballad about a young female admirer of a single man who stands by and watches as the object of her desires goes through years of dating, before he finally unexpectedly decides to initiate a relationship with her.

The lyrics' redemptive themes resonated with Williams' story, as she had put together a successful music career following her earlier Miss America resignation scandal.

[2] Upon the release, Larry Flick from Billboard complimented the song as a "nicely orchestrated pop/soul ballad", remarking that it "proves that she is possibly best suited to such soothing fare, as her crystalline voice is caressed by soft and wafting strings.

"[9] In his album review, Arion Berger from Entertainment Weekly noted that the singer closes Act One "with the show-stopping happy tears" of "Save the Best for Last".

[10] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report constated that "every artist needs that "career record", and while Vanessa is by now accustomed to chart success, this effort takes her to a whole new level.

It deserves to become her biggest hit to-date and it's well on the way with Top Ten status..."[11] Another editor, John Martinucci, felt that Williams "gives this beautiful ballad a simple and delicate presentation that'll lift any romantic spirit.

"[18] AllMusic editor Michael Gallucci declared it as a "glorious ballad", adding that when she is "handed torch songs that emphasized her natural slow burn", Williams is a "genuinely sexy and capable performer.