Is best always favourite?

I was wondering how people felt about the idea that 'best' might not always be 'favourite' and that perhaps what is best is decided by the masses whilst what is favourite is a personal choice. We may make decisions based on either, and either could be the 'right' decision given the circumstances. What are your categories for each?

Allow me to demonstrate with an example:

Most people might say that Lennon and McCartney were the best songwriters of the 60's and 70's. However I personally would say that my favourite songwriter would be Nick Drake. Which of these is right if either? Perhaps neither are and Elvis is in fact credited as the right choice.

Comments? Maybe we should start a thread about best songwriters....

I agree. I often discuss this within music as well. The best performer may have a style which is not my favourite, and therefore I recognize many great artists which I don't like at all.

A fine example for me is Radiohead. I think they're brilliant but I don't like their music...

Originally posted by Starrman
I was wondering how people felt about the idea that 'best' might not always be 'favourite' and that perhaps what is best is decided by the masses whilst what is favourite is a personal choice. We may make decisions based on either, and either could be the 'right' decision given the circumstances. What are your categories for each?

Allow me to dem ...[text shortened]... ted as the right choice.

Comments? Maybe we should start a thread about best songwriters....

I just said I thought it was generally accepted as such. I happen to think McCartney is a tosser, but they worked well together as a team. It was just the example that came to my mind, I think Palynka's example was better.