The single, "Mean Old World", debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the chart dated March 20, 1965, reaching number 96 in a two-week stay.[2] Another single, "Lonely Corner", spent a week on the BillboardBubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in the issue dated August 29, 1964, peaking at number 113.[3]
The album was released on compact disc by Ace Records on March 10, 1998 as tracks 1 through 12 on a pairing of two albums on one CD with tracks 13 through 24 consisting of Nelson's 1965 album, Love and Kisses.[4]
Richie Unterberger of AllMusic says Best Always" isn't bad but "there's little to distinguish it from the other easygoing pop/rock albums he made during the period", suggesting "Nelson stretches his vocal range on the cover of the Skyliners' 'Since I Don't Have You', and gives a taste of his upcoming move into country with a version of 'You Don't Know Me'.[1]
Billboard stated that the covers Nelson recorded "are given fine interpretations."[7]
Cashbox described it as "a compilation of mixed tunes, some soft and some driving. Along with his recent single, "Mean Old World," Nelson bounces through "I Know A Place" and the while back "Since I Don't Have You."[8]
Record Mirror thought the album was "genuinely entertaining" and claimed that each track was "given single treatment, rather than a general album sound".[9]
