The Best Duets Of All Time, Ranked
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1Marvin Gaye, Tammi TerrellThis exceptional duet was first performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. The composition, created by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, first a hit under Tamla, a division of Motown records. Characterized by its romantic and danceable tune, the duet quickly became the signature piece between Gaye and Terrell. The song experienced a resurgence of popularity in 1970, when Diana Ross, former frontwoman of the Supremes, recorded another hit version. It became her first solo number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and even earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
2You're the One That I Want
John Travolta, Olivia Newton-JohnThis vibrant duet, performed by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John for the 1978 film version of Grease, emerged as a phenomenal success. The song was one of two additions made specifically for Newton-John's role in the film, distinguishing it from the original stage musical. This duet stirred immense popularity, eventually selling over 15 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling singles in music history. The palpable chemistry between Travolta and Newton-John and the song's dynamic energy greatly contributed to its timeless appeal.
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3P!nk, Nate Ruess"Just Give Me a Reason" is a standout duet that fused the vocal prowess of American singer Pink and Nate Ruess of the band Fun. This track, stemming from Pink's sixth studio album, The Truth About Love (2012), speaks of the hope and determination to salvage a crumbling relationship. Recognized as a pop ballad, the song uniquely encapsulates a dialogue, featuring both Pink and Ruess's distinct perspectives. This innovative structure led to Pink coaxing Ruess into a duet, a decision both artists surely don't regret. The song garnered immense acclaim, soaring to Pink's fourth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and selling more than 4 million digital downloads in the United States. Its success was validated with two Grammy nominations and a Billboard Mid-Year Award.
4Summer Nights
John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John"Summer Nights" is a captivating duet performed by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, for the 1978 musical film Grease. The song, penned by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, is universally recognised as a product of the popular film adaptation. The track became a global sensation in the summer of 1978, following its release as the soundtrack album's fourth single. The duet accents beautiful nuances of a summer romance from the perspectives of Travolta and Newton-John's characters, giving it a facet of storytelling that resonates with many. Years later, the enduring charm of "Summer Nights" captivated a fresh audience when it was re-released as part of a megamix. The song's distinct spirit of youthful love and nostalgia undoubtedly grants it a timeless appeal.
5Elton John, Kiki Dee"Don't Go Breaking My Heart" is an irresistibly upbeat duet originally performed by the legendary English musician Elton John and singer Kiki in 1976. Pseudo-penned by Elton John and Bernie Taupin under the interesting aliases "Ann Orson" and “Carte Blanche,” the song was crafted as a tender blend of the Motown style. This tune captured hearts globally, topping charts and collecting platinum certification for sales in the US. Interestingly, the song was revived two decades later in 1994 through a passionate duet between Elton John and acclaimed American drag queen RuPaul, it scooped up chart-topping positions, even achieving number one in Iceland.
6Donna Summer, Dave Koz, Lea SalongaThe incredibly enchanting duet, "A Whole New World," was performed by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in the 1992 soundtrack for the Disney film Aladdin. The melodious duet, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Tim Rice, became the first song from a Disney animated feature to top the US Billboard Hot 100. It also replaced Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" after a record-breaking 14 weeks at the top. The song sold over 600,000 copies domestically and won accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture, and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
7Evanescence, Paul McCoy"Bring Me to Life" is a unique and enthralling duet performed by American rock band Evanescence, featuring guest vocals from Paul McCoy of the band Stones. Released in 2003 as the debut single from their album Fallen, this number grew out of lead vocalist Amy Lee's personal experiences and inner turmoil. It grappled with the theme of waking up to the realities of life and struck the chord with listeners worldwide. Despite initial hesitation from radio programmers, the emotionally charged song transcended expectations to achieve widespread commercial success, hitting top ten in over 20 countries, and garnering triple-platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2019. This duet indeed chalked a new pathway for female voices in rock music, with Lee's raw, evocative vocals soaring over McCoy's rap-infused contributions.
8Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty"Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" emerged in 1981 as the first single from Stevie Nicks's debut solo album, Bella Donna. A compelling collaboration with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, this song is unique as the album's only track not penned by Nicks, but by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell. The alliance birthed a new momentum to the song, ultimately landing it at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. Despite featuring Nicks' evocative voice, the song has a darker edge, effectively blending her individual style with the Heartbreakers' flair for rock music. This duet has since become a memorable staple of Nicks' solo performances.
9David Bowie, Queen"Under Pressure" is a remarkable musical collaboration between the British rock band Queen and iconic singer David Bowie, released in 1981. Serving as a cornerstone for Queen's album Hot Space, this compelling track showcased a successful fusion of Queen's rock-centric style with Bowie's more experimental leanings. The song, which sprouted from an impromptu jam session between the musicians, boasted of a scat singing section and an unforgettable bass riff— the latter creating some confusion regarding its inception. "Under Pressure" charted in the top ten in over ten countries worldwide, earning it a significant place in the legacy of Queen and Bowie alike. Besides its commercial success, the song also received favorable responses for its lyrical content and the powerful synthesis of the artists' individual musical strengths.
10Gotye, Kimbra"Somebody That I Used to Know," performed by Belgian-Australian singer Gotye and New Zealand singer Kimbra, marks an innovative and emotionally poignant duet. Part of Gotye's album Making Mirrors released in 2011, this mid-tempo ballad found direct inspiration from Gotye's personal romantic relationships. The song, notable for its sampling of Luiz Bonfá's instrumental "Seville," is a fusion of soundscapes bearing likeness to works by Sting, David Bowie, and Bon Iver. This unique duet won favor among critics and listeners alike, topping Australian musical poll Triple J Hottest 100 and earning numerous awards, including the highly-coveted Grammy for Record of the Year.
11Eminem, Rihanna"Love the Way You Lie," the R&B/hip hop duet between American rapper Eminem and Barbadian singer Rihanna, stands out due to its heartfelt exploration of toxic relationships. Released as part of Eminem's seventh studio album, Recovery (2010), the song cleverly combines the unique perspectives of both artists, who have publicly grappled with tumultuous relationships in their personal lives. The track's deeply emotional content won it numerous awards and five Grammy nominations, transforming it into Eminem's best-selling single and a chart-topping hit around the world. Notably, its relevant, socially pertinent theme of domestic violence has made it resonate with listeners, further amplifying its cultural impact.
12Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper"Shallow" is a very popular duet between Lady Gaga and actor Bradley Cooper, which beautifully weaves together elements of rock, country, and folk-pop genres. Released in 2018 as part of the soundtrack for the film A Star Is Born, this song became a significant element within the film's narrative. The duet, a creation of Gaga alongside Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson, encapsulates a poignant conversation between the characters Ally and Jackson. Acknowledged for its universally appealing melody and powerful lyrics, "Shallow" garnered numerous accolades, including the Academy Award Best Original Song and multiple Grammy wins, enriching Gaga's and Cooper's artistic careers.
13Walk This Way
Aerosmith, Run-DMC"Walk This Way," a classic rock anthem by Aerosmith, took a revolutionary turn when it was covered by hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. in 1986. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry collaborated on this version, creating a crossover that became a foundational piece for the subgenre of rap-rock. The groundbreaking blend of rap and rock not only helped this new rendition peak at number four on the Billboard charts, but it revitalized Aerosmith's waning career. Furthermore, this innovative cover, uniquely fusing two seemingly disparate musical genres, was honored at the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
14Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss"Whiskey Lullaby" is a deeply evocative duet by American country artist Brad Paisley and bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, released in 2004. The composition, an acoustic ballad in B minor, was written by renowned songwriters Jon Randall and Bill Anderson. The song stands out for its poignant narrative that traces a couple's torturous path of heartache leading to an alcohol-induced demise. It is unique in its handling of the theme of heartbreak, with Paisley focusing on the male character's perspective while Krauss sings from the female character's viewpoint. "Whiskey Lullaby" made a significant impact on the charts, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles, and won the 2005 Country Music Association Song of the Year.
15Jay-Z, Alicia Keys"Empire State of Mind" is a compelling hip-hop duet that teamed the talents of American rapper Jay-Z and singer Alicia Keys. Released in 2009 as part of Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, the song is a vibrant homage to their hometown, New York City. From its heart-tugging piano component that samples "Love on a Two-Way Street" performed by The Moments, to its lyrical references to notable neighborhoods and famous residents, the track brilliantly captures the city's essence. The proud city anthem and cultural triumph won Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammy Awards alongside topping charts globally. This chart-topping hit serves as an ode to New York standing tall amidst the bustling landscape of hip-hop music.
16Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson"Say Say Say," a song by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, was released in October 1983 as a single from McCartney's album, Pipes of Peace. This captivating duet, produced by revered Beatles producer George Martin, held the top spot in the US charts for six weeks, showcasing the impressive reach of the pair's musical collaboration. The song's lyrics, primarily crafted by Jackson, were brought to life with an influential music video featuring the duo as charming con artists. Interestingly, a new version was released in 2015, with rearranged vocal sequences that allowed Jackson to open the first verse, adding a fresh dimension to the original song.
17Up Where We Belong
Joe Cocker, Jennifer Warnes"Up Where We Belong," a melodic duet performed by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes for the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, is an unforgettable piece of soundtrack history. The song was a remarkable display of creative artistry by songwriters Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, who weaved various sections of the film score into a lyrical tapestry that speaks of life, love, and their struggles. Upon its release, the song ascended to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, received certification as one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America, and earned both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
18Cher, Sonny"I Got You Babe" is a classic duet performed by American duo Sonny & Cher, a product of the pop and entertainment sphere of music. Notably written by Sonny Bono, this track was the pair's first single from their debut album Look at Us in 1965. Embellished with a catchy structure, engaging lyrics, and alternating vocals, the song struck a chord with listeners globally, topping the charts in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Its commercial success was further escalated when the British reggae-pop band UB40 and American singer Chrissie Hynde revived it with a cover in 1985, recapturing its glory on international charts. The song, with its enduring appeal, has also had its place in pop culture, frequently featured in films and television.
19Lionel Richie, Diana RossThe timeless duet "Endless Love" is an expression of infinite performed by music icons Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Penned by Lionel Richie and released as a single from the 1981 film's soundtrack, Endless Love, this romantic ballad became a roaring success. Not only it perch at number one spot on the Hot 100 for nine weeks, but it also became the second-biggest-selling single of that year in the United States. Remarkably, Billboard hailed the original version of this love anthem as the greatest song duet of all time, underscoring its enduring cultural appeal.
20Ozzy Osbourne, Lita FordThe power ballad "Close My Eyes Forever" performed by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne was a key highlight of Ford's 1988 album, Lita. Interestingly, this duet came about as the outcome of a spontaneous songwriting session during which Ford and Osbourne accidentally wrote the lyrics together after a few drinks. As Ford's highest-ranking single, it achieved the eighth position on the US Billboard Hot 100 Album Rock Tracks chart in 1989. It also marked a peak in Osbourne's solo career. The song's route to success was unplanned, yet it has made a permanent mark in the realm of glam metal.
21Ike & Tina Turner
22Leather and Lace
Don Henley, Stevie Nicks"Leather and Lace" is a distinguished duet featuring the combined talents of American singers Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. As the second single from Nicks' debut solo album, Bella Donna, released in October 1981, the song dynamically contrasts the roughness of leather to the delicacy of lace, symbolizing the complementary differences between men and women. Initially written by Nicks for Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter's album, it ended up performed with Eagles singer Don Henley. Besides reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song's unique context of opposites attracting venerated it as a "magical ballad."
23June Carter Cash, Johnny Cash"Jackson" is an iconic duet written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Leiber, known for its 1967 renditions by famed country duo Johnny Cash and June Carter, and pop duo Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood. Interestingly, the song's creation was influenced by Wheeler's reading of the script for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The lyrics detail a strained relationship and the couple's contrasting views on their love's salvation. Despite speculation, Wheeler clarified he didn't have a specific "Jackson" in mind, appreciating its sharp consonant sound. "Jackson" earned Cash and Carter a Grammy for Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio or Group in 1968, cementing its place in country music history.
24Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" is a unique rock duet, performed by Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley and released in 1977. Renowned for its length and multipart structure, this distinctive track from the album Bat Out of Hell has been likened to a rock opera. It cleverly employs different genres, including a segment that mimics a baseball broadcast to metaphorically represent the narrative's romantic advance. The song's raw and uninhibited storytelling about a youthful romantic encounter and its enduring consequences garnered widespread attention, leading it to be widely recognized as one of the great rock duets in music history.
25It's Your Love
Tim McGraw, Faith Hill
26Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole
27We Don't Talk Anymore
Selena Gomez, Charlie Puth
28Broken
Seether, Amy LeeThe evocative duet, "Broken," combines the dynamic talents of rock band Seether and Amy Lee from Evanescence. Originally released on their debut album, Disclaimer, in 2002, the song found a fresh disposition in 2004. This amended version was featured in the soundtrack for the Marvel superhero film The Punisher. The collaboration with Amy Lee, then-girlfriend of Seether's vocalist Shaun Morgan, injected a new wave of energy and depth into the song. Seether's only track to ever enter the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, "Broken," transcended borders to peak in Australia and New Zealand's top charts, later earning platinum certification by notable recording industry entities. With an intimate backstory of a family falling apart, the song serves as a poignant reflection of Shaun Morgan's personal life.
29Kelly Clarkson, Jason Aldean
30Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man
Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn"Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" is a classic country duet by the remarkable duo Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. This track, lending its title to their third collaborative studio album released in 1973, delights fans with a delightful play between their vocals. The notable lyrical content marries sentiments of love with the distinct geographical landscapes of Louisiana and Mississippi. Significantly, the recording sessions for this took place under producer Owen Bradley's guidance at Bradley's Barn, an eminent location in the music industry. Additionally, Twitty and Lynn's rendition of the song marks a significant milestone, as it became their third consecutive first position on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This track, along with the album, reflect the authentic musical chemistry that defines this legendary country pairing.
