NEW COUNTDOWN... The 200 Most Essential DUETS. This instalment: #200-191. Continues tomorrow.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200 ALL-TIME MOST

ESSENTIAL DUETS
 

This countdown looks back on decades of duets, where 2 acts combine on a song.

To be eligible, the acts involved contribute close to equal roles as lead vocalists rather than featured or guest vocals. The collaborations must be by acts that do not usually record together as regular duos (eg. Hall & Oates, Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel and Wham!).

200

HELLO HELLO

ELTON JOHN & LADY GAGA

Elton John recorded a solo version of this song for the 2011  ‘Gnomeo And Juliet’ soundtrack. An alternative recording features Lady Gaga sharing lead vocals with him.

199

UNTIL THE END OF TIME

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & BEYONCE`

This duet brought together 2 of the biggest names in contemprary pop music: Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé. It was released as a single in 2007.

198

THIS OLD HEART OF MINE

ROD STEWART & RONALD ISLEY

In 1989 both Ronald Isley and Rod Stewart re-recorded a version of the 1960s hit. It was originally recorded by the former's group The Isley Brothers on Motown. Stewart had cut a solo version in 1975. The makeover duet reached #10 Pop in the US where it also enjoyed a 5 week reign on the AC chart.

197

HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE SAY GOODBYE

DIONNE WARWICK & LUTHER VANDROSS

Luther Vandross produced Dionne Warwick's 1983 album 'How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye'. The 2 shared lead vocal duties on its title track which made the Top 10 on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.

196

THE NEXT TIME I FALL

PETER CETERA & AMY GRANT

Peter Cetera's 1986 album 'Solitude / Solitaire' featured this US Pop and AC #1 ballad for the ex- member of the group Chicago (now a solo artist) and former contemporary Christian singer Amy Grant.

195

KING AND QUEEN

JOHN LEGEND & MARY J. BLIGE

John Legend and Mary J Blige combined forces for this soulful song included on the latter's 2006 compilation album 'Reflections (A Retrospective)'. It was added as a bonus track on Legend's 'Once Again' in the same year.

194

AIN’T THAT PECULIAR

SMOKEY ROBINSON & JAMES TAYLOR

Marvin Gaye sang the million-selling Motown 1965 hit "Ain't That Peculiar". Smokey Robinson produced and co-wrote the song. He recorded a new version as a duet with James Taylor for his 'Smokey And Friends' album in 2014.

193

SENZA UNA DONNA (WITHOUT A WOMAN)

ZUCCHERO & PAUL YOUNG

Italian pop star Zucchero raised his profile when he cut this duet with British vocalist Paul Young. Their song was a Top 10 hit in America, Britain and Europe.

192

SLOW RIVERS

ELTON JOHN & CLIFF RICHARD

British pop's 2 pop music legends recorded this duet for Elton John's 'Leather Jackets' album. In 1986, the track was issued as a single.

191

DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH A DREAMER

KENNY ROGERS & KIM CARNES

Before Kim Carnes became a pop star, she had carved out a reputation in the country genre. She co-wrote "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer" which Kenny Rogers recorded with her. In 1980, the duet became a crossover smash, reaching the Top 3 on the US Pop, AC and Country charts.