THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL DUETS: #20-11. Concludes next week.

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.

20

THE GIRL IS MINE

MICHAEL JACKSON & PAUL McCARTNEY

Michael Jackson wrote this song, a duet with Paul McCartney included on his phenomenal 'Thriller' album. In 1982, this was the lead single from the LP and it peaked in both the US and UK Top 10.

19

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS

Some may argue this is not technically a duet, but it was included on the list as both Jay-Z and Alicia Keys recorded their own take on the song. The first interpretation was issued in 2009 and reached #1 in America. On the British chart, the single peaked at #2. Later that year, Keys' response "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" was released. In the UK, this version climbed to #4.

18

WALK THIS WAY

RUN-D.M.C. & STEVE TYLER & JOE PERRY

This collaboration broke new ground. It was a collision of 2 musical genres and their respective audiences. Run-D.M.C. represented rap while Aerosmith's lead singer Steve Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry battled it out for mainstream rock on this sonic battle. "Walk This Way" was a song penned by Tyler and Perry and recorded by their band in 1975. In 1986, the rap remake proved to be a landmark recording. The new version reached the Top 10 in America, Britain, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It was the 1st rap song to crack the US Top 10. Today, hip hop is a dominant ingredient in popular music.

17

YOU'RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY

MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL

The 1968 duet "You're All I Need To Get By" is one of the finest duets from the Motown label. Performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, the sweet love song reached #1 on the US Soul chart and is the title track from their duet album.

16

SISTERS ARE DOIN' IT FOR THEMSELVES

EURYTHMICS & ARETHA FRANKLIN

1985 saw The Eurythmics join forces with the Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin on "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves". The song swiftly became a new female empowerment anthem. In the UK, the disc peaked at #9 and reached the US Top 20.

15

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM

KENNY ROGERS & DOLLY PARTON

It's difficult to imagine this song sung any other way now, but The Bee Gees wrote it originally as a soul song for Diana Ross. It was country-fied for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The single topped the Pop, Adult Contemporary and Country charts. It also made #1 in Canada and Australia. In Britain, the duet peaked at #7.

14

UNFORGETTABLE

NAT KING COLE & NATALIE COLE

Who can forget the heartfelt tribute Natalie Cole recorded to her father Nat King Cole in 1991. The duet was a posthumous recording for the veteran vocalist and included on the daughter's 'Unforgettable... With Love' album. The single reached the Top 20 in both the US and UK and was rewarded with Grammy Awards.

13

DON'T GIVE UP

PETER GABRIEL & KATE BUSH

"Don't Give Up" is a majestic achievement for both unique artists: Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. Few duets draw out the best in the vocalists involved as well as this does. The male protagonist is out of work and receives encouragement from the female character. Their understated vocals add meaning and impact to the lyrics. This remains a beautiful addition to the catalogue of both performers. In 1986, the single reached the Top 10 in Britain.

12

YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT

OLIVIA NEWTON- JOHN & JOHN TRAVOLTA

"You're the One That I Want" was the major hit from the 'Grease' film and soundtrack album in 1978. The duet features co-stars Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta from the perennial film favourite. It topped the charts in America, UK, Europe and Australia.

11

IT TAKES TWO

MARVIN GAYE & KIM WESTON

The 1966 album 'Take Two' was a duets album recorded by Marvin Gaye with Kim Weston. "It Takes Two" was lifted off the LP and made the US and British Top 20. It remains a frequently covered song. In 1990-1, a remake by Rod Stewart and Tina Turner reached #5 in the UK.

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!).