Duet songs are a special form of musical expression where two voices blend together to create a harmonious and captivating sound. Whether it’s a romantic ballad, a catchy pop hit, or a soulful collaboration, duet songs have the power to evoke emotions and create lasting memories.
But what makes a duet song great? How do we rank the best duets of all time? There are many factors to consider, such as the popularity, sales, acclaim, influence, and personal preference of the songs.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of duet songs that have left an indelible mark on music history, spanning genres and eras. We’ve also included some background information and interesting facts about each duet song.
From famous duet songs to iconic duet songs featuring male and female collaborations, this guide dives deep into the world of duet songs, highlighting the best duets that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a fan of popular duets or looking for duet songs with male and female pairings, this list has something for everyone. Dive in, explore, and let the melodies of these unforgettable duet performances inspire you.
Duet Songs
Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey – ‘When You Believe’
This is a testament to what happens when two vocal powerhouses unite. This famous duet song from the Disney film The Prince of Egypt showcases the unparalleled vocal range and emotional depth of both artists, debunking any rumours of rivalry. The song won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1999 and became a global hit, reaching the top five in many countries.
Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes – ‘Up Where We Belong’
One of the best duet songs that encapsulates love and hope. Featured in the film An Officer and a Gentleman, this Oscar-winning song is an anthem for couples worldwide. The song topped the charts in several countries and became one of the best-selling singles of 1982.
Neil Diamond & Barbra Streisand – ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’
A poignant reflection on a fading romance, this duet song of male and female collaboration became a massive hit, highlighting the emotional resonance of both artists. The song was originally recorded separately by Diamond and Streisand, but a radio station spliced them together and created a sensation. The artists then decided to record an official version together and released it as a single in 1978. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John – ‘You’re the One that I Want’
An embodiment of young love, this popular duet from the film Grease is a global sensation, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the artists. The song is one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. It also topped the charts in many countries and became one of the most recognisable songs from the film.
Phil Collins & Philip Bailey – ‘Easy Lover’
A dynamic duet song that resonates with audiences even today. This chart-topping hit showcases the versatility and infectious chemistry of both artists. The song was written by Collins, Bailey, and Nathan East for Bailey’s 1984 solo album, Chinese Wall. It became a huge success, reaching number one in several countries and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Pet Shop Boys & Dusty Springfield – ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’
A brilliant blend of pop and soul, this famous duet marked a revival in Dusty Springfield’s career, becoming a chart-topping success. The song was written by Pet Shop Boys members Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe with Allee Willis for their second album, Actually, in 1987. They invited Springfield to sing with them after being fans of her work. The song reached number two on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of their most popular songs.
Bryan Adams & Mel C – ‘When You’re Gone’
A timeless love song, this duet explores the pain of separation, with both artists delivering a balanced and emotional performance. The song was written by Adams and Eliot Kennedy for Adams’ seventh album, On a Day Like Today, in 1998. They chose Mel C, who was then a member of the Spice Girls, to sing with them after being impressed by her vocals. The song became a hit, reaching the top three in many countries and becoming one of Adams’ most successful singles.
Elton John & Kiki Dee – ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’
A joyous celebration of love, this lively duet song is a testament to the playful camaraderie between the artists. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin under the pseudonyms Ann Orson and Carte Blanche for John’s album Rock of the Westies in 1976. They invited Kiki Dee, who was signed to John’s label, Rocket Records, to sing with them as a tribute to Motown duets. The song became John’s first number-one hit in both the UK and the US and remains one of his most beloved songs.
Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett – ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’
A tender duet that captures the essence of love and devotion, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between the King of Pop and Garrett. The song was written by Jackson for his 1987 seventh album, Bad. He originally intended to sing it with Barbra Streisand or Whitney Houston, but they were unavailable. He then chose Garrett, who was a backup singer for Quincy Jones, to sing with him after hearing her demo. The song became the first of five consecutive number-one singles from Bad and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Sonny & Cher – ‘I Got You Babe’
An iconic duet song from the 1960s, this timeless classic symbolises love and togetherness, resonating with audiences of all ages. The song was written by Sonny Bono for their first album, Look at Us, in 1965. It was inspired by Bob Dylan’s song It Ain’t Me Babe, which Bono wanted to parody. The song became their breakthrough hit, reaching number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 and launching their career as a duo.
Bonus: Some More Duet Songs from Around the World
While this list covers some of the best duets of all time from the English-speaking world, there are many more duet songs from different regions, cultures, and languages that deserve recognition. Here are some examples of duet songs from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe that you might want to check out:
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber – ‘Despacito’ (Latin America)
A global phenomenon, this catchy duet song combines reggaeton, pop, and Latin rhythms to create a danceable and irresistible hit. The song was written by Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Erika Ender, Marty James Garton Jr., Poo Bear, and Bieber for Fonsi’s ninth album, Vida, in 2017. It became the most-streamed song of all time, with over seven billion views on YouTube. It also topped the charts in more than 50 countries and earned four Grammy nominations.
Jay Chou & Fei Yu-ching – ‘Faraway’ (Asia)
A beautiful duet song that expresses longing and nostalgia, featuring the distinctive vocals of both artists. The song was written by Chou for his sixth album, November’s Chopin, in 2005. He invited Fei Yu-ching, a veteran singer known for his sentimental ballads, to sing with him as a tribute to his father. The song became one of Chou’s most popular songs, winning several awards and topping the charts in China and Taiwan.
Miriam Makeba & Harry Belafonte – ‘Malaika’ (Africa)
A classic duet song that celebrates love and African culture, showcasing the harmony and warmth of both artists. The song is a traditional Swahili folk song that means “angel” or “my love”. It was popularised by Makeba and Belafonte in their 1965 album An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba, which focused on South African music and social issues. The song became an international hit, reaching the top ten in several countries and earning a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording.
Edith Piaf & Theo Sarapo – ‘A Quoi Ca Sert L’amour’ (Europe)
A charming duet song that explores the ups and downs of love, featuring the legendary voice of Piaf and her young husband, Sarapo. The song was written by Michel Emer for Piaf’s last album in 1962. It was one of the last songs she recorded before her death in 1963. The song became a classic, capturing the essence of Piaf’s life and love.
Conclusion
From soulful ballads to energetic pop hits, duet songs have the power to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. This guide to the best duets of all time offers a glimpse into the world of famous duets, celebrating collaborations that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a fan of popular duets or looking for duet songs with male and female pairings, this list has something for everyone. Dive in, explore, and let the melodies of these unforgettable duet performances inspire you.
