Mariah Carey & Anderson .Paak, Play This Song | Dazzling Duets

In the 21^st edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak collaborate on “Play This Song.”

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight ear-catching songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column on The Musical Hype. In the 21^st edition of Dazzling Duets (2025), Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak collaborates on “Play This Song”. Let the dazzle begin!

Noted, Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak. The Grammy-winning musicians duet on, you guessed it, “Play This Song”! “Play This Song” is the second track and third single from Carey’s 16^th studio album, Here For It All. Carey penned “Play This Song” with Paak, Daniel Moore II, Rae Khalil, Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee, and J.LBS. Carey, Paak, and Moore II produced it. Classy, refined, and sophisticated are perfect ways to describe the musical accompaniment. The sound lies somewhere between neo-soul, adult contemporary R&B, and soul pop. The nostalgic, throwback vibes are in full force.  Fueling this backdrop are smooth guitar, keys, bass, drums, and colorful horns. Matching the old-school vibes is a more adventurous harmonic progression and, jazzy influence.

Following the intro, Mariah Carey blesses us with her refined, soulful pipes. “And your friends don’t talk about it,” she sings in the first verse, and continues, “About your suffering in your silence / Boy, I know you miss me.” Missing one another is key throughout “Play This Song,” explored by both singers. Paak joins her, memorably concluding the verse with “You know we got some history / Listen by yourself, please listen by your damn self.” The titular lyric/chorus follows, with Anderson .Paak matching Carey’s energy and vocals, leading the charge in the second verse. His tone is stunning. “I told Pookie, DeShawn, and Ron,” he sings, joined by Carey, “We were getting back together / Although, I highly doubt it.” Later in the song, the names change, but the sentiment remains the same (“I told Keisha, Chante, and Tots / We were getting back together / Although, I highly doubt it”).  In the third verse, a bridge of sorts, the harmonic progression changes.  The chords are glorious, as are Carey’s vocals. She states, “And I know you miss me, babe / Don’t pretend like you don’t feel the same.” Later, Paak delivers one of the most memorable lines in the fourth verse: “At the drive-in eating with your little friend / I used to buy you steaks and scrimps / Don’t act like you don’t miss me.” Much more could be said about the theme and lyrics. All told, “Play This Song” doesn’t require extensive analysis. The music, in all its excellence, speaks volumes.  The melodies are tuneful.  The songwriting is relatable.  The vocal chemistry between two fine vocalists is superb. “Play This Song” is a masterclass in duetting, a part of the reason for another fabulous comeback for Mimi.

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Mariah Carey » Here For It All » MARIAH / gamma. » 2025

Mariah Carey & Anderson .Paak, Play This Song: Dazzling Duets No. 21 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MARIAH / gamma.; cottonbro studio, Sachith Ravishka Kodikara from Pexels; andresilva5, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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