Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1

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Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 features music by Blessing Offor, Brent Faiyaz, Orville Peck, Post Malone, Rick James, and Whitney Houston.

Believe it or not, something that has never been honored with a playlist until now on The Musical Hype is – wait for it – DUETS! That’s right! While many duets have appeared in a variety of musical compendiums, until now, there has NEVER been a dedicated playlist. Shame on us! Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 is the first of many projected duet-centered lists. Duets aren’t limited to singing – rap and spoken word duets are welcome, too! The only criterion – two people must perform the song. Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 features music by Blessing Offor, Brent Faiyaz, Orville Peck, Post Malone, Rick James, and Whitney Houston. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the power of duets, shall we?!

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1. Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, “Somebody’s Child”

2. Post Malone & Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”

3. Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, “Say Say Say”

4. Brent Faiyaz & Coco Jones, “Moment of Your Life”

5. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”

6. Maren Morris & Hozier, “The Bones”

7. Orville Peck & Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”

8. Rick James & Teena Marie, “Fire & Desire”

9. BLP Kosher & BabyTron, “Mazel Tron”

10. Kelly Clarkson & John Legend, “Run Run Run”

11. A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera, “Say Something”

12. Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb, “Guilty”

13. Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, “When You Believe”

1. Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, “Somebody’s Child”

“Somebody’s Child” // Capitol CMG, Inc. // 2024

“Do you remember dreaming? / Do you remember home? / Do you remember feelin’ / Like you were not alone?” Nigerian singer/songwriter Blessing Offor reminisces in the first verse of his sincere, touching pop, gospel-infused song, “Somebody’s Child”. The memories are beautiful and unforgettable. Also unforgettable are the tuneful melodies performed by Offor. He, Joy Williams, and producer Josh Ronen penned it. Additionally, he collaborates with a musical icon, the one-and-only Dolly Parton.

“We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child

We’re all some kinda crazy

We’re all some kinda wise

We’re all full of amazing

We’re all flirting with lies

We’re all somebody’s heartache

Somebody’s can’t wait, somebody’s why

We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child.”

The chorus is the crème de la crème of “Somebody’s Child.” Offor sublimely performs it following his verse. Parton takes the reins in the second verse, penned like the first. “They join forces in the second chorus, with the help of choral vocals. A bridge precedes the final chorus, which is incredibly heartfelt and stirring. Gospel music cues are firmly in play, from the warmth and prevalence of the piano to the choral vocals, but, this is more of an inspirational pop record. Ultimately, “Somebody’s Child” is feel-good and uplifting, a musical blessing.

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2. Post Malone & Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”

F-1 Trillion // Mercury / Republic // 2024

“They say, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ / Hell, I had some help.” Post Malone officially entered his country era with “I Had Some Help”, the promo single from F-1 Trillion. He collaborates with Morgan Wallen, country music’s ‘it’ boy. The production and sound fully embrace the country aesthetic – GUITARS. It was produced by Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, and Louis Bell. “I Had Some Help” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 beginning a dominant run. Post Malone sings the first verse and the first chorus, the centerpiece filled with that teamwork makes the dream work mentality. “You got a lotta nerve, don’t you, baby? / I only hit the curb ‘cause you made me,” he sings, adding, “Why’d you throw them stones if you / Had a wild hair of your own or two?” His signature vocal cues are in play, namely that distinct vibrato. Wallen amps up the twang in the second verse. “You think that you’re so innocent / After all the shit you did,” he sings, continuing, “I ain’t an angel, you ain’t heaven-sent / Can’t wash our hands of this.” The melodies are tuneful in the verses, with the chorus taking the cake:

“I had some help

It ain’t like I can make this kinda mess all by myself

Don’t act like you ain’t help me pull that bottle off the shelf

Been deep in every weekend if you couldn’t tell

They say, ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’

Hell, I had some help.”

The bridge is also entertaining. Ultimately, “I Had Some Help” is catchy and enjoyable.

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3. Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, “Say Say Say”

Pipes of Peace // MPL Communications Inc/Ltd / Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1983

“Say, say, say what you want / But don’t play games with my affection.” Ooh-wee! “Say Say Say” marks one of 23 top-10 hits by Paul McCartney and one of 30 top-10 hits by Michael Jackson. This gem, which appears on McCartney’s 1983 album, Pipes of Peace, marks one of the biggest collaborations of all-time. Paul! Michael! That’s huge! Unsurprisingly, “Say Say Say” spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in December 1983. In 1992, this superstar collab was certified platinum by the RIAA. “Say Say Say” was written by McCartney and Jackson and produced by George Martin. The lyrics are memorable while the music slays.

“Say Say Say” features an electrifying groove from the onset, which sets the tone of this 80s pop classic. The instrumental is extra smooth. Instruments worth highlighting include the keys, guitars, harmonica (!), and those exuberant, rhythmic, and highly articulated horns. Both McCartney and Jackson serve up superb vocals. The vocal chemistry, as well as the contrast between Paul and Michael, is excellent. Another selling point of “Say Say Say” is the melodies, which are tuneful throughout. McCartney handles the verses, while MJ takes the chorus, with variations:

“All alone, I sit home by the phone

Waiting for you, baby

Through the years, how can you stand to hear

My pleading for you, dear?

You know I’m crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.”

Ooh-wee! The bridge separates itself from the verse and chorus – a solid lead into the third and final verse. Ultimately, “Say Say Say” doesn’t require deep analysis lyrically or musically – it’s greatness speaks for itself.

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4. Brent Faiyaz & Coco Jones, “Moment of Your Life”

Larger Than Life // ISO Supremacy / UnitedMasters LLC / High Standardz / Def Jam Recordings // 2023

“You lookin’ better than you ever did,” Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Brent Wood) sings in the first verse of “Moment of Your Life”, a highlight from his 2023 album, Larger Than Life. He continues, “If you told me the secret, I would spread that shit to every girl that I meet.” Hmm, and why is that, Brent? “So, they would know how to be / That shit tastes fresher than a peppermint.”  The big takeaway from the excerpted lyrics of this contemporary R&B joint is L-O-V-E. On “Moment of Your Life,” he taps the talented Coco Jones for the assist. Produced by Mannyvelli, Sparkheem, and Dpat, “Moment of Your Life” samples the 1998 Nicole Wray song, “Boy You Should Listen”.  In fact, that’s where those ‘old-school,’ rhythmic, 90’s R&B sounds originate.  Furthermore, melodically, “Moment of Your Life” lifts off the 90s tune, which is a win for both Brent and Coco.  Following his smooth performance in the first verse and the chorus, Coco Jones takes the reins in the second verse, wowing with her rich, robust pipes (“Tonight, baby boy, you lookin’ better than you ever did / I’ll show you my secrets, can you handle it?”).  The chemistry when both artists perform is incredible, including harmonized vocals and trading lines (the bridge).  Even the contrast between the two is fabulous, particularly how Jones’ ad-libs cut more than Brent’s – she delivers more grit in the final chorus.  The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème – that realization of love:  

“And I got every other thing that I need and want but you 

And I’ve been wantin’ you, so what you wanna do tonight? 

Make this the moment of your life.” 

“Moment of Your Life” is a fantastic R&B duet.

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5. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”

“Always Be My Man” // Island / Republic / Universal Music Operations Limited // 2023

The incredibly talented Billy Porter collaborates with Luke Evans – fellow actor, singer, and member of the LGBTQ+ community – on “Always Be My Man”. This touching duet appears in the motion picture, Our Son, starring both actors. The first voice heard on “Always Be My Man” is Porter, with his distinct, raspy instrument. Evans contrasts, with his smoother instrument. After Evans’ turn, Porter initiates the vocal power-up section, unsurprising given the robustness and gospel-influence of his pipes. Evans, likewise, rises to the occasion, matching his on-screen hubby’s power. Grammy winner Robert Glasper produces this heartwarming, romantic, and thoughtful record, written by Porter, Connor Reeves, and Joseph Peter Michael Killington. Besides the standard rhythm section (keys, guitar, bass, and drums), strings add elegance to the mix, arranged beautifully by Derrick Hodge. All told, “Always Be My Man” is sweet. Furthermore, it’s rare to hear two men sing a duet about mutual love, even in 2024 with as much as the LGBTQ+ catalog has expanded. This song is a winner in my book. Kudos Mr. Porter and Mr. Evans!

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6. Maren Morris & Hozier, “The Bones”

“The Bones” // Sony Music Entertainment // 2019

Grammy-winning country musician Maren Morris returned in 2019 with her second major label album, GIRL. “The Bones” appeared as the 12^th track. Following the original version, Morris tapped Grammy-nominated Irish singer/songwriter Hozier for a duet version. “The Bones” was produced by Greg Kurstin, who always seems to get the best out of artists. Once again, he strikes gold with Morris. Co-written by Morris, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, “The Bones” plays on the idea of a house having good bones with some updates needed.

In “The Bones,” Morris shifts ‘good bones’ from a house to a relationship. In the first verse, she sings, “We’re in the home stretch of the hard times,” later adding, “We built this right, so nothing’s ever gonna move it.” She goes on to sing in the chorus:

“When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter

Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter

Let it rain ‘cause you and I remain the same

When there ain’t a crack in the foundation

Baby, I know any storm we’re facing

Will blow right over while we stay put

The house don’t fall when the bones are good.”

In the duet version, Hozier arrives on the second verse, singing the first two lines solo, before Morris joins him in the final two. Then, the pair joins forces for the majority of the chorus, originally sung only by Morris. In the bridge, Morris holds the reins, with Hozier joining her at select moments, while both generally sing the final chorus. All told, Morris and Hozier strike gold with “The Bones” in its duet form.

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7. Orville Peck & Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”

Stampede // Orville Peck, LLC / Warner // 2024

In 2024, beloved, gay country artist, Orville Peck, duetted with Willie Nelson on a brand-new cover of the queer, Ned Sublette-penned country gem “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”. This 2024 rendition from Peck’s album, Stampede, was produced by Beau Bedford. The instrumental is subtle, which is perfect for allowing Peck and Nelson’s voices to shine. Peck starts things off with his expressive, masculine baritone. His tone is EVERYTHING. Gay men are often pigeonholed and stereotyped as being effeminate. Just hearing a ‘manly’ voice, from an openly gay musician, singing lyrics about male/male relationships is intriguing (“No, a small town don’t like it when a cowboy has feelings for men”). Following Peck’s verse, Nelson performs the second, delivering one of the best lyrics of the song: “But the ones [cowboys] who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.” There is truth to the lyrics too, and it doesn’t simply limit itself to cowboys. Peck and Nelson join forces in the choruses, bringing out the cowboy love in, well, all its queerness. Following an instrumental break, Peck takes over the reins in the third verse, once more wowing with his awesome pipes. He manages to drop in the most colorful verse: “So, when you talk to a cowboy, don’t treat him like he was a sister / You can’t fuck with a lady that’s sleepin’ in each cowboy’s head.” Peck and Nelson join forces together on the queer country classic that is “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”, it’s nothing short of magic!

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8. Rick James & Teena Marie, “Fire & Desire”

Street Songs // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1981 

“I’ve got a new lady now / And it’s a little different than when I was with you,” the late, great R&B singer/songwriter, Rick James (1948 – 2004) asserts in the intro of “Fire And Desire”. “Fire And Desire” appears on James’ platinum-certified, 1981 album, Street Songs. He expounds on the seven-minute-plus, sixth track, “I think of how you changed me with your love and your sensitivity.”  Although James is with someone new, he touts how much his ex-girlfriend changed him – taught him how to love.  In the first verse, he sings about how badly he treated his girlfriends: “I was cold as ice long ago, baby, baby / I wasn’t very, very, very nice, you know / Sugar, sugar, sugar / Then I kissed your lips.” Notably,  the centerpiece of “Fire And Desire” is the chorus, which finds James showing gratitude to his ex for teaching him how to love and be a better man: 

“And you turned on my fire, baby 

And you burn me up within your flame 

Took me a little higher 

Made me live again 

You turned on my fire, baby 

Then you showed me what a love could do 

Fire and desire, baby 

Feel it coming through 

And I thank you baby.”

Rick James sounds fantastic, showing off his robust, soulful instrument.  As electrifying as he is himself, penning, producing, and singing this epic ballad, he is joined by another late legendary R&B artist, Teena Marie (1956 – 2010). Notably, Marie and James dated briefly. The chemistry is awesome between the two, specifically in the collaborative chorus and outro.  Marie doesn’t enter until well into the song (second verse), flaunting an exquisite tone and an awe-inspiring range.  When Teena sings, it sounds effortless and utterly celestial.  Like Rick, she attests to how he made her love better.  Beyond the thoughtful, love-oriented songwriting, the sound of “Fire And Desire” is gorgeous including the rhythm section, strings , and vibraphone.  Honestly, this 80s gem deserved much more attention on the charts.  

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9. BLP Kosher & BabyTron, “Mazel Tron”

“Mazel Tron” // BLP Kosher / BabyTron // 2023

“Ay, Kosher, you know how to play tennis?” BabyTron asks BLP Kosher in the intro of their sick collaborative track, “Mazel Tron”. Kosher responds, “I don’t know how to play, but we can go back to back.” Indeed, that is what the Dreidel Gang (Kosher) and ShittyBoyz (BabyTron) do, dropping lit-ness throughout this rap banger. The intro is the first sign that “Mazel Tron” is going to be H-O-T ! Furthermore, throw in the energetic backdrop by producers Damjonboi and marvy ayy and dis shee-it is bananas – like “B-A-N-A-N-A-S”! Following the intro, BabyTron and BLP Kosher drop the chorus, which is infectious and filled with swagger – it kicks ass and takes names! Kosher gets it poppin’ first with BabyTron responding. “I ain’t Irish, but my money doubling grab a shamrock,” Kosher brags, with BabyTron responding, “I ain’t trickin’ with you bitches, pockets come with padlocks.” Arguably the best exchange is “They thought I was fantasizing, showed ‘em I can pop / Grew my hair down to my shoulders, fan thought I was Matt Ox.” WOO! BabyTron performs the first verse solo, with no shortage of humorous, intriguing bars, like “Why this bitch preachin’ like she real, but got a BBL? / If I ever fell off, it was on a trampoline.” Gah-day-um! BLP Kosher arrives in the third verse, touting his come-up: “Pulling capers, I was at La Quinta, I just left The Breakers.” He also drops bullets like, “Touch down with the Dog Shit Militia, smoking cow manure / Opp kebab, I introduce the stick and put them on a skewer” and “Make ‘em jump, Van Halen, we could rock out, no guitar.” All told, not only does it seem that BabyTron and BLP Kosher have a ball rapping on “Mazel Tron”, it also a ball to listen to.

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10. Kelly Clarkson & John Legend, “Run Run Run”

Piece by Piece // RCA // 2015

“And you waited on the rain / Through tears, my heart is caged / And we fall through fate, and we rise and rise again / And I run, run, run, run, run.” Kelly Clarkson, assisted by fellow Grammy winner, John Legend, transforms “Run, Run, Run” into a duet. This Tokio Hotel cover appeared as the sixth track on her 2015 album, Piece by Piece. Compared to the three-and-a-half-minute duration of the original, in the hands of Clarkson and Legend, the song lasts a minute longer.  With two world-class vocalists, there’s just no way that this performance wouldn’t be lit .  The vocal harmonies that appear in the chorus, sung exclusively by Clarkson following her first verse are chilling. Legend arrives singing the second verse, with his distinct, soulful voice.  Soon enough, during that verse, the record becomes the duet.  When that duet materializes, the intensity increases, while the audience listens in awe hearing the vocal chemistry between Clarkson and Legend.  “Run, Run, Run” is percussion-less for about the first three minutes before mammoth drums take the record to the next level.   There’s an added section where Clarkson and Legend sort of riff – vibe out over the awesome source material. This ‘vibe’ section makes this cover grander and more dramatic than the original. Even as “Run, Run, Run” reaches a fever pitch, Clarkson and Legend bring things back down to close things out, which is a thoughtful, finesse touch.

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11. A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera, “Say Something”

Is There Anybody Out There? // Epic // 2014

“Say something, I’m giving up on you / I’ll be the one if you want me to.” Among the most beautiful songs of the 2010s hails from pop singer/songwriter duo, A Great Big World. Ian Axel and Chad King struck gold with “Say Something” which appeared on their 2014, gold-certified album, Is There Anybody Out There?. Two versions of “Say Something” appear on the album. The first, the fifth track, is the original – a solo track by Axel. The second version, the 13^th track, is a duet between Axel and Christina Aguilera. Ultimately, “Say Something” earned AGBW their sole top-40 hit, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned the duo and Aguilera the Grammy for Best Pop Duo / Group Performance.

Although Axel is the lead vocalist on “Say Something,” King joined his ‘partner in crime’ as a songwriter alongside Mike Campbell. Furthermore, A Great Big World produced the gorgeous ballad alongside Dan Romer. The lyrics are utterly sublime – moving and thoughtfully penned. Listening to Axel sing, you buy what he’s selling because it is so emotional. “And I… am feeling so small / It was over my head / I know nothing at all,” he sings in the first verse. The emotions remain high in the second verse, where he sings, “And I will stumble and fall / I’m still learning to love / Just starting the crawl.” Of course, the chemistry, when joined by Aguilera, singing in harmony, is nothing short of incredible. That chemistry continues in the remaining choruses as well as the third and final verse. Beyond elite singing – solo and in duet form – the production and sound are stunning. Stripped with piano and strings, “Say Something” is special – there’s no other way to describe it. The multiplatinum “Say Something” is the sugar honey iced tea – utterly stupendous!

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A Great Big World, Say Something: 1 Hit WONDERful 17 (2024)

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12. Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb, “Guilty”

Guilty // Columbia // 1980

“And we got nothing to be guilty of / Our love will climb any mountain near or far, we are,” Barbra Streisand sings in the chorus of her Billboard Hot 100 no. 3 hit, “Guilty”. The EGOT winner adds in the chorus, “We are devotion / And we got nothing to be sorry for / Our love is one in a million / Eyes can see that we got a highway to the sky.” “Guilty” begins Streisand’s 1980 album, also titled, Guilty. Streisand duets with Barry Gibb. “Guilty” was penned by Bee Gees – Barry, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb. First recorded by Barry, the duet version with Streisand was the first to be released. Barry produced the record with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.

“Guilty” is a vibe from the start. Sleekly produced, “Guilty” is groovy and has a truly exquisite sound palette. Fittingly, Barbra Streisand takes the reins in the first verse and the memorable chorus. She sounds lovely and impressive with expressive vocals. One of the most memorable lines: “Make it a crime to be lonely or sad (It oughta be illegal).” Agreed! Barry Gibb delivers awesome vocals as well beginning in the second verse. “Pulses racing, darling / How grand we are,” he sings, adding, “You battle on with the love you’re buildin’ on / You gotta be mine.” Indeed, Barry! Gibb’s chemistry alongside Streisand is impressive. Their vocal harmonies are stunning in their joint chorus. Also making “Guilty” the hit that it is are changing meters and a unique harmonic scheme. Not only should lovers not feel guilty about love (“We are devotion / And we got nothing to be sorry for”), but there is no reason to feel guilty listening to the pop classic that is “Guilty”.

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Barbra Streisand, Guilty: Throwback Vibez 83 (2024)

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13. Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, “When You Believe”  

The Prince of Egypt **(Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1998**

“There can be miracles when you believe / Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.” Amen, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston! Please, ladies, continue, won’t you with your uplifting musical sermon? “Who knows what miracles, you can achieve / When you believe, somehow you will / You will when you believe.” Yes, yes, yes! It should come as no surprise that “When You Believe”, from the 1998 animated motion picture, The Prince of Egypt, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. No, the two gifted divas that performed the end-title duet version weren’t awarded, but decorated songwriter Stephen Schwartz was victorious, deservedly so. “When You Believe” is all about the power of faith.  What better way to sing about faith than to have two of the most gifted singers of all time duet? Babyface produces this powerhouse rendition.

Whitney Houston is the first voice we hear, setting the tone for the first verse and of course, the tuneful chorus.  Essentially, Houston sings about ample prayer, with little evidence prayers would be answered.  Still, because of faith, even when it seemed like there was no reason to believe, ultimately, “We were moving mountains long before we knew we could.” In the second verse, Mariah Carey echoes the sentiment, asserting, “Hope seems like the summer birds / Too swiftly flown away.” Despite the adversity, she goes on to state, “My heart’s so full, I can’t explain / Seeking faith and speaking words / I never thought I’d say.”  Houston and Carey join forces the rest of the time, inspiring with what can be deemed unshakable faith: “A small but still resilient voice, says ‘Help is very near!’” Nearly 25 years after its debut, “When You Believe” remains one of the greatest pop duets ever. It’s an awesome testament to faith. 

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; BabyTron, BLP Kosher, Capitol CMG, Inc., Columbia, Concord Music Group, Inc., Def Jam Recordings, Epic, High Standardz, Island, ISO Supremacy, Mercury, MPL Communications Inc/Ltd, Orville Peck, LLC, RCA, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., UnitedMasters LLC, Universal Music Operations Limited, Warner; Yan Krukau from Pexels]

Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on August 5, 2024August 5, 2024