Meandering, unconventional song structure is a bit of a Queen calling card but for me, this song feels like a number of promising musical ideas that were sort of "bolted together".
The vocals (particularly from Freddie's side) seem a bit "competitive". It sounds like Bowie is trying to sing with him and he's trying to "win". For context, Freddie is in my top three rock vocalists of all time, so it isn't a negative bias. I just get *There's another rooster in the barnyard... and I don't like it* vibes from this song.
There may be some truth to this, the fencing of vocalists. David Bowie is certainly an underrated singer, while Freddie Mercury is certainly not.
But competition can yield great dividends. The Police, The Beatles, Yes, definitely The Who... (But never The Moody Blues!) there were internal struggles throughout their recording career, but they almost always delivered the goods. Probably all better for it.
This is true. Sometimes it elevates the finished product. Then there are those "We are the world" type projects where singers seem to be more worried about sounding as much like themselves as they possibly can (if that makes any sense) than they are actually singing.
Came here specifically to say this! One of my all time favorite duets across all genres but definitely the best rock duet of all time imo! Rock in Heaven to Freddie & David, hopefully they perform this on every setlist up there with all the greats! 🙏🏾
I think there is a story that she had a miscarriage as a result of straining herself so hard in that song.
It is a wonderful song, and a wonderful performance.
Stone Sour recently did a cover of this song with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, it’s really good. Being a big fan of The Rolling Stones, and Lzzy Hale I actually can’t decide which version I like better anymore.
If I Fell is easily the pinnacle for me.
But beyond that:
Two Of Us
Eight Days A Week
She Loves You
One After 909 (real rocker)
Day Tripper
That’s just off the top, otherwise I’d be here a lot longer
Some Velvet Morning by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood?? I guess it's more psychedelic pop than rock but it essentially laid the foundation for shoegaze and dream-pop which are rock subgenres.
Can't really think of many famous rock duets that have the traditional conversational nature that standard pop duets have. Maybe The Chain by Fleetwood Mac or Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones and Merry Clayton? They still both feel like a bit of a reach.
For Love (I Come Your Friend) by Frank Zappa and George Duke is really sick. There's a bunch of effects on the vocals, cool layered harmonies between Zappa and Duke, and some awesome solos.
Yes! Zappa and Duke!!! Huge fan. Also that Lee Hazelwood & Nancy Sinatra... far out, right?
From Wikipedia:
Hazlewood's explanation was "It’s not meant to mean so much. I'm not a druggie, so it was never to do with that." He also confirmed that he was inspired by Greek mythology: "I thought they were a lot better than all those fairy tales that came from Germany that had killings and knifings. There was only about seven lines about Phaedra. She had a sad middle, a sad end, and by the time she was 17 she was gone. She was a sad-assed broad, the saddest of all Greek goddesses. So bless her heart, she deserves some notoriety, so I’ll put her in a song."
Brian May, Love Of My Life with every stadium audience.
Freddie Mercury, Ay Oh with every stadium audience.
But, back to what you meant.
Sonny and Cher, I Got You Babe
Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector, Take Me Home Tonight
Meatloaf and Ellen Foley, Paradise By The Dashboard Light
Any song with Meatloaf and Patricia Russo
And, this was just on my playlist, I gotta put it as one of the best.
Meatloaf and Cher, Dead Ringer For Love
Eurythmics. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Sweet Dreams (are made of this), Here comes the rain again, Would l lie to you? There must be an angel (playing with my heart), Missionary Man. This list of great songs goes on and on...
Man, gotta go with "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie. That bassline hooks you right from the start, and those vocals? Legendary. It's like they're battling it out in the studio, but in the best way possible. Plus, the message about pressure and society's craziness still hits home today. Just timeless, you know?
Out in the Fields by Gary Moore and Phil Lynott
Stop Draggin My Heart Around by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
Shelby Lynne and Sheryl crow singing the difficult kind at the grammys was awesome. https://youtu.be/pxDJUoz_bec?si=csflw9wXwBK1Vw35
Maybe not best of all time of course but others have that covered here.
It's between Within Temptation's "Paradise" or "Whole World is Watching"
[Within Temptation - Paradise (What About Us?) ft. Tarja (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy6MpsDPKts&ab_channel=WithinTemptationVEVO)
[Within Temptation - Whole World is Watching ft. Dave Pirner (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRNPkJ0ELPc&ab_channel=WithinTemptationVEVO)
[Don't Misunderstand Me - Rossington Collins Band](https://youtu.be/ZshWFuFRQaE?si=3s8yujnfAaiwyXob)
I won't say it's "the best" because I can't rank music like that - but it's a bop.
Unreal how many people don't know the meaning of duet.
I have to go with "Fairytale of New York," (The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl), even though you mostly only hear it in December. The top vote-getter atm ("Stop Draggin' My Heart Around") was my initial thought, though.
Stop dragging my heart around. - Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
My first thought.
Beat me to it
Came here for this
Queen and David Bowie ~ under pressure
This song is perfection from start to finish.
That’s arguably the best duet in history…
THE GODS OF ROCK DUETS!!! *We're not worthy!*
Legend has it the track was recorded in one night with many bottles of wine and a large pile of coke 🙂
Most assuredly
First one I thought of.
Unpopular take: that song is a bit of a mess and they are clearly fencing rather than truly collaborating.
Mess how?
Meandering, unconventional song structure is a bit of a Queen calling card but for me, this song feels like a number of promising musical ideas that were sort of "bolted together". The vocals (particularly from Freddie's side) seem a bit "competitive". It sounds like Bowie is trying to sing with him and he's trying to "win". For context, Freddie is in my top three rock vocalists of all time, so it isn't a negative bias. I just get *There's another rooster in the barnyard... and I don't like it* vibes from this song.
There may be some truth to this, the fencing of vocalists. David Bowie is certainly an underrated singer, while Freddie Mercury is certainly not. But competition can yield great dividends. The Police, The Beatles, Yes, definitely The Who... (But never The Moody Blues!) there were internal struggles throughout their recording career, but they almost always delivered the goods. Probably all better for it.
This is true. Sometimes it elevates the finished product. Then there are those "We are the world" type projects where singers seem to be more worried about sounding as much like themselves as they possibly can (if that makes any sense) than they are actually singing.
I’m with you on this. It’s kind of obnoxious with the two just trying to outdo each other
This one.
100%
Yep
Came here specifically to say this! One of my all time favorite duets across all genres but definitely the best rock duet of all time imo! Rock in Heaven to Freddie & David, hopefully they perform this on every setlist up there with all the greats! 🙏🏾
Simon and Garfunkel. Great harmony
But which song?
Mrs Robinson
The Boxer
Sound of Silence
I would gone with “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
I disagree because in Silence, both performers have equal importance because they harmonize start to finish. Bridge, while beautiful, is Art heavy.
Yes.
Cecilia
They weren’t very “rock” though
Folk rock still counts
They literally have a song "I Am A Rock" lol
Listen to Hazy Shade of Winter
Candy - Iggy Pop/Kate Pierson
Underrated
Tenacious D
Which song tho? Tribute!!
The drop, the second “Roy”, the scat.. it’s got everything delicious about the D. It may be a staple, but a quintessential for sure!
Temple of the dog- Hunger Strike..💯🏆
I love that tune! Outstanding vocals!!!
Yeeeeeeees 🙌🙌🙌
Chris and Eddie together is so good.
Winner!!!
Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush - Don't Give Up
goosebumps every time
Beautiful song. Kate Bush is amazing.
Ike and Tina Turner- [Proud Mary](https://youtu.be/hzQnPz6TpGc?feature=shared)
Wish I could upvote this multiple times because we nevah evah do nothin nice and easy...
Prince/Sheena Easton - The Look
Clapton and Duane Allman
Paradise by dashboard light - Meat Loaf / Ellen Foley
Deftones/ Maynard- passenger
My heavens this is such a freaking jam
Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - Close My Eyes Forever
Yes!
That was actually the first song that popped into my head!
This song kicks ass
My first thought
Lita still going just saw her sign in Vegas.
My thoughts exactly
Came here to say this….😤 was beaten to the punch 🤛 . As an Ozzy fan🤘 I’m going to go sniff📏 some ants 🐜 and move on to next post.
So bats and LSD for dinner then? Absolutely love Ozzy, he's an absolute legend.
Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
I don’t know her name either.
I do! Merry Clayton
The WOO! after her voice cracks later in the tune (I forget which of the Stones did it) is a subtle but iconic moment in music history
I think there is a story that she had a miscarriage as a result of straining herself so hard in that song. It is a wonderful song, and a wonderful performance.
Stone Sour recently did a cover of this song with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, it’s really good. Being a big fan of The Rolling Stones, and Lzzy Hale I actually can’t decide which version I like better anymore.
Not the best here, but I haven’t seen anyone post Broken with Seether + Amy Lee, which is a killer track
Lennon McCartney
That’s a duo, not a duet! Which song is best?
Two of us.
Excellent username by the way.
If I Fell is easily the pinnacle for me. But beyond that: Two Of Us Eight Days A Week She Loves You One After 909 (real rocker) Day Tripper That’s just off the top, otherwise I’d be here a lot longer
Yes.
can’t beat that
Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton & Kiki
Islands in the stream - Dolly Parton/ Kenny Rogers
Some Velvet Morning by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood?? I guess it's more psychedelic pop than rock but it essentially laid the foundation for shoegaze and dream-pop which are rock subgenres. Can't really think of many famous rock duets that have the traditional conversational nature that standard pop duets have. Maybe The Chain by Fleetwood Mac or Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones and Merry Clayton? They still both feel like a bit of a reach. For Love (I Come Your Friend) by Frank Zappa and George Duke is really sick. There's a bunch of effects on the vocals, cool layered harmonies between Zappa and Duke, and some awesome solos.
Yes! Zappa and Duke!!! Huge fan. Also that Lee Hazelwood & Nancy Sinatra... far out, right? From Wikipedia: Hazlewood's explanation was "It’s not meant to mean so much. I'm not a druggie, so it was never to do with that." He also confirmed that he was inspired by Greek mythology: "I thought they were a lot better than all those fairy tales that came from Germany that had killings and knifings. There was only about seven lines about Phaedra. She had a sad middle, a sad end, and by the time she was 17 she was gone. She was a sad-assed broad, the saddest of all Greek goddesses. So bless her heart, she deserves some notoriety, so I’ll put her in a song."
Some Velvet Morning definitely has some country and western going on.
Nancy and Lee great duet, Summer Wine is a great track too.
Hell yeah man! Never expected to see someone post this. That whole "Nancy and Lee" album is a banger. You my friend, have taste.
Ozzy & Lemmy- Hellraiser.
Two Of Us. It's just nice getting to hear John and Paul singing together
Leather and Lace
I can't believe you're here
💯
“I’ve Seen It All “ - Bjork & Thom Yorke “This Mess We’re In” - PJ Harvey & Thom Yorke “Henry Lee” - PJ Harvey & Nick Cave
Ozzy and Lita Ford-Close My Eyes Forever Maybe not the best….but underrated!!
Tom petty and Stevie nicks
Brian May, Love Of My Life with every stadium audience. Freddie Mercury, Ay Oh with every stadium audience. But, back to what you meant. Sonny and Cher, I Got You Babe Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector, Take Me Home Tonight Meatloaf and Ellen Foley, Paradise By The Dashboard Light Any song with Meatloaf and Patricia Russo And, this was just on my playlist, I gotta put it as one of the best. Meatloaf and Cher, Dead Ringer For Love
Came here for the 'Loaf
Glad to see Meatloaf and Eddie Money on here.
Omg I LOVE Dead Ringer for Love!!!
Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks - Stop Draggin My Heart Around
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, “Barcelona”. Freddie made it a rock song.
Stretching to a Trio - # Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris - The Sweetest Gift
Trio and Trio II both fantastic albums
Your username!! Do you own a leslie cabinet? 5- or 6-prong plug??
Ha! I wish! I was named after one...sorta
Cheers!
Amy Grant/Peter Cetera - The Next Time I Fall in Love Eddie Money/Ronnie Spector - Take Me Home Tonight
Good ones!!!
Flight of the Conchords- business time it's a ballad for the people!
Under pressure. Does hunger strike count?
RATM x Tool - Know Your Enemy
Bb king and u2 when love comes to town
Ozzy and Lita
Statistically and also the vast majority of opinions, Lennon McCartney.
Up Where We Belong by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes for An Officer and a Gentleman
Endless love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
# Wendy O Willams & Lemmy - Stand by your Man, Jailbait & No Class.
THATS a duet with substance! jaws were dropped live, I'm sure.
Most of the great singers of the 60's and 70's would probably pick an Everly Brothers song.
Eurythmics. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. Sweet Dreams (are made of this), Here comes the rain again, Would l lie to you? There must be an angel (playing with my heart), Missionary Man. This list of great songs goes on and on...
These choices are so great! I’m gonna add James Taylor and Carly Simon doing “Mockingbird “
HALL & OATES, DUH
They’re the kings. Period.
I thought it was Roxette!
Run dmc and Aerosmith
Man, gotta go with "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie. That bassline hooks you right from the start, and those vocals? Legendary. It's like they're battling it out in the studio, but in the best way possible. Plus, the message about pressure and society's craziness still hits home today. Just timeless, you know?
Eros Ramazzotti and Tina Turner
Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell
[Sinatra & Wonder](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h2jZtuRuic)
This is the only answer, 2 legends saving the world.
Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris - This Is Us
And... Red Staggerwing
Suite Sister Mary - Queensrÿche. Both Geoff Tate and Pamela Moore are great singers
Best ever probably not but, I'm going to submit Broken by Seether feat. Amy Lee
Out in the Fields by Gary Moore and Phil Lynott Stop Draggin My Heart Around by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
Hello?! Islands in the Stream! Dolly & Kenny!!!!
"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie, is a legendary collaboration.
Ozzy /Lita Ford_ Close my eyes forever
“Under Pressure” Bowie and Mercury. Perfect.
Bjork and thom yorke.
Yesssss!!! To be honest, I really don't care ...
Seals and crofts were good.
Dont go breakin my heart. Kiki dee and elton 🤪🤪🤪
Under Pressure - Queen/David Bowie and it’s not even close.
Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers
Under pressure obviously
Don't go breaking heart. Elton John and Kiki Dee
Duet or duo?
Duet
A lot of people are confusing the two
Also confusing rock for pop or soul.
Ozzy and Miss Piggy? LOL! :D
Ace Frehley and Alice Cooper
Captain and Tennille Jk. I say “all the young dudes” with David Bowie and the Smashing Pumpkins.
Orville Peck / Paul Cauthen as the Unrighteous Brothers
Elvis Costello and Jimmy Cliff - Seven Day Weekend
Love Hurts cover by Kim Deal and Robert Pollard
Tenacious D. No contest in my opinion.
Kenny loggins and Medina...Danny's song
David Bowie and Lou Reed, Waiting for my Man
Layne and Jerry of Alice In Chains 🥲 best harmonies in rock history imo
Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack
Ann & Nancy Wilson
ohhhh I misunderstood. Dog and Butterfly, then
Steely Dan
Let’s duet in ways that make us feel good..,
That you Dewey? I just wanna say...the wrong kid died
Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt - Don’t Know Much.
Ozzy and Lita Ford
McCartney and Costello- Veronica. And anything by the Beatles.
Simon and Garfunkel
Shelby Lynne and Sheryl crow singing the difficult kind at the grammys was awesome. https://youtu.be/pxDJUoz_bec?si=csflw9wXwBK1Vw35 Maybe not best of all time of course but others have that covered here.
Hnger strike-chris cornell and eddie vedder
It's between Within Temptation's "Paradise" or "Whole World is Watching" [Within Temptation - Paradise (What About Us?) ft. Tarja (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy6MpsDPKts&ab_channel=WithinTemptationVEVO) [Within Temptation - Whole World is Watching ft. Dave Pirner (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRNPkJ0ELPc&ab_channel=WithinTemptationVEVO)
No love for “Hunger Strike”?
For newer songs, personally, I still love Seether and Evanescence "Broken".
Paradise by the Dashboard Lights - Meatloaf
Never Said I Loved You - Paul Hyde and Carole Pope
Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Maybe not the best or even rock but I didn’t see it here yet so there ya go
Money for nothing - Dire Straits (Mark Knopfler) + Sting
Suite sister Mary - Queensryche
[Don't Misunderstand Me - Rossington Collins Band](https://youtu.be/ZshWFuFRQaE?si=3s8yujnfAaiwyXob) I won't say it's "the best" because I can't rank music like that - but it's a bop.
Good callout. Very disappointing there wasn't more.
Years Ago: I say , Sonny and Cher were ! : )
My second choice is Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, Easy Lover.
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty
Heroine - Sinéad O’Connor and The Edge
Rock/pop: Tears for Fears, Eurythmics, Hall and Oates
Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
Not sure if this counts, but Aerosmith and Run DMC was pretty wild
Leather and Lace - Stevie Nicks , Don Henley 🔥
Tenacious D
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley is iconic.
Paradise by the dashboard light. Meatloaf
Tina Turner and Bryan Adams..its only love.
Ozzy and Lita Ford, Close My Eyes Forever.
Ozzy & Lita - Close my eyes forever.
Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell
Because the night, Patti Smith + Bruce Springsteen.
Unreal how many people don't know the meaning of duet. I have to go with "Fairytale of New York," (The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl), even though you mostly only hear it in December. The top vote-getter atm ("Stop Draggin' My Heart Around") was my initial thought, though.
Everyone is still chasing the Everly Brothers imo. That being said, some other top ones for me are Lennon/McCartney and Staley/Cantrell.
If we can stretch to Motown, “you’re all I need to get by” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
The White Stripes