While the team is on hiatus, some of the team have volunteered to write articles.
Mia Wilks puts her favourite collaborations under the microscope.
I have always been interested in music collaborations. When I began my music career 6 years ago, I collaborated on several songs in the USA with DKTG, and a dance track in Argentina with Music Producer Claudio Malz. They all gave me a chance when I was just starting out in music.
I think this was a learning curve, not just because the collaboration was remote, but because creatively it introduced me to rhythms, chords, melodies, and production techniques that I wouldn’t normally use. As an Independent musician I think this is especially useful. With finances tight, you can’t always be in a studio, and a collab allows you to learn from others, tap into a new audience and create something that is unique. I think it’s important to share ideas in music, and it’s a great way to see your own music in a different perspective.
It’s about supporting other musicians which creates a sense of community. This can sometimes be lacking in the music industry when competitive gain overshadows what is important.
Ultimately, I think a collab project creates trust and connections far beyond the song; it’s about relationship building and creativity.
I have looked back over decades to collate my list of ‘Top 10’ best collab songs.
*Information Google
Kaytranada Ft. H.E.R ‘Intimidated’
The track was released on November 19 2021.
I have been a fan of Kaytranada for years, and this track is one of my favourites. I love the blend of Kaytranada’s House style production with H.E.R’s soulful vocals. It’s one of those collabs that will remain timeless.
I love the lyrics which are about not wasting time and going after something that you feel is right.
Time
Don’t wanna waste the feel (feel)
Like we could make it real (real)
Don’t run away when you could be lovin’ me
Signs (signs), too busy reading minds (minds)
Already made it here (here)
Don’t overthink when you could be lovin’ me
Tyler, the creator and Doechii ‘Balloon’
Doechii is featured on this track taken from Tyler, the creator’s 2024 studio album Chromakopia.
This is a great track, but I think it shows collaboration and artist support at its best. Tyler, the creator has publicly praised Doechii for her ‘style and artistry, and how much her songs resonated with him’
It is a hugely successful song, marking Doechii’s second appearance on the Hot 100 Chart.
It also features vocals from Daniel Caesar and Bonita Smith.
Coolio Ft. L.V. ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’
This track was released in August 1995 by Warner records. It credits Stevie Wonder with lyrics taken from his track ‘Pastime Paradise’. Coolio reworked Stevie Wonder’s song, keeping its instantly recognisable musical core but giving it an entirely different life.
It’s the first ever rap song to go straight to number one in Britain. It’s also featured in the film Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pfeiffer.
The track begins with a line from Psalm 23:4
This has to be one of the best collabs of all time. I love the story telling and rhythm, and the vocals create contrast and dynamics. It’s one of those tracks that’s so distinctive, not just because the beginning is dramatic but because the collab creates a vision. You can actually see the story unfold.
B.o.B Ft. Paramore’s Hayley Williams ‘Airplanes’
Another collab where rap and vocals meet. This track was released in April 2010, taken from B.o.B’s studio album ‘The Adventures of Bobby Ray’
I love the story behind this track. B.o.B and Williams never ever met! The track was created remotely and also the music video. The first time they met was for a live performance of the song at the 2010 MTV music awards!
Arianna Grande and Lady Gaga ‘Rain on me’
It’s not just the song that makes this collab iconic, it’s the music video. Released in May 2020 the song won a Grammy, but also three MTV Video music awards.
It’s an upbeat dance pop song which features their distinctive vocals and a synth beat and funk guitars.
The artists came together to create this song which talks about eduring intense public scrutiny. This song resonates with me as it talks about resilience and determination; a subject that I naturally write about.
It’s a strong collaboration about women in music coming together.
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’
This song is interesting because it was a success twice! First in 1967 recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell, and later on by Diana Ross.
The collaboration works because of their contrasting vocals which really compliment each other and creates a story, like two people talking to each other. This track was created without the Artists being in the same room. Terrell recorded her vocals first and Gaye ‘overdubbing his voice to wrap around her’ but the overall effect feels like they were in the same room using the same microphone. This track is timeless Motown backed by the Funk Brothers.
Basement Jaxx and Lisa Kekaula ‘Good Luck’
This collaboration duo took over the dance scene in the 2000’s creating some of the biggest dance hits of the era. I love the combination of Lisa’s rock vocals combined with the House/ Garage style of Basement Jaxx. You just wouldn’t expect this to work but it created an iconic distinctive sound.
I think this shows how a collaboration can push boundaries creatively. For the listener it created something new and exciting. Something you’d never heard before.
It’s these type of collabs that literally shape the sound of an era.
Sam Smith and Disclosure ‘Latch’
Very often a dance track introduces an Artist to the world. This track from 2012 did just that for Sam Smith. At the time he was a total unknown working shifts at a bar to support his music career. The collab worked so well – you can hear the chemistry between Sam Smith’s soulful vocals and Disclosures distinctive UK Garage sound.
Smith was introduced to Disclosure by mutual friend Jimmy Napes.
They wrote ‘Latch’ in one studio session which shows how some collabs are just destined to be.
Raye and D-Block Europe ‘Prada’
These guys teamed up with British Producer Casső. It went viral across the UK and Europe catapulting Raye into the spotlight.
In early 2023 a 20 year old music producer Casső was learning how to make beats in his bedroom. He heard Raye’s vocal tones on ‘Ferrari Horses’ and created a high energy dance beat around it. This was an unofficial remix which exploded over night on TikTok.
He subsequently had to clear the sample. The song was renamed ‘Prada’ and the rest is history!
Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney ‘The girl is mine’
Perhaps one of the most iconic collaborations of all time. This song was written by Michael Jackson. It works so well as it’s written like a conversation between two guys who fall for the same woman.
It works because of their contrasting vocal styles; Jackson’s R&B pop vibe and McCartneys classic pop style.
Released in 1982 as the first single from Michael Jackson’s historic ‘Thriller’ album.
I think some collabs are so powerful they become timeless and iconic. This is one of them.
‘The girl is mine’ achieved number one in US Hot Chart and certified platinum in the US, achieving over one million sales.
Thank you so much Del for including my feature this week.
Great article Mia! I’ve been thinking about this a fair bit.
My favourite collaborations have to be – in no particular order:
Pet Shop Boys And Liza Minnelli – Losing My Mind.
This was a track released back in 1989, a collaboration that seems almost as unlikely as Gene Simmons from KISS having a hand in this – he did. He was managing Liza’s recording career at the time, and he had been bugging her for years to record a contemporary pop record. She liked the Pet Shop Boys, and after some back and forth they actually recorded an album called Rent. This was during what they call their imperious period, a string of number ones, and sitting on top of the world.
Public Enemy and Anthrax – Bring The Noise
Talking of unlikely pairings, imagine a heavy metal band combining with a hardcore hip hop band. It’s not outside of the realms of possibility because Aerosmith and Run DMC did it. They incorporated thrashing guitars and even brought in the James Brown funky drummer beat and it’s just… awesome. You just don’t expect it.
Michael Jackson and Toto – Human Nature
To me Human Nature is a Toto song with Michael Jackson singing lead – You have Steve Porcaro writing and playing keyboards, Jeff Porcaro on drums, Greg Phillinganes who’s served as touring keyboard player featured, and Steve Lukather on guiar. This is the kind of song that you wind down to in the evening, and my mum tells me this reminds her of being on holiday in Nigeria in the early 80s. It’s a classic.
Lionel Richie And Diana Ross – Endless Love
Lush strings, beautiful vocals, great piano parts. This always reminds me of a funny scene in Friends where Chandler and Phoebe sing a duet to this after he’s broken up with Janice and they’re trying to get the harmony but it just doesn’t work. Lionel Richie is a hero of mine too.
Quincy Jones – Birdland
This is ridiculous. Check this out. On the entire album from which this comes from it has Ice T, Kool Moe Dee, Chaka Khan, Barry White, Andrae Crouch Gospel Choir and a whooooooooole heap of people on it. As for this song he has the audacity to bring together Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, George Benson Dizzy Gillespie and James Moody on one track. In fact this is Ella’s last recording before she passed. This has pure 80s vibes but it’s a cover of a track from the 1970s by Weather Report – you have to listen to it to get it! I need to think of some more!
Great work Mia.
I’d need to think for a while before coming up with a detailed response but collabortions that come to mind include, in no specific order:
Earth Wind & Fire x The Emotions – Boogie Wonderland
The Flaming Lips x Miley Cyrus – We A Family
The Clash x Mikey Dread – One More Time
Peter Gabriel x Kate Bush – Don’t Give Up (not a collab as such but she lifted it up several notches)
Massive Attack ft Tracey Thorn – Protection
Massive Attack ft Elizabeth Fraser – Teardrop
Debbie Harry & Iggy Pop – Well Did You Ever
FFS (Sparks & Franz Ferdinand) – Johnny Delusional
Aztec Camera & Mick Jones – Good Morning Britain
I know there are loads more that I have yet to remember! 🙂
Great article Mia congrats here are some of my favourite collabs :
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers – “Get Lucky” (2013)
Calvin Harris & Rihanna – “We Found Love” (2011)
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind” (2009)
Aerosmith & Run-DMC – “Walk This Way” (1986)
Enjoyed reading this very much, Mia. It’s got my thinking about collaborations but Del, Neil & Alan have already listed some I might well have included, so here’s a lovely one from the world of independent music. Alex Hall aka City Limits in combo with (Emma) Denney on “I Swear That It Was Love” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7k-Di-ibGg&t=7s
Always thought the collaborations between Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello provided some great songs.
Also, whilst not really a collaboration at all – thought the combination of Mike Scott and W.B.Yeats’ poetry (An Appointment with Mr Yeats) was pretty damn good.
Have a bit of a soft spot for ‘The Ballad of Tom Jones’ by Space and Cerys Matthews – and Tom Jones with Cerys on ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’.
Accidently seem to have slipped into C word territory – but thought the song by The Greedies (Phil Lynott & some Sex Pistols) was… ‘interesting’.
Anything that comes out of collaboration with David Byrne has to be worth ear-time – and he’s done quite a few.
Think it’s an interesting topic Mia – collabs throw up all sorts of strange things – and even some terrible things – but they always seem interesting and intriguing as to how they came about…
Great article Mia you’ve chosen some great tracks and brought me back to times I first heard them! Ah the nostalgia!! Thanks for the heads up there too Tony. We will have try to get dear DENNEY out at the Bedford as she’s on two strong songs of mine! Wouldn’t it be great!!