To Duet Or Not To Duet: That Is The Question?

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Autumn really brings out the mushy in you. The sudden brisk air and the falling leaves takes out your exasperation and tones it down to an insipid level of emotions. So when I chose my "Duets" playlist on my Apple Music to start my day and continuously had it going 'til the end of what was another hectic Tuesday, it got my juices going and led me to writing this next article.

Now before I go through this, I wanna remind everyone that MY list will for sure miss out on a song or two or even rank your favorite lower than you think it should. That's all fair and perky and I’m sure yours would never be identical as mine (long shot that it would). But tell me, one way or another, what you think I should've included (or excluded). It's all good. Also and ironically, this is the one time I'm not going to put a video link of each song because that would be a bit overkill. So please YouTube it at your own curiosity.

So here we go, my not-so-Top-Ten list of classic duets ranked with a few honorable mentions. Actually, let’s make it fifteen. There’s too many great collaborations to mention. And seriously, nobody knows the song "Come Into My Life" by Laura Branigan and Joe Esposito??? Disappointing.

15) Somewhere Out There | Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram - I was young when this song came out and I vividly recall sitting behind the window that glorious evening, listening to the lovely voice of Linda with a full moon silhouette, wondering if my grade school crush was also thinking about me. Turns out she wasn't.

14) After All | Cher and Peter Cetera - If you have watched the movie Chances Are then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t like this duet. If you haven’t watched it, then please do. You’d understand why this is on my list.

13) Suddenly | Olivia Newton-John and Cliff Richard - I mean when the “wheels are in motion” then we ready to “sail any ocean”. Say what now?? I’ll give that a pass because “you make it seem I’m so close to my dream and then suddenly it’s all there…” Love that Cliff Richard stanza leading into the chorus.

12) Perfect Combination | Stacy Lattisaw and Johnny Gill - If you find yourself on stage in a karaoke bar or on spotlight at a party, grab the person you are most attracted to and queue this song for the two of you to bust out impromptu-style. This is an easy piece to pull even for beginners. Wow the crowd even more by sharing one mic when the chorus hits. Who knows, this could be the best pick up line you ever did.

11) Separate Lives | Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin - A melancholic but honest song about two lives that went two separate paths. Well, not all duets, like relationships, end up happily ever after so it's okay sometimes to listen to break up songs like this one. Somber but well-put.

10) Endless Love | Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - This would’ve been a lot higher on my list had it not been the most frequent duet I’ve ever heard in my lifetime. I swear I can hear Diana and Lionel singing right now. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take away anything out of this lovely and innocent song.

09) The Best Of Me | David Foster and Olivia Newton-John - A song for those who’ve been through a lot and learned a lot in life, and now is ready to give the very best of themselves (certainly not for the neophyte lovers). The melody is not fancy but it works if you're tired of the games, and tired of finding another relationship song.

08) Guilty | Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb - Probably in no one’s Top 10 but there is something alluring about this collaboration by Babs and the oldest Gibb. The moment I first heard it, I knew I loved it especially the very first line of the chorus. Barbra's delivery is just amazing and Barry compliment's her altogether.

07) The Closer I Get To You | Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway - There's a strong chance you'd win a game of Name That Tune if you just hear the first few notes of the song. Very distinct. I can say, without a doubt, that it's one of if not the top choice couples would pick as their "official song" and why wouldn't they? The message and melody blends perfectly in unison.

06) I Can’t Help It | Olivia Newton-John and Andy Gibb - Do I love me some ONJ or what? The third duet with her on vocals, I’m just in awe and absolutely love her mesmerizing voice. I also feel that this song is so underrated because, unlike the one before this, I never heard any couple claiming this as their own. I didn't wanna babble about it but I can't help it.

05) How Do You Keep The Music Playing/Baby Come To Me | Patti Austin and James Ingram - How about a two-for-one? I know I’m cheating with this but since they are from the same two artists and are both equally alluring singles, then why not pick them as one? The former is mellow but with a strong message about not letting the song hit its last note. "If we can be the best of lovers, yet be the best of friends..." Ambitious yet subtle. While the latter provides a bit more depth and tempo but still enticing to the ears-- "And I'm oh so glad I found you, need you everyday..." Either is a perfect background to slow jam inside a dim lit room with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc on hand. Certified crooner James is the perfect compliment to equally astonishing Patti.

04) Up Where We Belong | Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes - Just imagine young Richard Gere, wooing you and promising you the world in his Navy uniform? Geez, I get goosebumps all the time and I'm not even gay. This song will always be tied to the Gere-starring "An Officer and a Gentleman" film which gave hope to middle-class women landing the military man of their dreams in early 80s America. Debra Winger was equally gorgeous especially in that red dress... ooh la la! And yes, the song was a perfect fit.

03) The Last Time I Felt Like This | Johnny Mathis and Jane Olivor - Already featured this on a previous blog (Article #26) and I guess you can say that I am nostalgic by nature. Kinda love the film, but love the song even more. It will put you in a romantic frenzy every time you hear it. Go listen!

02) Never Gonna Let You Go | Sergio Mendes feat Joe Pizzulo and Leza Miller - Honestly, could easily be at the very top of the list but my #1 has a lot of significance to it. Whether you can relate to this song or not, the way this was written and arranged is undeniably beguiling. I can definitely listen to this anytime of the day, zone out the lyrics and put myself in a relaxing mood. It's just that good.

Notable Mentions:

I actually have several but limited myself from going beyond three...

• I Just Can't Stop Loving You | Michael Jackson & Siedah Garrett - We don't really associate the King of Pop with duets but here's proof of one that he really knocked out of the park. What a serene and lovely song!!!
  
• I’m Never Gonna Give You Up | Frank Stallone & Cynthia Rhodes - Honestly, not a big fan of Frank but can't say the same for Cynthia. Honestly (again), I can't shrug Staying Alive John Travolta's face every time I hear this song. Hate that he ruins it for me. Such a beautiful track though.
  
• You And I | Crystal Gale & Eddie Rabbitt - This is so poised. This song actually puts me in such a sentimental mood, guaranteed. I should have this in my actual list but which one do I bump out?
• Especially For You | Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan - I said limit to three, right? This feel-good song deserves a mention so I had to squeeze it in. I mean, it’s Kylie!

And of course...

01) I Will (Take You Forever) | Christopher Cross and Frances Ruffelle - Even I never gave this track that much attention, until of course I had to. Now I can play it on repeat and never get tired of it. Ohhh what love can do to you! Just the perfect song for me and my boo. The best part is she was the one who chose it while I struggled mightily finding us a song (and there I was telling her I have a broad spectrum when it comes to music). Of course she prefers the newer acoustic cover while I, well, I’m old school. There is no questioning Christopher Cross' soothing voice but the lyrics was just befitting of our story. What can I say, love always finds a reason. Wait, ain't that another duet?

 

Awesome Twosome!!!