Two is better than one, so here’s a playlist of our favorite duets.

by Pierce Courchaine

I have this lingering fantasy of being asked–at the last minute, of course–to sing at a karaoke bar as Johnny Cash. The song is a duet and the other person has been waiting all night to sing as June Carter. In this fantasy, I reluctantly agree and proceed to absolutely kill it with my impersonation of The Man in Black. Here is the song I’d sing and four other collaborations I would totally belt out on stage, though with much less success.

Johnny Cash & June Carter – “Jackson”

It was difficult to decide between “Jackson” and “It Ain’t Me, Babe.” Both are painful, yet honest songs about the complexity of monogamous relationships. “Jackson” wins out, though. Cash and Carter’s song perfectly captures the back and forth of a relationship at its brink and the somber relief of acknowledging it’s finally over.

Billie Holiday & Louis Armstrong – “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart”

Holiday and Armstrong have two of the most iconic, identifiable voices in the history of music. Together, they make the perfect combination, like a well-made cocktail. “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” has been re-recorded an uncountable number of times since Holiday and Armstrong came together. The other artists’ efforts are in vain, though. Nothing comes close to the magic found on this version.

Cults – “Bumper”

I am an unbearable Cults fanboy. If you ever ask me to suggest some music to you, I’ll tell you to listen to Cults. Do you already listen to Cults? Good, now go listen to some more Cults. “Bumper” has it all: an uber-cool bass line, sassy give-and-take and just the slightest amount of fuzz.

Watch the Throne – “Lift Off”

Kanye West and Jay-Z form the foundation of Watch the Throne and even though it’s undoubtedly their album, Beyoncé steals the show in “Lift Off.” From the beat’s stuttering madness, Beyoncé’s voice bursts through with natural clarity and power. Three years after its release, “Lift Off” seems like the obvious result from one of music’s most talented cliques. The three form a triumvirate of bravado with Beyoncé’s confidence, Yeezy’s arrogance and Jay’s hubris. “Lift Off” is the ultimate pick-me-up in song form.

She & Him – “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

Zooey Deschanel’s acting career has largely overshadowed her singing ability. In the movie Elf, Deschanel’s rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Will Ferrell helped launch her into stardom. Partnered with M. Ward this time, She & Him is their sticky-sweet indie band. Although it’s probably faux pas to listen to the entirety of She & Him’s holiday album (A Very She & Him Christmas) in October, it’s certainly chilly enough to skip through the leaves and hum this X-mas standard.

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Pierce Courchaine is a contributor for The Riveter and compiles our weekly playlist The Crate Digger. You can follow him on Twitter at @PJCourchaine.