From ballads to bouncing club jams, there were several collaborations this year that are worth reflecting on as we head full speed into 2016.
“Where Are U Now” – Jack U featuring Justin Bieber
The infamous collaboration that signalled the return of Justin Bieber and redefined Jack U as a duo to be reckoned with, “Where Are U Now” quickly became one of the top songs of the year, and rightfully so.
“Omen” – Disclosure featuring Sam Smith
When brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence combine their production skills with Sam Smith and his soaring vocals, no one ever ends up disappointed.
“Dark Times” – The Weeknd featuring Ed Sheeran
This collab was a dream come true–and one I certainly never saw coming. The idea of this duo was one thing, but hearing it actually come to life in this dark, semi-soulful track may have caused my soul to actually shed tears.
“Prisoner” – The Weeknd featuring Lana Del Rey
They’re both a little controversial, a little seductive, and a whole lot of talent, so this was simply a match made in heaven.
“Good Thing” – Sage the Gemini featuring Nick Jonas
Once Nick burst onto the scene as a solo artist, Jonas Brothers fans quickly had to acclimate to the seductive crooning, those muscles, and the casual euphemisms–such a difficult transition for all of us, really…
This song remains one of my top 25 most played, for so many reasons (and Nick Jonas’ effortless R&B may be 90% of them).
“I Bet” (remix) – Ciara featuring Joe Jonas
This was another pleasant surprise; I would never have put Joe and Ciara together. However, although Joe’s R&B solo career didn’t really take off the way it had the potential to, I’m still a huge fan of that era. So he fits right in on this song, making this remix one perfect duet.
“Jealous” (remix) – Nick Jonas featuring Tinashe
Considering these two have been establishing themselves rapidly in the same genre at the same time, this collab just made sense. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to another Nick and Tinashe track.
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” – Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
This collab came out of the clear blue sky; Camila has been blazing a path with Fifth
Harmony,
while Shawn rose from Vine fame to sell out venues. With her slightly raspy vocals and his youthful, smooth ones, they’re a pop/R&B dream that seems to transcend their years.
Joint
album, anyone?
“Lay It All On Me” – Rudimental featuring Ed Sheeran
‘Beautiful’ isn’t a strong enough adjective for this track. Ed’s vocals have always been effortless at inspiring emotion, and Rudimental’s production does the same, making this an anthemic collab sure to give chills in an arena.
“The Feeling” – Justin Bieber featuring Halsey
This song became an immediate favorite of mine when Purpose was released last month. Laid over a dynamic electronic beat, it the lyrics manage to capture a love story that resonates in such a powerful way. Halsey’s mellow vocals have made waves over the past year, and they flow well with Justin’s renewed, more mature sound; the overlapping harmonies are unreal.
Next single and music video, please?
“I Want You To Know” – Zedd featuring Selena Gomez
Romance rumors immediately started swirling around these two with this collab, and part of that is probably because of the obvious chemistry here. Zedd seemed to have crafted a beat that was made especially for Selena–her voice shines in this song.
“Time” – Skizzy Mars featuring Olivver the Kid & G-Eazy
This is a little-known gem that deserves some recognition. Skizzy Mars is a rapper from NYC, with a conversational lyrical flow that feels a lot more genuine than many contemporary rappers I’ve heard. He recruited Olivver the Kid (formerly of The Neighbourhood) for the soulful hook, and California rapper G-Eazy to deliver a verse, and the entire package is refreshingly real.
Did I miss your favorite collab? Sound off in the comments.
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