Sometimes, musical partnerships don’t make sense if you think about it. Imagine two artists from different genres joining forces for a banger hit? These unexpected collaborations push creative boundaries as they use two musical geniuses to produce something new. Today, we’re looking back at the 8 music collaborations that nobody saw coming.
8. The Weeknd and Jim Carrey – “Dawn FM” (2022)
When The Weeknd announced the drop of his album “Dawn FM,” everyone was surprised when they learn that it would feature actor Jim Carrey. The album’s concept is actually structured as a radio station, and since the Starboy needed a radio host, Carrey was cast to play the role. Well, Carrey wasn’t actually singing; rather, he performed a theatrical element to the album.
7. Lou Reed and Metallica – “Lulu” (2011)
One of the most shocking collaborations in music history is a full album project of rock legend Lou Reed with heavy metal giants Metallica. The album is actually based on two plays by German playwright Frank Wedekind. It also featured Reed’s spoken-word poetry over Metallica’s heavy instrumentals. But when Lulu was released, it gained negative reviews from critics and fans, with Pitchfork giving a rare 1.0 rating. Still, David Bowie called it Reed’s greatest work.
6. Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney – “FourFiveSeconds” (2015)
If we’re talking about different generations and genres, then this collaboration just hit a spot. This stripped-down acoustic track features just guitars and vocals, which is far from the productions of the three artists. It even peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, which is safe to call a success.
5. Eminem and Elton John – “Stan” (Live at 2001 Grammys)
Who remembers the time that Elton John joined Eminem on stage? That’s right, it was from the 2001 Grammys, which shocked audiences. Elton played the piano and sang Dido’s chorus for Eminem’s controversial song. It was a time when Eminem faced criticism for his homophobic content, so no one saw it coming. Not to mention their different personas.
4. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett – “Cheek to Cheek” (2014)
While Tony Bennet gained a new generation of fans with his Duets albums, this one was particularly special. In a collaboration with Lady Gaga, they tackled a show tune from the 1930s musical Babes in Arms as they delivered a noteworthy performance. With that, they recorded a full jazz album together called “Cheek to Cheek.” The collaboration proved to be a massive success as it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
3. Taylor Swift and Bon Iver – “Exile” (2020)
Taylor Swift surprised fans with an indie folk album titled “Folklore.” Listening through the album, fans also discovered that Swift collaborated with American indie folk band Bon Iver. The collaboration showed Swift reinvented her sound from her familiar pop songs, proving that she can transition and experiment with the right collaborators.
2. David Bowie and Bing Crosby – “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” (1977)
Remember when Bing Crosby recorded a Christmas duet with David Bowie, an established rock icon? Their collaboration was unexpected since they work in different genres. Crosby’s son, Nathaniel, actually told Billboard that it almost didn’t happen since producers told Bowie to take his lipstick off and remove his earring. But an awkward skit on Crosby’s television special gave a memorable duet they performed beside a piano. It was Crosby’s final TV performance as he suffered a heart attack weeks later.
1. Run-DMC and Aerosmith – “Walk This Way” (1986)
This collaboration invented the rap-rock and brought hip-hop to the mainstream. It was in 1986 when hip-hop group Run-DMC covered the rock band’s 1975 hit together with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joining. This helped revitalize Aerosmith’s career while cementing the place of Run-DMC in music history. The best part? It paved the way for a genre-crossing collaboration.