Over the past 25 years the music industry has transformed and grown into an unstoppable force. Every day millions of people switch on the radio, click shuffle on their Spotify playlist or place their headphones over their head for a perfect escape from reality. This century the music industry has un-doubly been blessed with a strong line of fierce icons taking over the charts, but why not look at the collaborations. Pairs of artists being brought together can be nothing but good? Right?
There has been an incredible handful of female boss singers that have produced ground-breaking beats. The first honorable mention goes to Beyonce and Lady Gaga with their pop single, Telephone (2010) The high fashion music video, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, told an over-the-top visual story. The song and its visuals created drama that has lived on.
The lovely Ariana Grande was sure to be mentioned within this article. The Italian-American powerhouse known for her glass-breaking vocals and slick back ponytail has made some bangers in her time. This time she was partnered up with somber singer Lana Del Rey and Hannah Montana, oh I mean Miley Cyrus. The 2019 hit ‘Don’t call me angel’ made for the film reboot of Charlie’s Angels was the creation from this very unique – but wonderful collab. This badass hit left feminists proud to listen and even more buzzed about seeing the film.
Now for the bands. The 2005 hit Feel Good Inc. by the Gorillaz and De La Soul is the first major mention. The sound, known for the evil laugh at the beginning of the track and futuristic approach to blending genres made it so good. The song won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals demonstrating its impact.
Following on from that, the group Disclosure paired up with Oscar winner Sam Smith in 2012 and created the song ‘Latch’. This tune is now a festival and party classic that gets anyone in the UK ready to mosh in a field in Summer. The song has also resurfaced recently and taken TikTok by storm as the go-to song to make an edgy edit too.
One year after this brilliant partnership we got another that hit the charts and defined an entire year. The 2013 classic Get Lucky by Daft Punk and Pharrell was a retro-futuristic collision that had the perfect disco groove. The song was constantly being played on the radio – and no one was complaining. The best collaboration for a melody and a boogie.
The fellas of the music industry have created a world of undeniable numbers. Starting strong with heartthrob Bruno Mars and DJ and producer Mark Ronson birthing the indisputable Uptown, Funk! (2015) This song was at the top of the charts for 56 weeks – over a year, defining its infectious and catchy dynamic.
For girl/guy forces the best of both worlds can really be seen within the music that has been made during this 21st century. The instant piece that comes to mind is the melancholy tune Somebody That I Used To Know (2012) The elite track was created by Gotye with Kimbra. Known for its eerie yet enticing music video of the two singers being artistically blended in with the striking wall behind them, the depressing lyrics matched with the catchy tune is a wonder.
Lastly, even though I could go on forever, the song All The Stars created by musical genius Kendrick Lamar and soul sister SZA has to be included. The song was released in 2018 for the Marvel Studios masterpiece, Black Panther. This movie soundtrack had particular emotion held to it due to the lead actor of this film, Chadwick Boseman devingstantly passing away before the film debuted in 2022. The mix between Lamar’s deep rap and SZA’s angelic voice makes this song one of the best.
This list could go on forever, we have been spoiled rotten during these last 25 years. The music industry never fails to surprise us, I wonder what the next few years will hold.
