Some country music collaborations seemed unlikely at the time. If you were aware of them, you might have said, "Wait, what?!" But despite being unlikely, they truly worked well. Seasoned artists, great material - what's not to like, right? These hard-to-imagine vocal pairings were actually pretty inspired. And they stood the test of time. So let's take a minute and revisit these four amazing country collabs. They will stir memories and maybe even your soul.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"Without A Fight" By Demi Lovato And Brad Paisley
This sure is an offbeat country duo! Per countryline.radio, Paisley has successfully and memorably teamed with many singers including superstars like Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood, "but eyebrows were raised when he chose Jamaican born Demi Lovato as his latest vocal sparring partner - but the result is strong, and has done very well on radio." The 2016 song, co-authored by Paisley, describes a couple whose passion is fueled by their arguments and high emotions. Until, that is, the narrator suggests they skip the wrangling for a change.
"The Fighter" By Carrie Underwood And Keith Urban
I love the zest and genuine gusto that Urban brings to each song he sings. He emotionally commits to every lyric, whether it's sad or soulful or sassy. This tune he did with the always-compelling "Before He Cheats" artist "became a chart-topping phenomenon that showcased their dynamic vocal chemistry," per coyotecountrylv.com. Urban's "unexpected musical partnerships" highlight how daring he is creatively. His risks pay off. A really nice country collab between two giants of the genre.
"Workin' For A Livin" By Garth Brooks And Huey Lewis
Brooks is a fixture of country music with hit after hit to his credit, but Huey Lewis? Known for popular songs from the 1980s like 'The Heart Of Rock & Roll" and "The Power of Love," it's tough to see him in a country context. Still, he and Brooks nailed it on this track, which "did ell in the country charts," according to countryline.radio. It can be found on Brooks' album, The Ultimate Hits from 2007.
"Say Something" by Justin Timberlake And Chris Stapleton
Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton? Really? Yes, really. These two artists make this offbeat collab work. The song, co-penned by Timberlake, was on his 2018 Man of the Woods album. It landed in the Billboard Top 100 top ten. And deservedly so. Anything you add Stapleton to turns into gold, as we all now know. His brilliance and versatility are peerless. The track was nominated for a Grammy the following year.
