The duet holds a significant and enduring place in the rich tapestry of Country music, contributing to the genre’s historical and cultural importance. Dating back to the early days of Country music, duets have served as powerful storytelling devices, capturing the nuances of love, heartbreak, and life’s struggles through the intertwining voices of two artists. Here we present our favourite 10 duets of 2023.
Pioneering duets, such as the iconic pairings of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, or Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, not only showcased vocal harmonies but also conveyed authentic emotion, forming deep connections with listeners. Over the decades, duets in Country music have evolved, encompassing a diverse range of themes and styles while maintaining a timeless appeal. Collaborations between artists from different generations and backgrounds have further enriched the genre, highlighting its ability to adapt and resonate across audiences. The duet remains a cornerstone of Country music, fostering artistic camaraderie and preserving the genre’s storytelling tradition.
Megan Moroney & Kameron Marlow – ‘Fix You Too’
On the deluxe version of Moroney’s ‘Lucky’ album you’ll find this delightful duet about two people who just can’t quite find the strength to fix each other as well as all the things going wrong around them in their lives. It’s a re-working of a song originally from Moroney’s ‘Pistol Made of Roses’ EP but the addition of Marlow’s bluesy vocals elevates the song even further.
Stephen Wilson Jr & Hailey Whitters – ‘American Gothic’
Not your usual ‘deeply in love’ or ‘tortured being apart’ kind of duet. This track gets right to the heart of middle America and is an evocative look at growing up in a particular time and place.
‘Diamond on the Dresser’ – Canaan Smith & Emily Weissband
A poignant, heartbreaking look at divorce and the reasons behind it from these two talented writers and performers. Weissband is one of Nashville’s unsung heroes and Smith is morphing into a writer of some renown – he’s recently got a cut on Cody Johnson’s new album – but together they provide an emotional gut punch.
‘Wait in the Truck’ – ‘HARDY and Lainey Wilson
The big, CMA award winning duet of the year. Strong vocals and an even stronger storyline of revenge and murder has put this song at the top of many people’s favourites list in 2023.
‘Shooting Hand’ – Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen
Not all duets have to be male/female love songs. Here these two Texan powerhouses tell a Wild West story full of wit and charm that exemplifies what it is they do best together on their ‘Hold My Beer’ releases. Check out Vol.3 that came out this year.
‘What Are You on Fire About?’ – Ashley Cooke and Jackson Dean
Big notes and a big performance from these two rising stars of the Country music world. You’ll find this duet on Ashley’s debut album, ‘shot in the dark’ and maybe we’ll get to hear her sing it in some format next year when she’s over in the UK supporting Jordan Davis on his tour.
‘Whiskey Go ‘Round’ – George Birge and Raelynn
Big song featuring newcomer Birge, who’s just cracked the Top 10 with his song ‘Mind On You’ and Raelynn. Their voices work brilliantly together on this dramatic song and it’s a brilliant song to wail away to in the shower!
‘I Will’ – Avery Anna and Dylan Marlowe
We really love this song. The passion, the drama and the way Anna and Marlowe’s vocals compliment each other. Two younger artists looking to make their mark on the Country scene – this song is a great way to go about beginning that process of getting exposure to a wider audience.
‘Beautiful Lies’ – Tanner Usrey and Ella Langley
Hot off the press – this song only came out last week! Taken from Usrey’s new album, ‘Crossing Lines’ and featuring one of the best up-and-coming writers and performers in Nashville right now in Ella Lanfley, ‘Beautiful Lies’ screams ‘classic Country duet’, probably more than any other song on this list.
‘You, Me & Whiskey’ – Justin Moore & Priscilla Block
Another song, like ‘Wait in the Truck,’ that had big commercial success this year, Earning Moore another number 1 and gifting Block with he first. Such a big song that achieved a lot for both artists.
‘Save Me’ – Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson
OK, pedants, we know this is number 11 in the list but there were just too many great duets in 2023 to stick to just 10. Lainey’s second entrance in our list and a song that is just about to go to number one in the charts as we type. Power, passion and redemptive storytelling. All that we love about Country music from two of 2023’s biggest stars!
