Music thrives on connection, exemplified when distinct artistic voices collaborate. The best collaboration songs transcend individual styles, creating something fresh and powerful.
These collabs can reignite careers, break genre barriers, or simply yield a track that captures the zeitgeist. From chart-topping smashes born of planning to spontaneous studio magic, music collaborations have yielded some of popular music’s most enduring moments.
This article explores the greatest collaborations, featuring a definitive Top 10 list from a reader poll, uncovering underrated gems, and examining why these partnerships resonate deeply.
Top 10 Best Collaboration Songs of All Time
Musical history features incredible partnerships that have produced unforgettable songs. These collaborations have topped charts and transformed the music scene, uniting diverse styles, voices, and artistic visions.
Additionally, these collab hits have broken records and topped charts, some even rank among the most-streamed songs of all time.
The following table ranks the top 10 best collaboration songs of all time based on critical acclaim, commercial success, fan opinion, and cultural impact:
| Rank | Song | Collaboration Between | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One Sweet Day | Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey | 1995 | R&B/Pop |
| 2 | Under Pressure | Queen and David Bowie | 1981 | Rock |
| 3 | Walk This Way | Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. | 1986 | Rock/Hip-Hop |
| 4 | The Saints Are Coming | U2 and Green Day | 2006 | Rock |
| 5 | Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around | Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks | 1981 | Rock |
| 6 | While My Guitar Gently Weeps | The Beatles featuring Eric Clapton | 1968 | Rock |
| 7 | The River | Good Charlotte and Avenged Sevenfold | 2007 | Rock/Alternative |
| 8 | Dancing In The Street | David Bowie and Mick Jagger | 1985 | Pop/Rock |
| 9 | Say, Say, Say | Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney | 1983 | Pop |
| 10 | Smooth | Santana and Rob Thomas | 1999 | Rock/Pop |
Let’s get deeper into each of these iconic collaboration songs to understand what makes them the best collaborations in music history.
1. “One Sweet Day” – Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey
| Song Name | One Sweet Day |
| Significance | Record-breaking ballad honoring lost loved ones |
| Streams On Spotify | 222,824,063 |
| Spotify Link | One Sweet Day |
“One Sweet Day” remains one of the most successful collaboration songs ever recorded, holding the record for the longest-running number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (16 weeks) until being tied by Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” and later surpassed by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”
The song also earned Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year, solidifying its status as one of the most significant collaborations in music history.
2. “Under Pressure” – Queen and David Bowie
| Song Name | Under Pressure |
| Significance | Legendary rock icons create timeless masterpiece |
| Streams On Spotify | 1,862,326,552 |
| Spotify Link | Under Pressure |
Created during a great jam session at Mountain Studios in Switzerland in 1981, “Under Pressure” emerged when David Bowie, initially invited to provide backup vocals for Queen’s “Cool Cat,” ended up collaborating on an entirely new song instead.
The song reached number one in the UK charts and has since been included in numerous “greatest songs of all time” lists. Despite its legendary status, Bowie and Queen never performed the song live together, making this studio collaboration even more special.
3. “Walk This Way” – Aerosmith And Run-D.M.C.
| Song Name | Walk This Way |
| Significance | Genre-defying crossover that united rock and hip-hop |
| Streams On Spotify | 282,033,409 |
| Spotify Link | Walk This Way |
This groundbreaking 1986 remake revolutionized music by creating what is arguably the most influential rock and hip-hop crossover in history.
The collaboration not only revitalized Aerosmith’s then-stagnant career but also introduced hip-hop to mainstream white audiences. “Walk This Way” reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”.
4. “The Saints Are Coming” – U2 And Green Day
| Song Name | The Saints Are Coming |
| Significance | Powerful anthem supporting Hurricane Katrina recovery |
| Streams On Spotify | 31,209,994 |
| Spotify Link | The Saints Are Coming |
When two of rock’s biggest bands united in 2006 to cover this obscure 1978 song by Scottish punk band The Skids, they created something much larger than a simple collaboration.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, this benefit single raised funds for Music Rising, an initiative supporting musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. The song reached #1 in multiple countries, showcasing how music collaborations can transcend entertainment to become a medium for social change.
5. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” – Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks
| Song Name | Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around |
| Significance | Rock legends deliver perfect vocal chemistry |
| Streams On Spotify | 85,784,492 |
| Spotify Link | Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around |
This 1981 duet launched Stevie Nicks’ solo career while maintaining her connection to rock royalty. Originally written by Tom Petty for his band The Heartbreakers, producer Jimmy Iovine (who was working with both artists) suggested the collaboration.
The song’s success, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, established Nicks as a viable solo artist independent of Fleetwood Mac.
Their musical partnership extended beyond this single hit, with the two artists frequently performing together throughout their careers, including a memorable 2006 tour where they revived this signature collaborative song nightly.
Stevie often includes this classic in her setlist—check out her upcoming shows on the Stevie Nicks Tour.
6. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” -The Beatles Featuring Eric Clapton
| Song Name | While My Guitar Gently Weeps |
| Significance | Rare outside collaboration in Beatles’ catalog |
| Streams On Spotify | 13,803,641 |
| Spotify Link | While My Guitar Gently Weeps |
This George Harrison-penned Beatles classic represents a rare instance of an outside musician performing on a Beatles recording. Harrison, frustrated that his bandmates, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, weren’t paying enough attention to his composition during recording sessions, invited his friend Eric Clapton to play lead guitar on the track.
Released on the 1968 “White Album,” the collaboration marked a significant moment in Beatles history, producing one of their most enduring songs. In 2004, Harrison’s son Dhani performed the song with Clapton and others at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, paying tribute to his father’s legacy.
7. “The River” – Good Charlotte, M. Shadows, and Synyster Gates
| Song Name | The River |
| Significance | Rock subgenres unite for spiritual journey |
| Streams On Spotify | Over 110 million |
| Spotify Link | The River |
This 2007 collaboration represented a significant shift in Good Charlotte’s sound as they moved from their pop-punk roots toward more alternative territory. Featuring M. Shadows and Synyster Gates.
The single reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Good Charlotte’s biggest hit since 2002’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” This successful collaboration demonstrated how bringing together different rock subgenres could create something that appealed to broader audiences while maintaining artistic credibility.
The song’s success helped Good Charlotte’s album “Good Morning Revival” achieve gold status and showcased the band’s willingness to evolve musically through collaboration.
8. “Dancing In The Street” – David Bowie and Mick Jagger
| Song Name | Dancing In The Street |
| Significance | Rock icons unite for charitable cause |
| Streams On Spotify | 61,415,173 |
| Spotify Link | Dancing In The Street |
Recorded hastily for the 1985 Live Aid charity event, this cover of Martha and the Vandellas’ Motown classic brought together David Bowie and Mick Jagger. The initial plan for a live transatlantic duet was scuppered by satellite delays, leading to a quickly shot, now-iconic music video.
While both artists were arguably navigating career lulls after less successful recent projects, the sheer star power made the single a hit (#1 UK, #7 US), remembered more for the joyous, slightly campy video spectacle tied to the global event than for profound musical innovation.
9. Say, Say, Say – Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
| Song Name | Say, Say, Say |
| Significance | Pop royalty creates a chart-topping phenomenon |
| Streams On Spotify | 145,763,657 |
| Spotify Link | Say, Say, Say |
Released in 1983, this duet brought together Michael Jackson, fresh off his Thriller success, and Paul McCartney, two of the most famous singers in the world.
Following their collaboration on “The Girl Is Mine,” Jackson returned the favor for McCartney’s Pipes of Peace album. Produced by George Martin, the infectious funk-pop track soared to #1 in the US for six weeks and numerous other countries, becoming McCartney’s last US #1 hit.
10. Smooth – Santana and Rob Thomas
| Song Name | Smooth |
| Significance | Legendary guitarist’s massive comeback with a pop frontman. |
| Streams On Spotify | 456,995,699 |
| Spotify Link | Smooth |
In 1999, pairing rock veteran Carlos Santana with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas seemed unlikely, but Clive Davis’s vision for the Supernatural album proved genius. “Smooth,” penned by Thomas (initially intended for George Michael), became a cultural phenomenon.
It spent 12 weeks at #1, won three Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year, and spearheaded one of rock’s biggest comebacks. Its Latin rock groove and Thomas’s vocals made Santana a household name again.
11. Old Town Road (Remix) – Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
| Song Name | Old Town Road (Remix) |
| Significance | Genre-bending viral hit broke chart records. |
| Streams On Spotify | 1.6 Billion |
| Spotify Link | Old Town Road (Remix) |
Initially gaining viral traction on TikTok, “Old Town Road” exploded when country veteran Billy Ray Cyrus jumped on the remix in 2019. The fusion of trap beats, country elements, and catchy lyrics defied categorization, sparking debate about genre boundaries.
Its 19-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 made history. This collaboration perfectly captured the fluidity of the internet age’s genre, turning Lil Nas X into a superstar and proving the power of unexpected pairings.
12. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
| Song Name | See You Again |
| Significance | Emotional movie tribute became a global phenomenon. |
| Streams On Spotify | 2.1 Billion+ |
| Spotify Link | See You Again |
Famous for the Furious 7 soundtrack as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, “See You Again” struck a universal chord. Wiz Khalifa’s heartfelt verses combined with Charlie Puth’s soaring, poignant chorus created an emotional powerhouse.
Released in 2015, the song topped charts in numerous countries, becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time and, for a time, the most-viewed video on YouTube. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion and relatable theme of loss and remembrance.
13. Kiss Me More – Doja Cat featuring SZA
| Song Name | Kiss Me More |
| Significance | Silky smooth R&B pop disco smash. |
| Streams On Spotify | 2.1 Billion+ |
| Spotify Link | Kiss Me More |
This 2021 track brought together two of contemporary music’s most exciting and versatile stars, Doja Cat and SZA. “Kiss Me More” is a breezy, disco-tinged R&B pop song with an irresistible groove and flirtatious energy.
The seamless blend of Doja’s playful rap verses and SZA’s smooth, soulful vocals earned critical acclaim and massive commercial success, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. It solidified both artists’ places at the forefront of modern pop and R&B.
14. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
| Song Name | Uptown Funk |
| Significance | Retro funk juggernaut dominated global charts. |
| Streams On Spotify | 2.1 Billion+ |
| Spotify Link | Uptown Funk |
Producer Mark Ronson teamed up with powerhouse performer Bruno Mars for this explosive 2014 funk and soul throwback. With its infectious bassline, horn stabs, and Mars’ charismatic vocals channeling James Brown and Morris Day, “Uptown Funk” was pure, unadulterated fun.
The song was a global hit, spending 14 weeks at number one in the US, winning multiple Grammys (including Record of the Year), and becoming a staple at parties and events worldwide. Its meticulous production and undeniable energy make it a modern classic.
15. Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
| Song Name | Empire State of Mind |
| Significance | An iconic, timeless anthem celebrating New York City. |
| Streams On Spotify | 1.2 Billion+ |
| Spotify Link | Empire State of Mind |
Released in 2009, this collaboration became an instant anthem for New York City and beyond. Jay-Z’s evocative verses paint a picture of the city’s ambition and grit, perfectly complemented by Alicia Keys’ soaring, powerful chorus built around a sample of The Moments’ “Love on a Two-Way Street”.
The song was a massive critical and commercial success, winning multiple Grammy Awards and topping charts worldwide. It remains one of the most recognizable and beloved city anthems ever created, a truly defining collaboration in the music world.
Underrated But Brilliant Collaborations
Apart from the chart-toppers, countless other fantastic collaborations fly under the radar. Here are a few gems often praised by dedicated music fans for their unique chemistry:
1. NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) – Yes Lawd! (2016)
This acclaimed project masterfully fused Anderson. Paak’s uniquely soulful rasp paired with Knxwledge’s distinctive, jazzy hip-hop beats creates standout tracks like the effortlessly cool “Suede.”
Listen Here: Spotify
2. Starlito & Don Trip – Step Brothers Series
A celebrated mixtape series known for its authentic Southern hip-hop storytelling, gritty realism, and the powerful collaborative chemistry between the two rappers.
Listen Here: Spotify
3. Blu & Exile – Below the Heavens (2007)
Widely called an underground hip-hop classic, this album pairs Blu’s sharp, introspective lyricism with Exile’s rich, expertly crafted soul-sample beats for a timeless, reflective sound.
Listen Here: Spotify
4. Saul Williams & Trent Reznor – NiggyTardust! (2007)
Highlighted on Reddit, this bold fusion of industrial rap powerfully combined Saul Williams’ potent poetry and delivery with Trent Reznor’s groundbreaking production, creating a unique and challenging listen.
5. Tony Seltzer & MIKE (Various Collaborations)
Exemplified on projects like the Pinball EP (2023), their work features MIKE’s signature abstract, lo-fi flows navigating Tony Seltzer’s experimental and often hazy hip-hop soundscapes effectively.
Listen Here: Spotify
Why Do Music Collaborations Work?
Music collaborations succeed because they create artistic chemistry, combining different perspectives, talents, and fan bases into something greater than the sum of individual efforts could achieve.
When artists from different genres collaborate, they break creative boundaries and reach new audiences. Collaborations also reinvigorate established artists while providing exposure to emerging ones.
The tension between different artistic approaches often yields unexpected magic that captivates listeners’ attention and creates memorable musical moments across genres.
Conclusion: One Sweet Day by Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey Is The Best Collaboration Song
From record-breaking songs like Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey’s “One Sweet Day” to Queen and David Bowie’s iconic “Under Pressure” and Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.’s genre-smashing “Walk This Way,” the greatest collaborations redefine the music scene and create timeless anthems that connect across generations.
Beyond the charts, brilliant partnerships like NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge) and Blu & Exile show the power of niche, underground collaborative songs that push artistic boundaries. Music collaborations make the art form better and prove that combined creativity often gets unforgettable results.
FAQs
“One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men held the record for 23 years with 16 weeks at #1 until being tied in 2017.
Drake holds the record with over 30 top-ten collaborative hits on the Billboard Hot 100 throughout his career.
Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.’s 1986 version of “Walk This Way” is widely considered the first major successful rock/hip-hop crossover.
Artists collaborate to reach new audiences, explore different creative directions, revitalize careers, and create unique musical combinations that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Great collaborations balance both artists’ strengths while creating something neither could achieve alone, often crossing genre boundaries and surprising listeners.
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