7 Country Music Collaborations You May Have Forgotten About
When it comes to contemporary country music, much of it has been modernized to the point that it appeals to young fans across various genres. Several artists have taken it up a notch by collaborating with mainstream pop, rap, or R&B acts. Either way, the hits often end up performing well on radio stations for both genres, and can even end up winning major awards along the way. From Keith Urban and Pink to Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles, we’ve rounded up seven favorites from recent years that you may have forgotten about.
“One Too Many” - Keith Urban & Pink
Country fans have long known Keith Urban isn't afraid of having a pop sound in his music, so this 2020 collaboration about over-boozing it up with Pink was unsurprisingly an instant favorite.
“Over and Over” - Nelly & Tim McGraw
Hip-hop and country together, say what? Rapper Nelly has admitted that the idea for this 2004 collaboration was a hard sell to his record label, but the two ultimately proved that merging the two genres could be a success.
“Daddy Lessons” - The Chicks & Beyoncé
This song was originally a solo track on Beyoncé’s highly acclaimed Lemonade album, and fans and critics alike immediately recognized it as a country song. A remix featuring fellow Texas-bred trio The Chicks was released in November 2016, after the artists joined forces to perform it together at the 2016 CMA Awards, which won “Collaboration of the Year.”
“Nobody But You” - Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani
Once fans confirmed their suspicions that fellow The Voice judges Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani were really an item, this 2019 duet seemed inevitable. It was actually their third collaboration to date, but arguably their best one yet.
“10,000 Hours” - Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
Canadian country duo Dan + Shay have always had a heartthrob boy band sound about them, so this 2019 collaboration with Justin Bieber was the perfect match for fans of that mood. The song ended up being the duo’s first top-10 hit in the U.S.
“Old Town Road” - Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
This song was first released as a solo effort by rapper Lil Nas X in 2018. After going viral online and blowing up in popularity, it was re-released in 2019 and the rapper also produced a remix with country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. Dubbed “country rap,” the remix won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home” - Bon Jovi & Jennifer Nettles
Fans of just about any genre are sure to be familiar with Bon Jovi, but this 2006 track introduced dozens of pop and rock fans to the talents of Sugarland lead singer Jennifer Nettles. The band released a solo version along with this country hit on their 2005 album, Have a Nice Day.
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