The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs
What kind of music comes to mind when you hear “male duo”? You might instinctively think of vocal-centric styles like pop, folk, or soul.
Those duos are wonderful, of course, but precisely because a duo is the smallest group format, there are many pairs who play a wide range of music with a free, unconstrained sensibility.
In this article, using the theme of male duos as our guide, we’ll introduce a selection of classic Western tracks that cross genre boundaries—not just pop, but rock, techno, hip-hop, and more.
You might even discover, “Wait, that classic was by a male duo?”
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The Appeal of Western Male Duos: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Songs (1–10)
One More TimeDaft Punk
Daft Punk is an electronic duo formed in Paris, France in 1993, consisting of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter.
One More Time is one of their signature songs and is included on their second album, Discovery, released in 2001.
It is also well known for having a promotional video directed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, famed for Galaxy Express 999.
Much like the two members, who wore robot-like helmets and never showed their faces, the track is a classic that delivers a futuristic, sci-fi-like sense of weightlessness in its electro-disco sound.
I Ain’t No JokeEric B. & Rakim
Eric B.
& Rakim are a legendary hip-hop duo from New York.
Formed in 1985 by Eric, a DJ from Queens, and Rakim, a rapper from Long Island, they became one of the most important groups in hip-hop history, profoundly influencing the artists who followed.
Every release of theirs is highly acclaimed and essential to any discussion of hip-hop, but this time I’d like to introduce the classic track “I Ain’t No Joke” from their landmark 1987 debut album, Paid in Full.
As the album’s opening track, it’s a crucial song featuring Rakim’s restrained, cerebral rhymes, old-school scratching, and a jazz-inflected beat highlighted by horn lines sampled from the J.B.’s—altogether one of their coolest and most iconic cuts.
The music video, which includes a cameo by Flavor Flav from Public Enemy, is also famous, so be sure to check it out!
Block Rockin’ BeatsThe Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers are a British electronic duo formed by Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons.
They are known as a leading duo representing the 1990s movements known as big beat and electronica.
Their second single, “Block Rockin’ Beats,” released in 1997, features a high-energy sound that fuses techno and rock.
It’s a track from their second album, “Dig Your Own Hole.”
The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs (11–20)
Shout To The TopThe Style Council
The Style Council is a British pop-rock band formed in 1982 by Paul Weller and Mick Talbot.
Paul Weller is also well known as the leader of The Jam, a mod band active in the 1970s, and he formed The Style Council after The Jam disbanded.
Their 1984 release Shout to the Top! features a captivating sound that incorporates elements of soul and R&B.
It is included on their 1985 second album, Our Favourite Shop.
Do It AgainSteely Dan
Steely Dan is an American rock band formed by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.
Their hallmark is a complex sound that combines elements of jazz, R&B, soul, and more.
Do It Again appears on their 1972 debut album, Can’t Buy A Thrill, and became a hit in the United States.
The song is memorable for its enigmatic lyrics and a solo phrase played on electric sitar.
Although Walter Becker passed away in 2017, Donald Fagen continues to be highly active as a solo artist.
I Go to PiecesPeter & Gordon
Peter & Gordon were a British pop duo consisting of Peter Asher and Gordon Waller.
Their 1964 release “I Go to Pieces” became a major hit especially in the United States, riding the wave of the British Invasion, the boom in which British rock bands like the Beatles swept the American music scene in the 1960s.
Its lyrics about the pain of heartbreak and the duo’s beautiful harmonies captivated young listeners of the time.
Ghost RiderSuicide
Suicide is a synth-rock band formed in New York in 1970 by Alan Vega and Martin Rev.
Ghost Rider was inspired by the Marvel Comics villain and leaves a powerful impression with its experimental synth sound.
Although it never became a hit, it helped spark the development of various genres such as post-punk and industrial rock.
Covered by numerous bands and artists, including R.E.M., it is a landmark track in music history.