So you're beginning to get an idea of how my mind perceives music. A song has to stay fresh, innovative, and on the edge to be considered a classic (not forgetting great songwriting). This is why 20 years later after your favorite oldie but goodie was released, you still rock out to it like it was just came out.
So what in the world happened to classic R&B duets? Is it a dying breed? I surely think it's on the edge of fading fast. There are five factors that led me to this conclusion:
1. Today's songwriting, generally speaking, has depreciated tremendously. One of the main reasons duets were so powerful and fun can be attributed to the depth of lyrics. Lyrics were passionate, and were sung with the same intensity that they were written in. I can't say the same for today's lyrics.
2. Today's production lacks contrast. It's not that producers aren't banging out great tracks. Moreso, when you hear a great track, there are four to five other tracks in rotation that mimic your tune. One could argue the same thing in the 80's. That's not a fair argument. We all know that every hit producer in the 80's used the same keyboard with that reverb snare and that airy kick.
3. You knew this was coming. Most of the artist today lack genuine talent. Lets be real. Would you rather hear James Ingram and Anita Baker, or Keysha Cole and Monica (yes they have a duet)? What tune do you think will be closer to a classic?
4. Hip-Hop has better duets than R&B. Now you're going to say that two people on a hip-hop track doesn't constitute a duet. I looked up the "technical" definition for the word duet. A duet is a composition for two voices or two instruments. That's pretty simple. That also means that if I had to choose between Chris Brown and Rihanna ( unfortunately a battered "Umbrella"), or AZ and Nas-the latter wins.
5. You just don't have classic, dynamic duos anymore. James Ingram next to anyone on a track created a Batman and Robin chemistry. Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson had their run. Ashford and Simpson sung like it always was there last song. Babyface and Mariah Carey created a classic. I would try to compare it to modern vocalist but it wouldn't wreak classic. Yes, maybe a good song, but not a classic.
But don't mind me-see it for yourself.
Classic:
Not a classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Need I say more?
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