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 Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Classics and Popular Songs (11–20)
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.
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates
The American pop duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, consisting of Daryl Hall and John Oates, were active primarily from the late 1970s through the 1980s.
Their 1981 release “Private Eyes” is one of their signature songs.
The lyrics—“I’ve been watching you closely,” which come off a bit like a stalker and are somewhat unsettling—were paired with a catchy, soul-based sound that made it a massive hit at the time.
Little MonsterRoyal Blood
Royal Blood, hailing from Brighton in the UK, are a rock duo consisting of bassist-vocalist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher.
Though they’re a minimal lineup—and an unconventional one at that, using only bass and drums—they wield a blisteringly loud, dynamic sound that would make many hard rock and garage rock acts run for the hills.
As proof of their prowess and popularity, all three of their albums released as of 2022 have hit No.
1 on the UK charts.
With each release, they’ve continued to evolve, incorporating more danceable elements and the like.
That said, Little Monster, an early classic highlighted here, is one of their signature tracks that showcases their appeal in the most straightforward way.
If someone unfamiliar with the band heard this song, they might not realize at first that those thick, heavy riffs are being played on a bass!
Romantic RightsDeath from Above 1979
Death From Above 1979 is a rock band formed in Canada by two members, Jesse F.
Keeler and Sebastien Grainger.
A defining feature of the band is their unusual setup: no guitar, just bass and drums.
On their 2004 release Romantic Rights, you can enjoy a heavy, aggressive rock sound that you wouldn’t expect from a guitar-less band.
It’s included on their first album, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine.
Ms. JacksonOutKast
Outkast is an American hip-hop duo formed in 1992 by André 3000 and Big Boi.
They are known for establishing a unique sound by blending not only hip-hop but also elements of funk, psychedelic rock, techno, and more.
Released in 2000, Ms.
Jackson is a song addressed to an ex-girlfriend’s mother that expresses the difficulties of sustaining a relationship, and it became a hit not only in the United States but also in Europe.
Although Outkast is currently on hiatus, both members continue to work as solo artists and actors, and they’re still worth keeping an eye on!
Bye Bye LoveThe Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers, a duo of brothers Don Everly and Phil Everly, were active in the United States from the late 1950s to the 1960s.
They are famous as a representative duo of country rock.
Their 1957 debut single, “Bye Bye Love,” was a major hit and had a lasting influence on later artists, including covers by the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
The song’s lyrics express the sadness of heartbreak, arranged with an acoustic sound and tightly blended harmonies for a light, brisk feel.
The Appeal of Male Western Music Duos: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Songs (21–30)
I Knew I Loved YouSavage Garden
Savage Garden is a duo from Australia consisting of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones.
Formed in 1994, they broke through when their 1996 release “I Want You” became a hit in their home country.
After gaining popularity in the United States as well, they released “I Knew I Loved You” in 1999.
The song spent four consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.
S.
singles chart.