There's something special about a duet. When an artist invites another into their creative space, it gives their song a unique layer and brings fans together. A duet also invites conversation into what is typically a one-sided narrative told from the perspective of a single artist. With that in mind, here are seven duets released this past year that deserve your ear's attention.
Juniper Vale (feat. Jason Gray) - "Something True"
Juniper Vale is the alias for independent pop artist Sarah Jane. Sarah is a trained opera singer, as well as a banjo player. Sarah teamed up with Jason Gray for her latest single, "Something True," an inspiring and beautiful new song that dropped in March 2021. Don't take my word for it. Give it a listen and see for yourself.
Lauren Daigle (feat. AHI) - "Hold On To Me"
Lauren began performing "Hold On To Me" on tour shortly after writing it in 2019. So, before its studio release in March 2021, her audience was fairly familiar with the track. During her worldwide tour with mainstream artist AHI, the two performed this song together on stage. And, as a result, we have an official live recording of that performance. AHI's raspy and soulful voice beautifully compliments Lauren's signature vocals.
Danny Gokey (feat. Koryn Hawthorne) - "We All Need Jesus"
When two powerhouse vocals come together, it doesn't always work. But, Christian hitmaker Danny Gokey and up-and-coming Christian artist Koryn Hawthorne are a perfect match. They both give each other space to both shine and quietly speak to the listener. Danny has a very versatile voice that has lived in contemporary music for a while, so it's nice to get a little more soul from him, thanks in large to Koryn's presence.
Hulvey (feat. Lecrae and SVRCINA) - "Reasons"
During the short-term period of just two years, Georgia's own Christopher Hulvey has exploded onto the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) scene evolving from scrubbing toilets in a local grocery store to a certified hip-hop artist signed to Reach Records. As with any major CHH release, Hulvey's debut album, Christopher, is packed with features and guest appearances. With Hulvey being both a singer and a rapper, this track definitely comes up to the line as qualifying as a true duet with Hulvey providing both lead and background, holding his own with Christian Hip-Hop mainstays Lecrae and SRVCINA.
H.E.R. (feat. Tauren Wells) - "Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)"
It's always exciting to see mainstream artists invite Christian artists into their world. "Hold Us Together" was previously released as an original solo song by mainstream singer-songwriter H.E.R. featured on the soundtrack of the Disney+ film, Safety. The new version and single "Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)" features Christian pop artist Tauren Wells. It's a fresh blend of their voices that carry the words that shine a light and bring comfort to hold on through rocky times. The result is a beautiful duet that culminates into a final chorus that is nothing short of chill-inducing.
for KING & COUNTRY (feat. Hannah Ellis, Jackson Michelson) - "Together"
The Smallbone brothers (also known as for KING & COUNTRY), who have spent the last two years crushing collabs, recently released a Deluxe Edition of their gold-selling record, Burn The Ships, which highlights so many of them. While not their strongest duet or collaboration, the importance of the duo's recent hit, "Together," highlights another single of theirs that has busted out of Christian music's walls and impacted the mainstream. The song doesn't change from what we're all familiar with, but the harmonies are beautifully layered. From a band that gives us powerful duets on every song, this one is extra special.
Mandisa (feat. Jasmine Murray and Rita Springer) - "It's Not Over"
Mandisa is an artist who has held her own behind the mic for plenty of years. But, by bringing in new artist Jasmine Murray and veteran worshipper Rita Springer, she invites a chorus of vocals that provide an amazing chorus of hope to shine through and encourage any listener.
