4 Country Duets That Are So Good, You Can’t Help but Sing Both Parts

Some country songs are so infectious, their choruses so rousing, that it’s impossible not to sing along with your whole chest. And what’s better than having a catchy melody to sing along to? Having two, obviously—which is where these country duets come in.

If you’re lucky enough to have a go-to duet partner in the car, on house cleaning days, or karaoke nights, these are great tracks to sing together. However, these four country duets are so good, you almost have to sing both parts just to get the full effect.

“In Spite Of Ourselves” by John Prine and Iris Dement

Starting this list of country duets is a folk-tinged tune by John Prine featuring Iris Dement. “In Spite Of Ourselves” is a funny, tender, and clumsily sappy kind of love song, with lyrics that are somehow crass and heartfelt simultaneously. Both duet parts have incredible lines in their verses, which makes it a real treat to sing, even if you’re solo. My personal favorites include “Convict movies make her horny” and “He ain’t too sharp, but he gets things done.”

“Jackson” by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

“We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout.” Few country duets have as much spitfire as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s 1963 hit single, “Jackson”. Besides the fact that it’s just fun to try to imitate Johnny and June’s distinct voices, the dynamics between the partners is what gives the track its heat. The song is full of interjections, sarcasm, and fiery harmonies, which makes it a must-have for any and all country duet singalongs.

“Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

A classic country pop bop that has buoyed countless karaoke nights in dive bars across the country: “Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. The two-stepping rhythm makes this a bouncy, enjoyable singalong. And if I’m being honest—and I know this is outing myself as an Office fan—this song just makes me think of that one scene with Jim and Michael. Imitating how Steve Carell’s voice cracks on “feel no pain” is enough reason for me to sing it.

“Pancho And Lefty” by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson

The final song on this list of country duets you (read: I) can’t help but sing both parts to is “Pancho And Lefty” by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Townes Van Zandt originally wrote the song as a solo narrative. But Haggard and Nelson’s version achieved more commercial success, so the mainstream world remembers that version more often. Either way, Haggard and Nelson’s voices are so distinctly different from one another that it makes for a great exercise in changing your singing style on the fly.

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