What happens when two seemingly mismatched musical talents join forces? More often than not, magic. Some of the most acclaimed and memorable songs in popular music history have come from unexpected collaborations between artists of different genres, eras, and styles.

In music, as in life, sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When two artists with distinct sounds and sensibilities come together, the result can be a fascinating fusion of styles, taking both artists into uncharted territory. The chemistry between collaborators, along with the creative tension of meshing disparate musical ideas, often breeds innovation.

Just look at some of these classic team-ups:

• Hip hop icon Jay-Z and art rockers Linkin Park on Collision Course (2004). Their hard-hitting mashup of rap, rock, and electronica seemed unlikely at first, but produced the era-defining hit “Numb/Encore.”
• Jazz legend Tony Bennett and alternative singer Lady Gaga on Cheek to Cheek (2014). Their album of jazz standards was a million-selling smash, with Gaga’s vocal flair complementing Bennett’s classic delivery.
• Pop idol Barbra Streisand and R&B crooner Barry Gibb on Guilty (1980). Their chart-topping duets album matched Streisand’s Broadway belting with Gibb’s smooth falsetto.
• Folksy Bob Dylan and pop craftsman Johnny Cash on Nashville Skyline (1969). The album saw Dylan embracing country sounds with Cash’s gravelly voice in the mix.
• Rapper Kendrick Lamar and U2 on DAMN. (2017). Lamar sampled and overdubbed the iconic rock band on songs like “XXX” to make urgent hip hop anthems.

The possibilities are endless when artistic worlds collide. Some other inspired recent pairings include Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, Elton John and Young Thug, Post Malone and Ozzy Osbourne. When fans least expect it, magic can happen.

What are some of your favorite unexpected musical collaborations through the years? Which artists do you think could make magic if they joined forces? Share your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to hear your take on the most groundbreaking mergers in music.