Features That Bop and Flop
Bringing another artist into your song can be an extreme gamble with a high potential payoff. While there are some unlikely collaborations that bop. . . others can miss the mark.
Written by Emily Gruner
Image of ROSALÍA and J. Balvin courtesy of The FADER and Rihanna courtesy of IMDb.
FEATURES THAT BOP
James Blake featuring André 3000 — “Where’s the Catch?”
As mental health increasingly becomes a common conversation around the world, these two artists join forces to provide an evocative meditation on depression and paranoia. With Blake’s emotive chorus, “where's the catch / There must be, there must be a catch,” alongside haunting piano loop, and pulsing beat, this song evokes all the feelings of knowing something is too good to be true. Few artists can get a verse from André 3000 since he stepped back from music in 2017, yet the Outkast rapper hops on the track to provide an impactful verse shrouded in metaphors explaining his own struggles with mental health. Combined, the two genre-bending musicians create a powerful narrative surrounding mental health by citing their individual struggles.
Charli XCX featuring Kim Petras and Slayyyter — “Click” (No Boys Remix)
Pop queens assemble! Charli XCX reigns supreme when it comes to adding features from her fellow popstars, and her “Click” remix is no exception. In the track, Charli XCX swaps out Tommy Cash’s verse for pop newcomer Slayyyter. With an attitude and voice reminiscent of Britney Spears, coupled with a knack for hard-hitting bubblegum electropop production, the verse from this new girl on the block has earned her plenty of praise from dedicated Charli fans.
The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg — “The 1975”
Disclaimer: The 1975 has four versions of the song “The 1975.” While the first three versions are different production variations on the same song about sex, the latest from the British group features 16 year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Their light and airy production behind Thunberg’s powerful rhetoric leaves listeners stunned as she finishes her monologue with the simple phrase, “It’s time to rebel.” The 1975 appeals to their largely teenage fanbase by employing Thunberg, which is half the reason this song bops. Though The 1975 surely used the teen’s platform to reach listeners outside of their fanbase, Thunberg’s words speak for themselves at the end of the day.
ROSALÍA and J. Balvin featuring El Guincho — “Con Altura”
ROSALÍA is making waves with the first single off of her upcoming album. Harnessing over one billion views on Youtube (you read that right), “Con Altura’s” music video has become one of the most viewed music videos in Youtube history. The fun-loving track produced by El Guincho imbues flamenco with modern reggaeton influences, showing how successful cross-cultural experimentation with music can be. Though integrated with both artist’s star power and clever word play, the song’s catchy beat from El Guincho is what has everyone around the world singing, “¡Con Altura!”
FEATURES THAT FLOP
Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future — “End Game”
Although Taylor Swift has successfully evolved with every album she’s released, there’s something odd about two pop darlings singing to a track whose production is reminiscent of a Metro Boomin’ song. While the song is catchy, Swift’s venture into R&B and rap is unsuccessful as the song seems bland and inauthentic, and Future’s verse comes off as a cheap afterthought for sales.
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber — “Despacito” (Remix)
This is an instance where cross-cultural experimentation worked in terms of numbers: the song broke records for the longest reign at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the coveted spot for 16 weeks, although that record has since been broken by “Old Town Road.” Yes, Justin Bieber’s popularity adds more energy to this catchy beat, with the addition of his English verses seeming to be a successful appeal to non-Spanish speakers. However, considering the Canadian artist’s blatant disrespect for the song, many listeners probably wish the original version of the song (sans Justin Beiber) was released today, as more people appreciate Latinx influence in American pop music.
Miley Cyrus featuring Ghostface Killah — “D.R.E.A.M.”
A reference to the 1993 Wu-Tang hit, “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me),” this song builds up hype by simply looking at the title. A hip-hop homage featuring one of the homaged members? Sounds awesome! But listeners wait the whole song just to hear Ghostface Killah in a 30 second outro that doesn’t flow with the rest of the chilled-out tune. With Cyrus’s lingering history of appropriating rap and its qualities (hi Bangerz), the addition of Ghostface Killah seems inauthentic, as once again Cyrus is seemingly trying to steal a profit off of people of color.
Coldplay featuring Rihanna — “Princess of China”
Coldplay and Rihanna are a pairing so mismatched, a song with both artists just seems like an effort to nab a quick profit. This upbeat number from Coldplay’s dance-driven Mylo Xyloto received mixed reviews from critics. Some found it generic and uninspiring, while others praised Chris Martin and the band for the unlikely collaboration. One thing is for certain: Coldplay’s sparkling production allows Rihanna’s voice to shine, making the unlikely pairing candy for the ears. But then comes the music video, in which Rihanna is literally dressed as a Chinese princess (yikes!). May not have raised red flags in 2011, but as we’re closing in on 2020, this music video needs to be retired from the internet.