As soon as Luke Combs released the tracklist for his new album, Growin’ Up, listeners were quick to notice his collaboration with Miranda Lambert (the only one on the album).
For many of us, the duet took a quick lead as our favorite, and also solidified that Lambert truly is the queen of country music collaborations.
I mean, just look at all of the hits she’s had in the collaboration realm:
“Old Habits” with Justin Moore
In 2013, Justin Moore’s Off the Beaten Path album included this unforgettable tune with Lambert. When asked about the song in an interview, Moore stated that the sing was intended as a regular solo-style track, but when he heard the working demo he immediately imagined Lambert singing alongside him.
He admittedly “harassed” her several times about listening to the song and working with him before she agreed that, “Holy crap, it’s a great song!” By 2013, Lambert’s success in collaborations had already made her a must-have on important projects.
“Drowns the Whiskey” with Jason Aldean
Another hard-hitter to add to Lambert’s list of collaborative successes, this hit was released as a single on Jason Aldean’s 2018 album Rearview Town. When the duet hit number one, it ranked as Aldean’s nineteenth and Lambert’s sixth, further solidifying Miranda’s record of success in the field of duets. Â
“Somethin’ Bad” with Carrie Underwood
This up-tempo, badass-female anthem has Miranda Lambert trading lines with Carrie Underwood. The song was originally styled as a male-female combo, but Lambert took the reins, switching it to the Thelma & Louise style that would later include Underwood, who she selected herself to be the second singer.
Arguably the two most dominant females in modern country music, the song packed a punch (especially for female listeners) and was a great addition to Lambert’s collaborative collection. The song was such a success that Lambert later purchased Underwood a celebratory motorcycle as a “thank you” gift.Â
“Run” with George Strait
Performed at the 54th ACM Awards and as a surprise guest duet on several of George Strait’s live tours, Lambert split the 2001 Strait hit with the king, singing vocals on the chorus, bridge and verses.
There’s not much needed here, other than to say, in order to be the queen you’ve had to have sang with the king! And a duet with George Strait secures Miranda Lambert’s place in the top tier of country music singers & collaborators.
“Hell on Heels” with the Pistol Annies
The final collaboration is nothing to shake your head at, as the three-vocalists paired up on a more permanent basis following this song, forming the Pistol Annies.
The Hell on Heels’ collaboration was so fitting, that singers Angaleena Presley, Ashley Monroe, and the queen herself, Miranda Lambert, continued to compose together after the popular debut. This song is true to Miranda’s can’t-be-tamed style and is a definite repeat on girls’ night playlists.
This rewind only includes a few of Miranda Lambert’s successful collaborations in light of, what I can only imagine, will be another hit with Luke Combs.
But one thing is clear: Miranda is the true queen in country music collaborative styling.
