Fusing Genres Together: Ten of The Best Pop/Rock Collaborations

By Seb Gorlov

Pop and rock music are two of the most popular genres of all time, with a plethora of fantastic tracks from some of the world’s most influential artists. The impact of both styles of music can not be underestimated. Stats show significant growth for these two genres in the modern age, with rock and pop currently having 17% and 13.3% of overall platform streams.

“Rock holds about 17% of on‑demand audio streams in the US, ranking as the second‑largest genre by listening share. Pop represents roughly 13.3% of US on‑demand audio streams, remaining a core mainstream category.” (Lee, SQ Magazine, 03/20/26)

Even new releases are already fast gaining traction, with Motionless in White and Skylar Grey’s collaboration “R.I.P” already reaching over eight million streams on Spotify in under a month.

However, despite the ever-growing popularity of these two types of music, it can also be exhilarating when rockstars and pop singers collaborate, as it has the power to create some of the most unique and memorable records. Here’s ten of the best pop/rock collaborations and why they should be on your next playlist.

 

10) “Hush” – Muse ft. Ellie Goulding  (The Wow! Signal)

This epic ballad is one of the standouts on Muse’s latest album, The Wow! Signal, featuring unforgettable vocals from one of rock music’s most influential lead singers and an artist who has dominated the pop industry and charts for many years.

The song has a compelling narrative with themes of being in the moment with a lover and forgetting about your troubles, fears or anxieties, keeping them at bay, even just for a minute. This is reiterated in the well-crafted lyricism, a major talent of Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

“Hush, it’s getting too loud/ Don’t let it drown us out/ It’s you and me now/ There’s chaos all around/ So lose yourself, free yourself/ Take a breath and hush” (“Hush”, The Wow! Signal, Muse).

Meanwhile, Bellamy’s bandmates Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard add extra sonic flair, grunge-fuelled guitar riffs and heavy drums pairing beautifully with Ellie Goulding’s angelic singing as she trades chorus and verse with Bellamy, her ability to hit different notes with surgical precision on display throughout.

The song comes to a close with an electrifying, chilling guitar solo before a raucous crescendo is replaced with a softer tone for the final line of “Take a breath, and hush.”

Whilst this might have been an unseen collaboration – which took place spontaneously, when Goulding came across the band during one of their recording sessions – it’s a perfect example of how two artists from different genres can work together, blending their skills to create something majestic.

 

9) “Let You Down” – Sleeping With Sirens ft. Charlotte Sands (Complete Collapse)

“Let You Down” is one of the most thought-provoking and catchy songs of the modern age and it is enhanced by the incredible shared vocal ability of featured pop singer Charlotte Sands and Sleeping With Sirens lead singer Kellin Quinn.

The song begins with a solid guitar riff and powerful vocals from Sands before a maelstrom of noise. The subsequent duet between Quinn and Sands is given extra energy by the powerful acoustics from the other members of the Florida-based emo rock band – bass guitarist Justin Hills, lead guitarist Tony Pizzuti and drummer Matty Best. The song is taken from the group’s 2022 album Complete Collapse, which has a cleaner and more refined rock sound to it, much like other albums from the Madness era onwards (their fourth studio album which was released seven years prior in 2015).

However, the joy of Quinn as a vocalist is that he has kept his signature vocal style throughout his career and he showcases it here, alongside the beautiful lyricism that makes “Let You Down” such a sweet track, with themes of love reiterated in the words, especially the chorus, which is made to feel like a cast-iron promise for not leaving someone you adore in difficult times.

“Cause I will never let you down/ I will never let you fade away another day” (“Let You Down”, Complete Collapse, Sleeping With Sirens).

 

8) “ Just One Yesterday” – Fall Out Boy ft. Foxes

With a grunge-inspired style, Chicago based rock band Fall Out Boy’s track “Just One Yesterday” is one of the standouts on their 2013 album Save Rock and Roll, which consisted of some fantastic tracks including “The Phoenix” and fan favourite “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)”.

Led by effervescent vocalist Patrick Stump, the band’s current lineup also features drummer Andy Hurley, guitarist Joe Trohman and bass guitarist Pete Wentz.

Over the last twenty-five years, Fall Out Boy have been a force to be reckoned with in the emo rock scene. They have released eight albums, toured thirteen times and have three songs in their discography that have gone eight times platinum in America.

“Just One Yesterday” keeps the magical pop-rock sound that fuels many of Fall Out Boy’s best songs and is a prevalent theme on Save Rock and Roll. However, they are joined by British popstar Foxes, who adds flair and dynamism to the track.

“If heaven’s grief brings hell’s rain/ Then I’d trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday” (“Just One Yesterday, Save Rock N Roll, Fall Out Boy ft. Foxes).

Foxes – who is better known by the name Louisa Rose Allen – even got to perform the song at Reading and Leeds Festival, helping introduce her music to a wider audience. She promptly built on this with her major 2014 hit “Let Go For Tonight” before collaborating with EDM artist Zedd on his song “Clarity” – a record that still holds major significance today.

 

7) “Body Talks” – The Struts ft. Ke$ha (Young and Dangerous)

The Struts recruited pop sensation Ke$ha for a revamped version of their famous song “Body Talks” and it paid dividends. Led by energetic frontman Luke Spiller, the Derbyshire-based rock band have created a masterpiece with added flair and dynamism. Fuelled by a heavy guitar riff, a steady drum beat and crystalline vocals from both Spiller and Ke$ha, the track is a fun and upbeat one with prevalent themes of falling in love and instead of fighting the feeling, giving into it. The clicking sound effect further enhances the way this track is a serotonin booster.

Those aforementioned themes of falling in love are reiterated with bold lyricism throughout that emulates the no holds barred approach to making music of both Ke$ha herself (who has a discography of tunes great for parties, such as “Your Love Is My Drug”, “We R Who We R” and “Die Young”) and The Struts.

“Your lips are a conversation/ That face is a song/ If it’s my imagination/ Stop me if I’m wrong” (“Body Talks”, Young and Dangerous, The Struts ft. Ke$ha).

The Struts consist of Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bass guitarist Jed Elliott and powerful drummer Gethin Davies. They have both versions of “Body Talks” on their album Young and Dangerous , but dueting with Ke$ha means there is an extra element of high-octane pop involved. Overall, it’s an album that’s been highly praised and is definitely worth a listen.

“While comparisons to The Darkness are unavoidable (Permission To Land is the obvious sonic touchstone), the sheer joie de vivre on Young & Dangerous ensures that it never sounds second-hand. Like all great albums, it reminds you of everything that made you fall in love with this crazy thing called rock’n’roll in the first place.” (Moody, Louder, 10/25/18).

 

6) “ 12 Fractures” – Pierce The Veil ft. Chloe Moriondo  (The Jaws Of Life)

“12 Fractures” kicks off with a synth sound and a slow guitar rhythm as Pierce The Veil vocalist Vic Fuentes tugs at the heartstrings with a track that contains an emotional suckerpunch and themes of heartbreak and loss.

Fuentes is joined on the song – which closes out his band’s 2023 album The Jaws of Life – by popstar Chloe Moriondo ( best known for her album Blood Bunny, which features the single “I Want To Be With You”) who provides further emotional catharsis, her angelic vocals blending together with the powerful singing of Fuentes towards the end, creating a narrative about love falling apart.

“ Now I miss that pain sometimes/ In this so-called life/ There were shortcuts into heaven through your eyes” (“12 Fractures”, The Jaws of Life, Pierce The Veil ft. Chloe Moriondo).

 

5) “STRANGERS” – AViVA ft. Enter Shikari   (STRANGERS)

“STRANGERS” is a track that brings together two of the most creative acts in their respective genres as St Albans based rock band Enter Shikari team up with Australian pop singer AViVA, who is known for her hit songs “ GRRRLS” and “ BLAME IT ON THE KIDS”

The band have been dominating in the industry for many years with their sonically and thematically engaging songs and collaborating with a powerful artist like AViVA is testament to their dedication to creating music that stays long in the memory after the first listen. The powerful pop-rock ballad came about as a result of a friendship forged between the two artists after touring together.

By utilising creative lyricism and blending their outstanding vocals, AViVA and Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds create a record with a powerful narrative around a relationship falling apart.

“ It feels like Heaven, now that we’re severed/ And I’m spinning down/ You breathe me in, I breathe you out/ We’re just strangers” (“STRANGERS”, STRANGERS,  AViVA ft. Enter Shikari).

The song,which also features on Enter Shikari’s EP Dancing On The Frontline, never charted but has been highly praised by critics and music writers nonetheless.

“As Enter Shikari moves forward, they continue to redefine the music landscape with their innovative sound and profound messages, drawing in fans worldwide with their passionate and vibrant music.” (Westbrook, Knotfest, 11/10/23)

 

4) “The Valley Of The Pagans” – Gorillaz ft. Beck (Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez)

 

One of the most upbeat songs on the highly creative Gorillaz album Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, “The Valley Of The Pagans” perfectly encapsulates what makes both Gorillaz and Beck masters of their craft. The virtual band’s lead singer Damon Albarn provides smooth, silky vocals that match Beck’s own signature crooning style.

“Beck has always straddled the line between folk and experimental rock with skill and style. His flat folky delivery on this track gives the lyric a cynicism that hints at the darker side of the pagan valley.” (Burck, CigarJukebox, 10/30/20)

This is the perfect addition to a tune which explores themes of opulent lifestyles in Hollywood and critiques the actions of the elitist, when they care more about looks and value this over genuine human connection. The lyricism reiterates these themes, calling out those who fall into the trap of vanity.

“ She’s a plastic Cleopatra on a throne of ice/ She’s a haemophilic/ With a dying battery life” (“The Valley Of The Pagans”, Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, Gorillaz ft. Beck).

Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez is an album filled with spectacular international collaborations, Gorillaz creating music with artists like St.Vincent that Fatoumata Diawara and the stellar frontman of The Cure, Robert Smith. The creativity is undeniable and it paid off, with the album reaching second place on the UK Albums Chart.

 

3) “Rein Me In” – Sam Fender ft. Olivia Dean (Rein Me In)

 

Newcastle’s homegrown hero Sam Fender collaborating with the newest pop icon Olivia Dean has resulted in an anthem that was made to be sung loud in arenas – and it’s fast become one of the best songs in recent years.

Dean has regularly performed the track during her recent The Art Of Loving Tour, whilst she joined Fender on stage to perform it during his stadium tour, which included stops at sporting venues , including the atmospheric London Stadium in Stratford and the home of Newcastle United, St James’ Park.

On the song, which features a soft and catchy beat with a steady drum pattern and guitar notes punctuating throughout, Dean’s angelic vocals combine perfectly with Fender’s signature dulcet tones to create a masterpiece that has paid dividends for both artists.

The scintillating pop-rock collaboration gained Fender his first spot on the Billboard 100 and was top of the UK charts for a record-breaking sixteen weeks in a row.

“We were doing so well but you were scared to be held/ Took the easiest way out” (“Rein Me In”,  Rein Me In, Sam Fender ft. Olivia Dean).

 

2) “11 Minutes” – YUNGBLUD ft. Halsey and Travis Barker  (11 Minutes)

 

11 Minutes is a rollercoaster of emotion, which fuses the ethereal vocals of Halsey with YUNGBLUD’s gritty northern rock and the talented drumming of Blink-182’s Travis Barker.

It’s a truly spectacular collaboration that blends the best of both worlds when it comes to pop and rock, fuelled by a consistent guitar sound and synth notes that add an extra layer to the combined efforts of Halsey and YUNGBLUD.

The song crescendoes with a fabulous chorus before an eerie solo from Halsey closes it out, where the song’s themes of grief and lost love. The song also has prominent themes of regret, especially in the main chorus, which sees both singers alternate between how they feel about each other.

“You’re 11 minutes away/ And I have missed you all day/ So why aren’t you here” (“11 Minutes”, 11 Minutes, YUNGBLUD ft. Halsey and Travis Barker).

So call me stupid, call me sad/ You’re the best I’ve ever had/ You’re the worst I’ve ever had.” (“11 Minutes”, 11 Minutes, YUNGBLUD ft. Halsey and Travis Barker).

The track has had widespread success, going platinum in sales in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, whilst finishing 16th on the 2019 edition of the Billboard US Hot Rock Songs Chart. It has a gripping and emotional music video which was directed by Colin Tilley, an industry veteran who has worked with a plethora of high profile artists including Nicki Minaj, Meghan Trainor, Selena Gomez and Alesso.

1) All Sales Are Final – VOILÀ ft. Lauren Sanderson (Glass Half Empty Part II)

 

For several years, VOILÀ – consisting of Gus Ross and Luke Eisner – have been making music nothing short of spectacular, which has helped them to create their identity- a band who don’t do things by halves, make catchy tunes and put on wonderful live shows.

Even their fans – who can often be seen at shows wearing bunny ears in alignment with the concept of magic ( most likely referring to the popular rabbit out of the hat trick) – are known affectionately as “magicians”. This further enhances the duo’s commitment to the lore they have created.

As part of their fabulous album Glass Half Empty Part II, Ross and Eisner recruited the talented popstar Lauren Sanderson, who adds an additional, infectious energy to the high-octane track with her smooth yet fast paced vocals. The track deals with themes of betrayal and the knock on effects of this in a relationship.

These themes are further explored using clever wordplay from both the members of VOILÀ and Sanderson herself throughout, their voices blending seamlessly amidst a crescendo of crashing drums and shredding guitar noises that add to the emotional intensity of the song.

“ High end, you break it then you buy it/ Sorry you don’t like it, but you ripped off the price tag/ All sales are final” (“All Sales Are Final”, Glass Half Empty (Part II), VOILÀ ft. Lauren Sanderson).

It has been over six years since VOILÀ’s first album Long Story Short and ever since, the duo have become one of the most formidable music acts, creating songs that are perfect for being performed loud on a stage, such as “CAT N’ MOUSE CABARET”, “Figure You Out”, “Made For This” and “Frozen Lake”.

They have already rocked out at festivals including Reading and Leeds and will be going on the road again soon, bringing their Moonbloom Tour to venues across Europe and America, a run of shows billed as “Where music meet magic”, a strong continuation of the story they have created that revolves around magic and mystery. “All Sales Are Final” is another prime example of how VOILÀ are taking the world by storm, one hit song at a time.