#14

Young Americans with Luther Vandross on backing vocals.

5 Likes
#15

Near Wild Heaven was the first thing I thought of when I saw the thread title

1 Like
#16

Or Satellite of Love with Bowie on backing vocals

8 Likes
#17

These Days <3

2 Likes
#18
#19

Yeah the interplay between the backing and lead really makes this a truly great song rather than a really good one for me.

#20

If we’re talking Graceland, I’d say Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes or I Know What I Know. Backing vocals in those are stunning.

#21

Yeah, both of those are incredible and probably better than Call Me Al, but surely not as much fun to sing along to.

1 Like
#22

‘Belong’, although, come to think of it, Mike Mills vocals are actually the chorus.

#23

First thing that comes to mind for me is Alice in Chains:

1 Like
#24

Any excuse to post this:

2 Likes
#25

Has anyone seen 20 Feet From Stardom? Has a great bit with Merry Clayton who did Gimme Shelter. I think she was 6 months pregnant at the time.

2 Likes
#26

Yes! Incredibly insightful film. Netflix took it down ages ago though the bunch o’ pricks.

#27

Debaser!!

1 Like
#28

Dave Grohl!

#29

I’ve always loved D’arcy’s backing vocals on “Beautiful”

#30
#31

I’m not sure what the best example is, but the New Pornographers always seem to do backing vocals well.

#32

Massive sucker for a good harmony here.

  • Ed O’Brien on Radiohead’s weird fishes jumps out as a particularly sublime example.
  • Pretty much every song by the Beach Boys.
  • Loads by Georgia from Yo La Tengo, ‘The lie and how we told it’ is a particular favourite.
#36

Came in here to say this, although it feels more like a duet. The isolated vocal with folk going apeshit in the recording booth is outstanding.