Unnecessary Duets

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend lately – Maroon 5 doing the duet thang. I really think it’s unnecessary. Adam Levine sings just fine on his own, and his songs aren’t written (by him) as duets. First, Sarah Evans and the 5 teamed up for a night of CMT’s Crossroads. It was fine and they were good (Adam did his best to flirt with Sarah and make her seem more MILFy), but it would have been better as a boys-only show. Now, they’ve re-recorded “If I Never See Your Face Again” with Rihanna. Really? That song was just fine on the album. Is Rihanna that powerful in the music biz that they need her muscle to move albums? Did the suits think Maroon 5 was lacking a feminine touch? The same thing happened with the Black Eyed Peas – I liked them much more before some chick named Fergie (who?) joined the group. Sure, they’re a household name now, but who needs success over artistic merit? If the duet comes together naturally, like Justin and Madonna, that’s cool. I just don’t like it tacked on as an afterthought. So, in the tradition of good, well-planned duets, such as Jack White & Loretta Lynn or Alicia Keys and Usher, who would you like to see team up?