Welcome back to Takeover Tuesday, where each week, Billboard taps chart-topping artists and tastemakers to compile their very own playlist exclusive to Billboard‘s Spotify account. We give the artists free rein to base the list on whatever subject they choose. The only rule? Make it as creative and unique to them as possible.
Even just a few years into his career, Jimmie Allen knows the power of collaboration. The country singer has teamed up with several country artists as well as a few outside of his genre, most recently pairing with Noah Cyrus on his latest single, “This is Us.”
With his most recent release being a collab, Allen felt it was only right to dedicate his Takeover Tuesday playlist to some of his favorite musical partnerships, aptly titled “Jimmie Allen’s Collab Cassette.” His whopping 32-song soundtrack features collaborations that cross genres and span decades, featuring iconic pairs like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, whom Allen declares created “one of the best love duets of all time” with “It’s Your Love.”
“A different level of musical magic is reached when the right combination of artists are collectively creating,” Allen adds. “I believe the right lyric and melody can soar beyond the clouds to the ears of the heavens.”
Allen shared his thoughts on 10 of the 32 tracks, including Kanye West and Chris Martin‘s 2007 anthem “Homecoming” and his own collab with country icons Montgomery Gentry, “Hell Yeah.” As for the rest of the playlist, Allen calls the other tunes — from Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule‘s first 2001 Billboard Hot 100 topper “I’m Real” to Florida Georgia Line‘s “God, Your Mama, and Me” with the Backstreet Boys — “classic jams from my high school days and present.”
Check out Allen’s full playlist, as well as the singer’s comments, below.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “It’s Your Love”: For me, this song is one of the best love duets of all time. Before I even fell in love, I could feel what they were talking about.
Faith Evans and Carl Thomas, “Can’t Believe”: Faith Evans is one of my favorite female vocalists. Mix her vocals with Carl Thomas (who I feel never really got the attention he deserved) is just pure magic. It’s one of those songs you can’t turn off.
Kanye West and Chris Martin, “Homecoming”: Kanye is my favorite hip hop artist of all time. This song is a greatly crafted song about Kanye’s home of Chicago but wrapped in a lyric that makes it seems like he’s talking about a woman.
Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliat, “Lucky”: This song is just a groove. Loved it since I heard it the first time.
Dierks Bentley and Elle King, “Different For Girls”: This song is just pure facts. Really explains the difference between how men and women look at a breakup.
JaRule and Case, “Livin’ It Up”: This song takes me back to my high school days. Every time this song came on at the high school dance, kids all went crazy. Good times.
LL Cool J and Boyz II Men, “Hey Lover”: This song is just a smooth jam. It’s a classic and timeless.
Montgomery Gentry and Jimmie Allen, “Hell Yeah”: MG is one of my favorite country duos ever. I was lucky enough to get to put my vocals on a song with them for the anniversary album. Even though my friend Troy Gentry has passed, when I recorded my vocals, it felt like he was right there in the studio with me. It was special.
Khalid and Kane Brown, “Saturday Nights (Remix)”: Love this song. Been a fan of Khalid music but hearing my friend KB on it made it more special. Totally diggin’ the vibe of this tune.
Toby Mac and Mr. Talkbox, “Feel It”: Toby is one of the best Christian artists ever. He puts out hit after hit. Mr. Talk is in my option the best to ever use the talkbox. He’s a genius.
