I don’t know why I just thought of this...but the Eagles and Beatles (and I’m sure others) both had a pair of songwriters that produced incredible, indelible music that will withstand the test of time for decades.
But, the songwriters in each band couldn’t have been more different. It wasn’t immediately apparent in their work within the band...but it was crystal clear in their subsequent solo work.
In the Eagles, Don Henley was the edgy, social-commentator while side-kick Glenn Frey was the party-tested soulster, looking for a good time. That’s not to say that Glenn couldn’t pop off "Smugglers Blues" or that Don couldn’t cross over and pen something frivolous like "She's on the Zoom." But, they each had a distinct persona in their solo work. It was the clash of these styles that made Eagles music great.
Same with the Beatles. John was the conscience while Paul was the syrupy balladeer (not that we didn't enjoy most of it). It wasn't immediate apparent in their collaborative work (well, maybe a little)...but much clearer in their solo work. Need an example? Juxtapose “Imagine” and “Ebony and Ivory.” Uh-huh.
I guess the point here is that we all need that yin and yang to produce collaborative greatness. Thus, as we look for inspirational partnerships, know thyself...and then look for the other side.
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