Our 5 Favorite Duets on Juan Gabriel’s “Los Dúo 3”
Juan Gabriel’s highly-anticipated Los Dúo 3 finally came out on Friday (Nov. 11). In the final years of his life, Juanga started creating his Los Dúo album series. In 2015, he released the first installment, featuring Marco Antonio Solís, Vicente Fernández, and Fifth Harmony. Later that year, he released the second installment with features from Joan Sebastian, J Balvin, and Belinda. In honor of the latest LP in the series, released posthumously, we wrote about our favorite duets on the album, including Danna Paola, Mon Laferte, Gloria Trevi, and more.
With Los Dúo 3, the Mexican icon continued to collaborate with artists from across all genres. Back in Aug., Juan Gabriel’s estate first teased Los Dúo 3 with the lead single, “Ya,” featuring Banda El Recodo and La India. A second single saw the late Mexican icon teaming up with Eslabon Armado for their collaboration “Mía Un Año.” Last month, the third single from the LP was released. Ex-RBD star Anahí joined forces with Juan Gabriel for a new version of “Déjame Vivir.”
“My father lived for making music,” said Juan Gabriel’s son, Ivan Gabriel Aguilera, in a statement. “He knew music had the ability to improve the day and change moods, and knew what music meant to the world. His two great passions were making music, and putting his beloved Mexico, as well as the entire Latin community, at the forefront – for the world to see their beauty and culture. We are grateful to everyone involved in producing and releasing ‘Los Dúo 3.’”
The album was released through Virgin Music. “It is an honor for me to be able to collaborate in preserving the great musical legacy of Don Alberto,” said Victor González, President of Virgin Music LATAM and Iberia. “I’m sure he would be proud of the production of each of the songs. I take this opportunity to give infinite thanks to all the artists who participated. Many of them shared great moments with Juan Gabriel and others. The youngest artists have shown great respect and enthusiasm for his work.”
“De Mí Enamórate” with Danna Paola
“De Mí Enamórate” was rumored to be a duet that Juan Gabriel wanted to record with Christina Aguilera, but it never came to fruition. In 1986, the composition was popularized by Daniela Romo, who first recorded the song. If anyone was going to step in to fill in for Aguilera, Danna Paola does an amazing job singing the heartfelt ballad alongside Juanga. The Mexican pop star matches and compliments the passion behind Juan Gabriel’s performance. Earlier this year, Paola collaborated with Mexican rock band Moderatto on the RBD cover “Sólo Quédate En Silencio.” She later released her own single, “XT4S1S.”
“He Venido A Pedirte Perdón” with Mon Laferte
“He Venido A Pedirte Perdón” was one of the duets that Juanga was known to have recorded with Mon Laferte before his passing in 2016. The song was first released on his 1980 album Recuerdos. The Chilean rocker gets into the gospel groove of the duet. Laferte’s performance is otherworldly alongside Juan Gabriel. Back in Jan., Laferte participated in NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) concert series. She also released the music videos for “Supermercado” from 1940 Carmen and for “Aunque Te Mueras Por Volver” from Seis. Last month, Laferte featured on the song “Traguito” on Puerto Rican singer iLe’s album, Nacarile.
“Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” with Gloria Trevi
“Por Qué Me Haces Llorar” was the other duet that Juan Gabriel was known to have recorded with Gloria Trevi before his passing. The song was first released on his 2010 self-titled album. Trevi sounds at home in the rock-infused anthem. She digs deep to match the emotional intensity that Juanga brings to their heartbreaking duet. Back in April, Trevi returned to the music scene with her latest album Isla Divina. The LP included duets like “Grande” with Monica Naranjo and “Nos Volvimos Locos” with Guaynaa. She is currently touring arenas across the U.S. on her Isla Divina World Tour.
“Nada Más Decídete” with Ángela Aguilar
Ángela Aguilar is the youngest artist to duet with Juan Gabriel on Los Dúo 3. “Nada Más Decídete” was first released on his 1983 album Todo. The Mexican-American singer steps out of the música mexicana genre to embrace the doo-wop sound of her duet. Her powerful voice soars as she sings Juan Gabriel’s flirty lyrics. Aguilar’s father, Pepe Aguilar, also recorded a duet on the album, “Cada Vez Y Cada Vez.” Ángela toured arenas across the U.S. earlier this year with her father, her brother Leonardo, and her uncle Antonio with Jaripeo Sin Fronteras. Last month, she appeared on Yuridia’s Pa’ Luego Es Tarde album.
“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” with John Fogerty
Before his passing in 2016, Juan Gabriel participated in the Quiero Creedence, a Latine tribute album to Creedence Clearwater Revival. He recorded “Gracias Al Sol,” which has become the most famous Spanish version of CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.” In the most tender moment on the album, CCR’s lead singer John Fogerty recorded a Spanglish version of his band’s classic with Juan Gabriel. Both icons sound incredible as they breathe new life into one of history’s most beloved songs. Creedence Clearwater Revival broke up in 1972 and Fogerty has continued to release music as a solo artist since then.
