An untold number of bands have helped make rock & roll the best genre of music. The music encompasses all kinds of styles, and yet...there is something that simply makes the sound "rock." Sonically, the genre has no limits, loud or soft.
But often, it took either a solo artist or an entire band to make the elite albums or songs. For instance, the Who isn't going to be on the list below even though vocalist Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend are worthy of making up a 1-2 punch. Leaving drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle out would be unfair.
The same is true of the Beatles. John Lennon and Paul McCartney are rock royalty, of course, but George Harrison was an important part of what made the group immortal. In other cases, like the Cure, some members of the band might have had talent, but it was Robert Smith's bus to drive.
Best duos in the history of rock music
That is what makes the above artists different from the duos below. The following could have succeeded no matter who else was in the band, as long as the duo remained intact.
Oasis - Vocalist Liam Gallagher and guitarist/songwriter Noel Gallagher
Liam could have toured with the rest of Oasis, or Noel could have, but unless the brothers were together, the group is a shell of itself. These lads rose above any of their Britpop limitations and created proper rock & roll, inspired by those giants that came before.
For their efforts, they will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later in 2026. Do they care? Maybe not, but no other act since the 1990s has been as close to the true spirit of rock (rebellion, elite melodies, loud guitars) as Oasis. Their arrogance might have turned some off, but they could back it up.
Must-hear albums: Definitely Maybe (1994) and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? (1995)
Kinks - Vocalist/guitarist/majority songwriter Ray Davies and guitarist Dave Davies
The forerunners of the Gallagher brothers, both in musical output and family battles, the Daviers were one of the best bands of the 1960s. Their only issue might be that they were too English. They performed songs about things Americans might not have empathy for, not that Ray Davies, specifically, cared.
The Kinks could have done a lot of different types of music. If they didn't turn their attention to rock & roll, they could have been local dance hall heroes. What they would have churned out would have had epic melodies and well-constructed lyrics. There was no way they could miss, as long as they didn't keep arguing with one another.
Must-hear albums: The Village Green Preservation Society (1968) and Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)
Nirvana - Vocalist/singer Kurt Cobain and drummer Dave Grohl
Perhaps the ultimate 1-2 punch of rock bands, Cobain could have been successful as a solo artist, while Grohl basically has been (he played all the instruments on the early Foo Fighters albums). Put them together, and they become gods of the genre. The sad part, of course, was that their legend ended too soon with the death of Cobain in 1994.
One might rightly wonder what other sounds the band might have played with. Perhaps the group would have broken up. Still, Cobain would have continued his brilliance, just as Grohl has. Krist Novoselic was part of the band, too, of course, but let's be honest, literally any bassist who knew somewhat how to play their instrument would have succeeded with Cobain and Grohl involved.
Must-hear albums: Nevermind (1991) and In Utero (1993)
Sleater-Kinney - Lead vocals/guitarist Corin Tucker and lead guitarist/backing vocals Carrie Brownstein
One of the more underrated bands of the last 30 years, and, like Nirvana, another Washington state band, Sleater-Kinney has formed whatever kind of rock album they wanted at a high level. Want something akin to Led Zeppelin? Tucker and Brownstein can do that just as well as something that sounds like the Pixies.
The duo also follows up on their more politically driven songs. They are feminist and progressive, and proud of it. Their music stems organically from that, as all great music does when it comes from what a person truly believes.
Must-hear albums: Dig Me Out (1997) and Call the Doctor (1996)
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