The Best Powerhouse Duets by Women

As much as I might like to think otherwise, I am not a roll-down-the-windows-and-blast-my-music-for-the-entire-world-to-hear kind of girl. I like my songs at a nice, soothing volume, and while I'm not exactly ashamed of the amount of times I've listened to the Glee version of "Valerie," I don't necessarily want to share that pleasure with every car passing by. That said, there are some songs that just require being played at top volume when in a moving vehicle, such as "Bang Bang," the Ariana Grande/Jessie J/Nicki Minaj collaboration I have happily blasted out my windows ever since it came into my life last week.

And how could I not? "Bang Bang" is a perfect car anthem: an upbeat pop song with a catchy chorus, sound effects, and lyrics memorizable after just a few listens. Most of all, though, it's sung by three women — three talented, powerhouse singers who are fantastic alone, but when combined, are as ear-pleasing as can possibly be. There's something about all-female song collaborations that makes me incapable of not a) singing along as loudly as possible and b) hoping my voice will miraculously transform into Kelly Clarkson's so I can join these ladies on their next single. Like "Bang Bang," five collaborations by female singers that I'll never, ever stop loving:

Brandy and Monica: "The Boy is Mine"

What is there not to love about "The Boy is Mine?" The passive-aggressive lyrics? That perfectly '90s music video? The fact that it was inspired by Brandy's watching of an episode of Jerry Springer? Basically, this song is perfect.

Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston: "When You Believe"

The Prince of Egypt may not be Dreamworks' most popular movie, but man, was its soundtrack amazing. A Hans Zimmer score, a duet by Steve Martin and Martin Short (!), and, of course, the Oscar-winning "When You Believe." Sure, it's a big overly religious, but its gorgeous vocals and seriously inspirational lyrics make it a must-listen all these years later.

Kelly Clarkson and Jewel: "Foolish Games"

Kelly Clarkson is the queen of duets, and some of her best ones have been with male singers, such as her 2010 hit "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Jason Aldean. Yet there's something about this "Jar of Hearts"-like collaboration with Jewel that's perfect for sad, angsty, post-breakup car singing.

Beyonce and Shakira: "Beautiful Liar"

The classic example of powerhouse female collaborations, "Beautiful Liar" has everything: great singing, an empowering message, and a music video dance routine that you know you attempted back in middle school.

Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink: "Lady Marmalade"

And, of course, there's "Lady Marmalade." Look, I hate this song. It is stupid and irritating and it made a couple million people convinced they knew how to speak French. But when it comes on the radio/karaoke/my iTunes shuffle, I can't not listen to it. And sing along. And blast out my car windows. Goddammit, Moulin Rogue.