Best Remixes of Popular Songs: Performing versions of existing songs is not a new practice in the music world; it’s called covering, as most of you already know. However, over the past couple of decades, a new way of reinterpreting popular tunes has emerged: remixes. Unlike previous practices, remixing implies using the original song, sung by the original artist (although the song CAN be a version of another one written or previously interpreted by somebody else), and modifying or editing it in a way that it sounds different, but is still essentially the same song.
Remixes seem to be here to stay. While some amazing songs have been simply destroyed by untalented “mixers,” others have just acquired a whole new dimension and become perhaps even better than the originals.
Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t conduct a countdown stating which one is the absolute best. All of these songs deserve to be heard at least once, and danced to at least once, too. So, let’s take a look at some of the best remixes of popular songs, in no particular order.
Phoenix – Lisztomania (Shook Remix)
Although the original song is already great, this remix just overhauls it. Feel energetic, or in need of some energy? Turn the volume up and get your dancing shoes ready! Like the lyrics say: “Lisztomania. Think less but see it grow.”
Keep reading to find out which are the best remixes of popular songs ever scratched out.
Miike Snow – Animal (Mark Ronson Extended Dub Remix)
I have to say; I found the original song a little bit boring, although the lyrics are amazing. This remix provides the original tune with everything that it needed to be a major hit in my opinion. One of my personal favorites (how could it not be, if Mark Ronson is involved?), both for relaxing and partying. Check it out!
Gramatik – Break Loose (This is Actually a Remix of Payback, by James Brown)
Slovenian Denis Jasarevic, better known by his stage name Gramatik is just…WOW! You definitely HAVE to listen to his greatest hits. Here’s a remix that’s hard to identify at times, but still keeps the essence of the original song by the legendary James Brown. Did you take off your dancing shoes? Put them back on!
Elvis Crespo – Suavemente (Kennedy Jones Trap Remix)
Wait! Keep your dancing shoes still on (yeah, I know, it’s becoming kind of repetitive, but these songs are all for dancing). This is a very fun, latin-sounding (the song is in Spanish) remix of a song by American-born Puerto Rican Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning Merengue singer, Elvis Crespo. You might need a partner to dance to this one.
Peter Bjorn & John – Young Folks (OrtzRoka Remix)
One of the most catchy melodies of the twenty-first century remixed to sound completely different. Moist your lips and prepare to whistle your lungs out.
Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse – Valerie (Baby J Remix)
Okay, I have to admit loving Mark Ronson. I found out about him through Amy, actually. If you miss her (and you sure do), this song will make you feel melancholic, yet happy. By the way, if you didn’t know, Amy is actually covering this song. The original one was written and composed by The Zutons.
Jamiroquai – Too Young To Die (Late Nite Tuff Guy Remix)
Even under the rain, Jamiroquai always delivers a great show. This remix is just a new way to listen to this already danceable and amazing band. Australian acid house legend Cam Bianchetti, AKA Late Nite Tuff Guy, won a competition run by Jamiroquai to find the best remix for awesome song. Bianchetti managed to leverage his remixing experience and won the contest. Here´s the result.
MGMT – Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
You could think: why would this song (already quite “techno-sounding”) need a remix? Just give this one a shot; after all, it’s Justice remixing it.
Jay Z and Notorious B.I.G – Allure (Ratatat Remix)
Another great, established band, Ratatat (a duo from New York), remixes this hip-hop hit.
Dancing Mood – Take five (SuGuS DeeJay Remix)
I accidentally stumbled upon this one looking for versions of Dave Brubeck’s mythical Take Five. Still, it is worth listening to. Bet SuGuS DeeJay (some guy from Argentina) will be pretty pleased to see his song featured here. The YouTube video barely surpasses 500 views.
Nina Simone – Feeling Good (Hrdvsion Remix)
The one-and-only Nina Simone was remixed a thousand times. Usually, I like the original version better (and this is not an exception). However, this remix does contribute something new.
Buena Vista Social Club Vs Kanye West – Two Chan Words
I know what you music lovers are thinking: sacrilege! How can someone savagely massacre Buena Vista Social Club? But give this mash-up a chance, it’s entertaining at the very least.
Nas – 2nd Childhood (Cookin Soul Remix)
Rihanna – Stay (Branchez Remix)
Justin Timberlake – Like I Love You (Motez Edit)
Pharrell Williams ft. Jay Z – Frontin’ (Disclosure Rework)
The Killers – Mr Brightside (Marco V Treatment)
Sneaky Sound System – Always By Your Side (Nicolas Jaar “Big” Version)
La Roux – In For The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey remix)
Katy Perry – Wide Awake (Kaskade Mix Radio Edit)
Now that you know which are the best remixes of popular songs for me, why don’t you tell me, which are yours.
