SONGSBREW

SongsBrew Editorial

Remixes for the sake of remixes?

The point of a remix, initially, was that there was an original, which may have had profanity, a radio edit that was typically clean, and a sped-up, dancier version heading straight for the clubs.

These were closer to adaptations than a complete remix, though, with a couple of words switched out to make it radio-worthy. And the dance versions? Usually remixed by a DJ of note.

Now? Taking “Despacito” as a very respectable example, it was already a massive hit in the Latin world; with the addition of Justin Bieber, it became one of the most-played songs on YouTube of all time. It wasn’t the only remix in the last few years to become stunningly successful, though.

You’ll probably recognize:

• Old Town Road – Remix with Billy Ray turned into a social media trend.

• Girls Like You – Maroon 5, featuring Cardi B, unlocked a wider, younger audience.

• Cheerleader – The Felix Jaehn remix became a radio juggernaut.

• I’m Real – The Murder Remix with Ja Rule is arguably more famous than J.Lo’s original cut.

So, what is the definition of a remix, then?

But do we need three different interpretations of the same song, like The Cure’s Mixes of a Lost World? Totalling 24 remixes, is this an example of remixes for the sake of it?

Snow Patrol’s Reworked received mixed reviews from fans. Still, most people eventually settled for it, enjoying a couple of tracks, but generally considering it an ‘in-between’ album rather than a full-fledged release, as it is more palatable. Another ‘for the sake of’ example?

Big remix revivals

WhoSampled has ranked the most remixed artists ever. Depeche Mode takes the crown with 531 remixes, Moby follows quickly with 429, and David Guetta with 406.

But what about remixes that did better than the originals?

Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness Cedric Gervais Remix hit the charts while the original didn’t make it. TikTok made Saint JHN’s Roses go viral with the Imanbek Remix, which went on to hit #1 on global charts, and Tove Lo's Habits(Stay High) Hippie Sabotage Remix was likely the version you heard first, and maybe the only one you’ve ever heard.

Sometimes, remixes serve as a CPR for the song. A song that was fine, but never hit the charts, a good remix takes it, reframes it, and delivers it to fresh ears.

So maybe remixes are lazy… unless they save the original song?

Remix culture

Sometimes, a remix or featuring on a track is more of a strategic move from the record labels. Big names like Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, or Cardi B get dropped onto tracks by lesser-known artists, not necessarily because the song needs them, but because the marketing does. The fanbase shows up, the numbers spike, and suddenly a mid-tier single becomes a headline.

The remix becomes the version that matters. The original was just a stepping stone.

But if we take away the superstar co-signs, add in easy-to-use tech, AI-gen, budget DJ gear, and a global audience? Now you’re in the world of fan remixes, mashups, and TikTok edits. Spend ten minutes on a hashtag like #mashup and you’ll see what we mean: millions of unofficial flips, slowed+reverbed (or lo-fi) edits, jersey club versions, AI mashups, and unhinged pairings like Thomas the Tank Engine x death metal.

Sometimes they really work.

If the remix does well, the originals get resurfaced, and everyone is a winner.

TikTok and Spotify love remixes. They are highly engaging and keep people on their platform. Does being popular on TikTok mean it deserves a chart place? Should remixes always offer a meaningful revival or addition to what we are listening to? Perhaps we have reached the point where we should ask, just because we can, does that mean we should?

So… where does that leave us? Perhaps for the first time, we’re on the fence.

We’re in an era where the remix can be magic. It can resurrect a song, spotlight new talent, cross genres, and culture-hop its way to something genuinely exciting. But it can also be lazy. Hollow. A marketing shortcut dressed up as innovation. And adding to the already endless noise.

The tools are everywhere, and the audience is billions strong. We’re beyond a remix in its most basic form, and somewhere else, in the land of full EPs compiled entirely of remixing the same 4 minutes six ways.

A remix can be a quick flip of an old hit to make some money and reach #1, not always for the love of the track, and that is often reflected in the quality. However, it can also bring something that the original was lacking.

Maybe not all remixes are lazy… but some are definitely pointless.

A playlist of originals and remixes awaits you, so you can judge for yourself.

A Final Note

Until next time,