Entertainment

11 Remixes That Are Better Than the Original

by Alex Kritselis

An alternate European radio edit of Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast,” has made its way online, and it’s at least 10,000 times better than the original. At least! I was cautiously looking forward to the release of “West Coast,” but I was worried that it would end up sounding too similar to Del Rey’s previous material. Unfortunately, my worst fears about the song were realized: “West Coast” turned out to be a brooding, lethargic song about Del Rey’s love for a “bad boy.” Sigh. We’ve heard it all before.

I wanted to hear something different from Del Rey — if not lyrically, at least something that sounded a little more up-tempo and bright for a change! To make matters worse, the original production on “West Coast” is quite crowded, making Del Rey’s trademark breathy vocals really difficult to hear or even understand at times (an issue producer Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys seemingly tried to rectify with his radio edit just a few days after “West Coast” premiered). How disappointing.

All I have to say is: thank the pop music powers that be for this awesome new European radio edit. Not only are Del Rey’s vocals now much louder and clearer (you can actually understand what she’s saying!), it’s a much sunnier take on the track — such a welcome contrast to the cold, dark, and gloomy mood of the original. “West Coast” now sounds like something that could actually be played on Top 40 radio in the United States! Imagine that. I realize that it might not be Del Rey’s ambition to become a massive pop star — she already has droves of devoted fans as it is. Still, part of me will probably always want artists who I like and respect to have just a little more mainstream success than they already do. I can’t help it.

In honor of this fantastic new European radio edit of “West Coast” (which you can listen to here), let’s take a look at some other remixes that are way better than the original! From classics to more recent hits, there are some really good songs below to add to your cardio playlist (or, if you're like me, your sitting-on-the-couch-and-powering-through-an-entire-box-of-Triscuits playlist — you know, whatever!).

Mariah Carey — Fantasy (Remix feat. ODB)

Frankly, “Fantasy” just isn’t “Fantasy” without the wacky verses from now-deceased rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard. This one’s a classic.

John Legend — All of Me (Tiësto’s Birthday Treatment Radio Edit)

DJ and producer Tiësto gives John Legend’s current No. 1 hit a much-needed jolt of energy on this remix.

R. Kelly — Ignition (Remix)

Is there an original version of this song? I’m not sure. I don’t even want to know! This is the only version that matters.

One Direction — What Makes You Beautiful (David Audé Pop Rhythmic Radio Edit)

This one isn’t a ton different from the original, but it does give the track a fun little boost.

Christina Aguilera — Come on Over (All I Want Is You) (Video version)

The album version of this song is trash. (If you’re really curious, you can punish your ears here, but I wouldn’t recommend it.) The video version, on the other hand? Pure pop perfection. You better have some choreography ready for that dance break in the middle!

Britney Spears — (You Drive Me) Crazy (Stop! Remix)

Again, why is there any other version of this song besides this one?

Katy Perry — Birthday (Cash Cash Remix)

As much as I love the album version of Perry’s current single, this remix courtesy of EDM group Cash Cash takes the song to a whole new level of awesome.

Destiny’s Child — No, No, No (Part 2 feat. Wyclef Jean)

This remix transports the track from boring slow jam territory to irresistible booty poppin’ territory. I'm into it.

Sevyn Streeter — It Won’t Stop (feat. Chris Brown) (Cahill Radio Edit)

Admittedly, I have a thing for dance music (could you tell?), but the original version of this song is just so darn sleepy. Wake me up when it’s over! Luckily for us, this Cahill remix picks up the tempo considerably.

Justin Timberlake — LoveStoned/I Think That She Knows (Tiësto Radio Edit)

Tiësto takes Timberlake's funky Timbaland-produced interlude to the dancefloor with this epic rework.

Whitney Houston — It’s Not Right But It’s Okay (Thunderpuss Remix)

Does anyone else remember being forced to run around the track in middle school gym class to this song? Ah, memories. One of my favorite remixes to lose my mind to.