Top 10 Pop Song Remixes

With nearly 300 million views on Youtube, almost double that of the original mix, this remix was responsible for putting the brotherly duo Hippie Sabotage on the map. It streamlines the vocals from the original and gives it a slightly more upbeat feel so that this tune about drug use to forget a failed relationship is given a wholly fresh sound. The remix found more success worldwide but Tove Lo’s mesmerizing vocals remain key to its success.

Before Robin Schulz got his hands on the track it was a fairly unknown single on the French-Israeli folk pop duo’s album Invincible Friends. It is hard to believe it took four years for anyone to remix such a catchy tune as it works perfectly as a huge dance anthem. A number one hit across Europe it dwarfed the success of the original. While the remix was well received, Schulz's original sale price of $0 failed to impress Wagram Music- the group who actually held the copyright for the song.

It is fitting that a DJ so famous for his light shows during his live performances would give his take on a song called “Lights”. He takes Goulding’s ethereal vocals and adds a heavier dubstep sound for an interesting contrast that gives a new angle to the reasonably successful single. This rendition was the highlight of Goulding's remix EPs and strengthened Bassnectar reputation as a household name in the electronic music scene.

The first song to receive official clearance from the Marley Estate so that a remix could be made turned out to be one that would have quite a significant effect on the music world. It was cited as an important release in the reggae fusion genre after it’s release at the end of the 20th century. Mixing reggee with elements of electronica and house music the remix charted well throughout Europe and event topped Canadian and US dance charts while giving great service to the late reggae legend.

Perhaps the remix that has left the greatest influence on the music that followed as critics have discussed how the collaboration with Ol’ Dirty Bastard ushered in the era of the R&B-Hip-hop crossover. It was originally thought to be a risk by her label as they believed the departure from her usual style would jeopardise the success of her album. Their worries were unfounded as the track became possibly the most important song of Carey’s illustrious career.

The song rapidly gained popularity as radio DJs around the world, particularly Pete Tong, added it to their playlists. The remix came from a place of pure musical integrity as Gervais has stated he wasn’t worried about the money that the track could potentially make. Touching the top end of charts around the globe it is amazing to believe that Del Rey’s labels in the US and UK initially wanted nothing to do with the remix.

This electronic mix gave Elvis a deeper voice and added a funk beat to drag the track firmly into the 21st century. The song was featured in Nike’s advertising for the 2002 Football World Cup and was subsequently released as a single that reached number one in over 20 countries. The King’s smooth vocals and the big beat felt like a match made in heaven, no wonder the track essentially became a phenomenon transcending time and genre.

Apparently OneRepublic’s music is ideal for reimagining as Alesso’s “If I Lose Myself” demonstrates. Timbaland left such a mark on “Apologize” that the track pretty much became his own as radio outlets began announcing the song as ‘Timbaland presents OneRepublic’. The remix added a number of new elements including fresh vocals and a line of percussion to turn it into a genuine R&B single. The remix went 4x Platinum in the US, adding to the considerable success of the original.

Skrillex has a knack for top notch pop remixes. La Roux and Avicii will testify to that. A series of remixes made up the EP for the track but Skrillex’s dubstep influenced work not only was the best on the EP but became a hit in it’s own right. It remained in the US iTunes dance top 10 for over six months and picked up a Grammy Award for the Best Remixed Recording. In addition to achieving critical acclaim, it featured in launch promos for WWE and also in the racing video game Forza Horizon.


Before our top pick plays it’s way into your brain, let’s take a look at some honourable mentions.
- “Cracks” ft. Belle Humble (Flux Pavilion Remix)
Freestylers (2010)
- “D.A.N.C.E” (MSTRKRFT Remix)
Justice (2007)
- “Waves” (Robin Schulz Remix)
Mr Probz (2014)
- “Hella Good” (Roger Sanchez Remix)
No Doubt (2002)
- “Enth E ND” (KutMasta Kurt featuring Motion Man)
Linkin Park (2002)

The original is considered one of the greatest trance songs ever and the remix has been voted by Mixmag readers as the 12th greatest dance record of all time. It is testament to the original track that a remix can be so successful as Tiesto adds a more upbeat tempo that made it a hugely popular tune in clubs around the world. Tiesto is a master of his art and this entrancing track will stick with you for long after it finishes.


What do you think? With so many popular songs getting all types of remixes spanning various genres, we are bound to have missed something. For more fist-pumping top 10s be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.