Remixes have grown more popular, and today they are the norm rather than the exception. In a large number of albums, the original artists lend their own voice to new versions of their original works. Many of them invite other artists to feature in their remixes in order to give the songs a new dimension. R&B remixes are expected of every album. They feature the original song with lyrics that are modified and changed.
In other remixes, lines that were originally sung are rapped by the same or other artists. The nature of each remix depends on how the producers and record label owners see fit.
Some prime examples of remixes going on to be huge hits are shown here:
• Mariah Carey, in the 1990s created remixes of her song such as the popular “Dreamlover”, known as dance floor versions. Following the popularity of this remix, she created new versions of all her music to make them more dance oriented. They are not technical remixes because they are completely new productions, but they are recreated in the same spirit.
• The original version of “I Want your Hands on Me” by Sinead O’Connor was recreated. However, along with M.C. Lyte as a guest rapper, she also produced a remixed version of the song that had a more casual appeal, which went on to become popular with the urban youth.
• George Michael products 3 different versions of “I Want Your Sex” in 1987. He succeeded in remixing his song to cater to different audiences, and to appeal to different kinds of listeners.
• Tupac Shakur remixed his bestselling “California Love” with Dr. Dre for the album “All Eyez on Me”, which also become hugely popular with his listeners.
• R. Kelly got even more creative with his remix. He created an original and a remix version of “Ignition” from the album “Chocolate Factory”. He gave listeners a preview of the remix at the end of the original song, driving its popularity even further.
• Madonna recorded a remix of “Now I’m Following You” which continued to “Vogue”, which had a different tempo, so that the listeners could be eased onto the new song.
Most remixes have mutually benefited R&B and hip hop singers. R&B singers used remixes to add raps to their original tracks, and give them a more urban and youthful feel. Hip Hop singers on the other hand stood to gain mainstream popularity by adding R&B vocals to their remixes. Often remixes give an unpopular song another chance to succeed.