The 10 Best DJ Remixes of All Time

The best DJ remixes of popular songs transform the original track while reflecting the remixer’s own unique style of music production.

A staple feature of the music industry, remixes often enjoy huge crossover appeal, bringing different genres together and reaching new audiences.

Continue reading for a breakdown of the best remixes of some of the most popular songs in recent history from the leading producers of our times.

The 10 Best DJ Remixes of all Time

Whether you’re a fan of hard-hitting electronic music or prefer laid-back indie and downtempo, there are plenty of awesome remixes to discover.

We’ve ensured this list covers a broad spectrum of music genres and popular songs that showcase just how innovative remixes can be in the right hands.

So, without further ado, here’s our list of the best DJ remixes of popular songs in 2024:

10. Elton John, Dua Lipa – “Cold Heart” (PNAU Remix)

As one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation, Elton John needs little introduction to anyone with even a passing interest in popular songs.

In 2022, Elton John teamed up with PNAU, the Australian dance music trio who broke onto the scene back in 1999 with their debut album Sambanova.

Capturing the essence of the original track’s exuberant style, the PNAU remix of “Cold Heart” is a masterclass in remixes that bring a contemporary flavor.

Featuring a consistent and driving beat that maintains energy throughout the song, this remix understands how John’s vocals hold everything together.

It’s an uplifting, breezy remix that is tailor-made for playing in laid-back bars and nightclubs, with a strong summery vibe running through its core.

The PNAU remix of “Cold Heart” was a huge success when it was released in 2022, picking up several awards and nominations from the American Music Awards and Billboard.

It’s another strong entry in Elton John’s multiple Grammy Award-winning career that showcases his timeless songwriting and singing style.

9. Bjork – “Human Behaviour” (Underworld Remix)

Internationally acclaimed singer Bjork has long had her finger on the pulse of cutting-edge dance music from the world’s leading producers.

As such, it’s fitting that she collaborated with Underworld on the remix of her track “Human Behaviour,” bringing two pioneers together with stunning results.

Underworld dominated the underground house and techno music scene at the time, with extensive background DJing in clubs to huge audiences.

This dancefloor-first sensibility is fully present in their “Human Behaviour” remix, with dominating drums and driving percussion at the heart of the track.

Bjork’s sweet and expressive vocals are still present and correct in this version, albeit with a hint of ambiance to the manner in which they’re processed.

It’s a long track, weighing in at over twelve minutes of running time, further signifying the intention to transform this into a club classic for the times.

Produced back in 1993, the Underworld remix of “Human Behaviour” was released as part of the “Venus as a Boy” single to critical and commercial acclaim.

8. Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know” (Clean Bandit Remix)

Whitney Houston originally released the upbeat pop song “How Will I Know” back in the mid-1980s, a track with trademark synths and percussion from the era.

Clean Bandit took on the challenge of remixing this iconic song many years later, capitalizing on the unique vocal talents Whitney Houston was renowned for.

The chart-topping act, comprised of classically trained cellist Grace, multi-instrumentalist Jack, and drummer Luke, transformed the track into something fresh.

The production values bring “How Will I Know” into the twenty-first century in style, with sweeping synths and an infectious sense of timing.

It’s a poppy, upbeat remix that keeps the singing style of Whitney Houston largely intact, avoiding over-processing with vocoders and other effects.

The remix of “How Will I Know” by Clean Bandit is a fine example of how to respect the original songwriter’s vision while still putting a new spin on a classic.

Many people credit Clean Bandit for bringing the music of Whitney Houston to a wider audience while paying homage to her impressive legacy.

7. Scott Grooves – “Mothership Connection” (Daft Punk Remix)

Parliament and Funkadelic dominated the funk music scene during the 1970s, known for their fun and exuberant ensemble live shows and albums.

The Detroit-based DJ and producer Scott Grooves took his own spin on the classic song “Mothership Connection,” which in turn was remixed by Daft Punk.

Ranked among the most famous DJs in the world, Daft Punk was largely responsible for shaping house music in France and beyond during the late 1990s.

Fusing elements of funk and disco, their remix of “Mothership Connection” is a further reminder if it was needed of their impeccable production skills.

It’s a catchy, driving disco-pop classic that is geared towards the dancefloor, looping the iconic vocals of Funkadelic with a house music-inspired beat.

Released back in 1998, the Daft Punk remix of Scott Grooves’ “Mothership Connection” was released by Soma Records, best known for its techno output.

It was accompanied by a quirky animated music video that reflected Daft Punk’s playful side to great effect and paved the way for Interstella 5555.

6. Christina Aguilera – “Beautiful” (Benny Benassi Remix)

Like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera established her presence in the pop music scene with a string of chart hits that appealed to broad music tastes.

Her eminently singable vocal style was a perfect match for Benny Benassi’s brand of Italian electro house, which he brought to the mainstream in 2002.

Widely ranked among the best house music DJs of his generation, Benny Benassi first came to international attention with his club-hit track “Satisfaction.”

His remix of “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera retains his trademark sense of mood and timing in the introduction, allowing her vocals to breathe.

After a vocal-led lead-in, the track kicks into high gear with a deep and pounding kick drum with electro synths dominating the soundscape.

The Benny Benassi remix of “Beautiful” ranks among the very best remixes of Christina Aguilera’s work, and was a huge hit in mainstream clubs when it was released.

It’s one of many high-profile remixes from the veteran producer, who has also worked with the likes of John Legend and Chris Brown over the years.

5. Missy Elliot – “Get Your Freak On” (BAAUER Remix)

One of the most popular songs from Missy Elliot’s discography is “Get Your Freak On,” a huge hit in its own right and instantly recognizable to her many fans.

The remix of this classic song by American DJ and producer BAAUER is one of many remixes for “Get Your Freak On,” and is widely considered among the best.

BAAUR’s long and illustrious history as a producer of remixes has seen him working alongside The Prodigy, Gorillaz, and many more leading bands and artists.

It’s a masterclass in how to make mashups that respect the source material while still showcasing the remixer’s own musical style and techniques.

The production values on display are impressive, with a trap influence to the kicks and percussion and a spatial presence to Missy Elliot’s vocals.

It’s a song that demands to be played at full volume, effortlessly mastered to bring out the full power of its combined musical elements.

While most remixes are often considered inferior to the original mix, the BAAUER remix of Missy Elliot’s “Get Your Freak On” is a timeless masterpiece for the ages.

4. Ellie Goulding – “Lights” (Bassnectar Remix)

English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding broke into the music scene in 2010, capturing the hearts of millions of fans with her debut album Lights.

The title track from this album proved to be her biggest hit to date, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and giving her international acclaim.

Not surprisingly, “Lights” received several remixes from high-profile record producers, with the Bassnectar remix ranked among the best.

Primarily known for their dubstep productions, Bassnectar’s remix of “Lights” starts softly, with a piano riff accompanied by Ellie Goulding’s vocals.

As the track picks up speed, Bassnectar brings in a series of powerful synths before hitting hard with a lively beat that takes it into dance music territory.

Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” remix by Bassnectar hit the airwaves in 2011 and was featured on the album Divergent Spectrum, winning the act new fans.

It’s a fitting companion to the other great Ellie Goulding remixes from big names including Nicky Romero, Hardwell, and Blood Diamonds.

3. The Fugees – “Ready Or Not” (Aphrodite Remix)

The Aphrodite remix of the hit track “Ready or Not” by the Fugees is a fine example of how remixes often blend the best music genres to create something fresh.

One of the biggest hits from the Fugees’ discography, “Ready or Not” showcased Lauren Hill’s distinct, rasping vocal style and catapulted the group into fame.

Aphrodite takes the essence of her rhythm and blues-inspired singing, placing it squarely in the world of pumping and powerful drum and bass.

With its thrashing amen breaks and bouncing bassline, the Aphrodite remix of “Ready or Not” brings in additional vocals from an MC to enhance the dancefloor appeal.

It’s a track that echoes the style of music that made the warehouse parties in the UK during the 1990s such a hot topic for clubbers of the era.

Indeed, the remix was released in the aftermath of the UK’s rave scene, capturing the spirit of the movement and the pioneering drum and bass production.

If you’re looking for a remix that demands to be played as loudly as possible, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better choice than the Aphrodite remix of “Ready or Not.”

2. The Prodigy – “Voodoo People” (Chemical Brothers Remix)

While we’re on the subject of the leading dance music producers from the 1990s, the Chemical Brothers’ remix of “Voodoo People” is a noteworthy match.

These two acts revolutionized dance music throughout the decade, combining elements of techno and punk with electro-house for crossover appeal.

The Chemical Brothers influenced a long list of dance music producers with their pioneering use of obscure samples to generate depth of texture to their beats.

This machinery-style percussion is present and correct in their remix of “Voodoo People,” with a stretched-out sound that progresses throughout the track.

With a touch of big beat thrown in for good measure, this is quintessential Chemical Brothers married effortlessly with the tough sounds of the Prodigy.

Throughout the remix, the refrain “Rock the house in” and “voodoo people” tie everything together for a consistently rocking track for dance music fans.

1. Midlake – “Roscoe” (Beyond The Wizards Sleeve Remix)

The “Beyond the Wizards Sleeve remix of “Roscoe” by Midlake offers budding producers a masterclass in how to remix a song, with impeccable production values.

Featured on the compilation album Another Late Night: Groove Armada, it’s more laid-back than other entries on this list, with an ethereal vibe and tone.

Natural-sounding percussion and a Moog-style keyboard help accentuate this relaxed atmosphere, with a solid groove provided by the bass guitar.

When Midlake’s vocals drop in, the remix is taken to the next level and becomes a transcendent masterpiece of downtempo songwriting.

There’s a clear respect for the indie rock source material on display here, with Beyond the Wizards Sleeve only making subtle adjustments to their remix.

The duo, comprised of Erol Alkan and Richard Norris, allowed the original track to come through while still adding elements that make it a distinct work.

It’s an approach that can be seen in their remixes of other popular songs by the likes of Goldfrapp, the Monkees, and the classic rock band the Rolling Stones.

If you’re an aspiring remixer who doesn’t want to go down the conventional dance music route, the remix of “Roscoe” by Beyond the Wizards Sleeve is an essential reference.

Summary

We hope you’ve found this guide to the best remixes a useful introduction to how the best producers can transform an original song into something unique.

Remixes are a great way to establish a name as a music producer, as well as essential additions to any DJ’s playlist who wants to mix something new into their sets.

With thousands of great remixes available, there’s no shortage of new music that will help you expand your musical horizons and explore new artists.