10) Five Knives – “Savages” – Absence Remix
Starting off our list of the top remixes in 2015 is the “Savages” remix by Absence, which was entered in a contest hosted by up and comers Five Knives and wound up placing in the top three.
Despite only grabbing their recognition in the form of third prize, Absence’s remix was actually the strongest offering the track got, as the producer gave the song a total 180 by infusing the tribal-themed original with clubby UK style piano chords, pitch shifted vocals and infectiously funky drops.
The remix art form thrives on original re-imaginings of existing songs, and Absence managed to pull off that rare feat of taking a song in an entirely different direction and delivering a finished product that stands on its own.
9) Major Lazer – “Lean On” – CRNKN Remix
Major Lazer stole the show in 2015 with their absolute monster of a hit “Lean On,” a track which would go on to be named Spotify’s global song of the summer.
Featuring MØ’s catchy vocal hooks and production help from “Turn Down For What” producer DJ Snake, “Lean On” dominated the pop and dance worlds alike, and naturally became one of the year’s most remixed songs, making it inevitable that some version of it would show up on this list.
However, the song’s status as an instant classic made it a difficult choices for remixers, and most of its mixes failed to live up the original. CRNKN’s version, however, which was featured on the official remix EP, served as the stand out rework, utilizing the vocals prominently while sounding original, something the other remixes were unable to achieve.
With world music influences, didgeridoo samples, and groovy, laidback drops, CRNKN managed to give a new identity to an already beloved dance anthem.
