10 Songs That Prove Mariah Carey is Queen of the Remix
No one does a remix better than Mariah Carey. While most artists let a DJ lay an empty house beat on their songs and call it a day, MiMi takes pride in her remixes. Whether experimenting with EDM or hip-hop, all of her remixes feel like brand new songs. These aren't phoned-in projects like the remix fare of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga— they're actual works of art (with their own music videos, no less). Don't believe us? Check out these 10 songs that prove she's the undisputed queen of the remix.
"Fantasy" (Bad Boy Remix) feat. Ol' Dirty Bastard
Carey's original "Fantasy" is an ethereal mid-tempo delight. However, the remix version has much more oomph. Harder beats, mixed with several verses from ODB, completely reinvent the track.
"Anytime You Need a Friend" (C+C Club Version)
This nearly 11-minute remix opens similarly to the original version, but soon breaks into an electric house beat that is almost religious. While the dance-tastic tune has a distinct '90s sound, there's something timeless about it. We wouldn't complain if this started playing in the club.
"Heartbreaker" (Remix) feat. Da Brat and Missy Elliott
Not only does Carey look stunning in the video, Da Brat and Elliott give the song an extra burst of energy. While the structure is similar to the original version featuring Jay-Z, the nuances of the remix (like Da Brat's dizzying opener) make it worth several listens.
"Thank God I Found You" (Make It Last Remix) feat. Joe and Nas
This pop ballad gets a hip-hop makeover thanks to the Joe and Nas' excellent featured raps. The remix still maintains a laid back vibe while radiating a new, palpable soulfulness.
"Honey" (Classic Club Remix)
This Classic Club interpretation may be Carey's most traditional sounding remix, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. The glossy high-tempo bombast of the remix is a nice contrast to the original song's gritty, R&B flavor.
"Emotions" (12'' Club Mix)
Both tracks have similar feels, but the 12'' remix employs dark synth sounds to make "Emotions" more nightclub-ready.
"Loverboy" (Remix) feat. Da Brat, Ludacris, Shawnna and Twenty II
This star-studded remix just sounds like summer. The same "Loverboy" beat gets new verses from a group of top-notch rappers. It's arguably Carey's most fun remix of all time.
"My All/Stay Awhile" (So So Def Remix) feat. Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
MiMi re-recorded her vocals for "My All" and blended samples from the Loose Ends song "Stay a Little While, Child" to create a dynamite remix. Oh, and the awesome verses from Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz don't hurt, either.
"Always Be My Baby" (Mr. Dupri Mix) feat. Da Brat and Xscape
"Baby" is an effortless classic. However, this Mr. Dupri remix shoots the song into outer space with smooth raps from Da Brat and Xscape.
"Fly Away (Butterfly Reprise)" (Fly Away Club Mix)
The Fly Away Club Mix is 10 minutes of pulsating nightclub ecstasy. The throbbing Euro-dance tinges of it no doubt influenced Katy Perry's 2013 song "Walking on Air." Put this on if you want pure ear candy.