English Dance Remixes 2021: Your Ultimate Party Playlist
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the electrifying world of English dance remixes from 2021? If you're anything like me, you know that a good remix can breathe new life into a song, turning it into a dance floor anthem. In this article, we're going to explore some of the hottest English dance remixes that had us moving and grooving back in 2021. Whether you're a DJ looking for inspiration, a dance music enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good beat, this playlist is for you. Let's get started!
What Makes a Great Dance Remix?
Before we jump into specific tracks, let's talk about what makes a dance remix truly exceptional. It's not just about slapping a generic beat onto an existing song. A great remix enhances the original, adding layers of complexity, energy, and innovation. Here are some key elements that contribute to a killer dance remix:
- Creative Arrangement: A remix should offer a fresh take on the song's structure. This might involve rearranging verses, adding new instrumental sections, or creating build-ups and drops that weren't present in the original.
- Enhanced Beat: The beat is the backbone of any dance track. A good remix will feature a powerful and infectious beat that makes you want to move. This could involve using different drum patterns, adding percussion, or manipulating the tempo.
- Innovative Sound Design: Remixers often incorporate new sounds and textures to give the song a unique sonic signature. This might involve using synthesizers, samples, or effects to create interesting and unexpected sounds.
- Respect for the Original: While a remix should be different from the original, it should also respect the essence of the song. The best remixes retain the core melody, lyrics, and emotional impact of the original while transforming it into something new.
- Energy and Dynamics: A great dance remix should have a good sense of energy and dynamics. This means building up the intensity at certain points and then releasing it with a powerful drop or breakdown. This push and pull keeps the listener engaged and makes them want to dance.
Top English Dance Remixes of 2021
Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the top English dance remixes from 2021 that you absolutely need to check out. These tracks span various subgenres of dance music, from house to techno to trance, so there's something for everyone.
"Cold Heart" (Elton John & Dua Lipa) - PNAU Remix
This remix was absolutely everywhere in 2021, and for good reason. PNAU took Elton John's classic hits and Dua Lipa's modern pop sensibilities and blended them into a seamless dance anthem. The remix features a driving beat, shimmering synths, and infectious vocal chops that will get stuck in your head for days. The way they intertwined the classic melodies with a contemporary dance beat was just pure genius. It’s a perfect example of how a remix can honor the original while making it completely new and irresistible for the dance floor. PNAU truly nailed the energy and vibe, making it a standout track of the year.
"Love Again" (Dua Lipa) - Horse Meat Disco Remix
Speaking of Dua Lipa, her hit song "Love Again" also got a fantastic remix treatment from Horse Meat Disco. This remix takes the disco influences of the original and amplifies them, creating a glittering and glamorous dance track. The driving bassline, funky guitar riffs, and soaring vocals make it impossible not to move. It's the kind of remix that makes you want to throw on your dancing shoes and hit the club. Horse Meat Disco's signature sound shines through, giving the track a retro yet modern feel. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary dance music, making it a certified banger for any party.
"Head & Heart" (Joel Corry ft. MNEK) - Tiësto Remix
"Head & Heart" was already a massive hit in its original form, but Tiësto took it to another level with his remix. He injected the track with his signature big room sound, adding a pumping bassline, soaring synths, and a euphoric drop. This remix is pure energy from start to finish and is guaranteed to get any crowd jumping. Tiësto's remix elevated the track's intensity and made it an essential addition to any DJ's setlist. The build-ups are epic, and the drop is simply explosive, making it a memorable remix that defined the sound of 2021.
"By Your Side" (Calvin Harris ft. Tom Grennan) - Wilkinson Remix
Wilkinson, known for his drum and bass prowess, delivered an amazing remix of Calvin Harris's "By Your Side." He transformed the song into a high-energy drum and bass anthem, with a thumping bassline, breakbeat drums, and Tom Grennan's vocals chopped and screwed to perfection. This remix is a perfect example of how a song can be completely reimagined while still retaining its emotional core. The intensity and drive of the drum and bass rhythm add a new dimension to the track, making it perfect for those late-night dance sessions. It's a testament to Wilkinson's skills that he could take a pop-leaning track and turn it into a full-blown dnb banger.
"Midnight Sky" (Miley Cyrus) - Purple Disco Machine Remix
Purple Disco Machine brought their signature funky sound to Miley Cyrus's "Midnight Sky," creating a remix that's both retro and modern. The remix features a groovy bassline, shimmering synths, and a healthy dose of disco-infused energy. It's the perfect track for those who want to dance the night away in style. Purple Disco Machine’s remix gave the song a new lease on life, emphasizing the catchy melodies and adding layers of funky goodness. The result is a sophisticated and irresistible dance track that's perfect for both casual listening and dance floor domination.
The Enduring Appeal of Dance Remixes
So, why do dance remixes continue to be so popular? There are several reasons:
- Fresh Perspective: Remixes offer a new way to experience familiar songs. They can highlight different aspects of the original, introduce new sounds, and create a completely different vibe.
- Dance Floor Ready: Remixes are often designed specifically for the dance floor. They feature driving beats, infectious rhythms, and dynamic arrangements that make them perfect for DJs and dancers alike.
- Genre Bending: Remixes can bridge the gap between different genres. They can take a pop song and turn it into a house track, or vice versa. This allows artists to reach new audiences and experiment with different sounds.
- Creative Collaboration: Remixes often involve collaborations between artists from different backgrounds. This can lead to exciting and unexpected musical combinations.
- Nostalgia and Innovation: Remixes can tap into nostalgia by reimagining classic songs, while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
How to Find More Great Dance Remixes
If you're looking to discover more amazing dance remixes, here are a few tips:
- Follow Your Favorite Artists and DJs: Keep an eye on the social media channels and streaming platforms of your favorite artists and DJs. They often share their latest remixes and collaborations.
- Explore Remix Playlists on Streaming Services: Streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud have a plethora of remix playlists curated by experts and fans alike. These playlists are a great way to discover new music.
- Check Out Online Music Communities: Websites like Resident Advisor, Beatport, and Mixcloud are great resources for finding underground and emerging dance music. These platforms often feature reviews, interviews, and mixes from up-and-coming artists.
- Attend Live Shows and Festivals: There's no better way to experience dance music than live. Attending shows and festivals will expose you to new sounds and artists that you might not otherwise discover.
- Use Music Discovery Apps: Apps like Shazam and SoundHound can help you identify songs that you hear in public places, such as clubs, restaurants, and bars. This is a great way to find new remixes that you might not know the name of.
Conclusion: Keep the Beat Alive
So there you have it – a deep dive into the world of English dance remixes from 2021. These tracks represent some of the most innovative and exciting music of the year, and they continue to inspire and energize dance music fans around the world. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just someone who loves to dance, I hope this article has introduced you to some new tunes and given you a deeper appreciation for the art of the remix. Keep exploring, keep dancing, and keep the beat alive!
From funky disco to high-energy drum and bass, the remixes of 2021 truly showcased the versatility and creativity within the dance music scene. Each track brought a unique flavor, proving that a well-crafted remix can elevate a song to new heights. So, next time you're looking to spice up your playlist, remember these bangers and let the rhythm take over!