The 10 Best Drum & Bass Remixes Of All Time
We love all Drum & Bass, but there is a special place in our hearts for the art form that is the D&B remix. Capable of turning a quiet song into a rowdy rave anthem, or providing a fresh new take on a classic cut, there is a unique joy to really good remixes that deserves to be celebrated.
So here’s our shortlist of the best Drum & Bass remixes ever, plus some recent favourites - enjoy this back catalogue of bangers at your leisure ...
Classic cuts
1. Birdy - Wings (Nu:Logic Remix)
Hospital Records’ D&B brothers Nu:Tone and Logistics always come up with the goods when they join forces, and this gorgeous remix is no exception. Rolling Jungle-infused drums drive it forward with energy, but give enough space for Birdy’s awesome vocal - plus some epic strings and pulsating bass - to shine through. One of those tunes that’s both very comfortable in the studio or in the dance, on the home speakers or a big sound system. Proper D&B delight.
2. Adele - Hometown Glory (High Contrast Remix)
When it comes to Drum & Bass remixes, they don’t come much more classic and iconic than this slice of gold from the magician High Contrast. The master of the liquid D&B remix is at his mesmerising best here, with crisply-crafted beats and soaring bassline, balanced beautifully against Adele’s melancholic vocal. This was all over the airwaves when it first came out in 2008, and it’s just as satisfying a listen now. It’s so good, it makes us cry happy D&B tears. Long live liquid funk.
3. The Prodigy - Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)
From a scrumptiously soft masterpiece, to an absolute animal of a record - we’re sure this is a remix many of you will have lost your sh*t at one time (or several). A powerful combination of two of dance music’s biggest forces of the time, and a genius rework of a classic rave anthem, it deserves its place on any D&B shortlist. Shifting that memorable riff to be the focus of the track, the Aussies give it their signature treatment of ferocious drums and guitars with belting bass. This one will never get old.
4. The Fugees - Ready or Not (DJ Zinc 2003 Remix)
One of those tunes that everyone who has ever been clubbing probably knows even if they don’t, this remix is written into our collective cultural consciousness like a timeless folk song. The 2003 treatment from scene veteran DJ Zinc brings a welcome old school Jungle vibe to the party - and mixed with the Fugees’ instantly recognisable, singalong vocal this makes for a real bundle of fun. The choppy drums, bouncy bass synths and MC hype samples complete the perfect recipe; always goes down a treat.
5. Rusko - Everyday (Netsky Remix)
Somehow nearly ten years old already, this track still gets us childishly excited when we hear it. Once you’ve had the pleasure of a listen, you know exactly what’s coming at the drop - but it doesn’t make it any less impactful. That short slice of total silence just before the speaker-melting synth kicks in gets us every time, and the half-step drums give it a certain swagger that is unforgettable. The Belgian whiz kid Netsky excelled himself with this era-defining remix from 2011, and he’s got new music out on Hospital now so check it out!
Fresher favourites
6. Metrik - We Got it ft. Rockwell (S.P.Y. Remix)
This one’s a naughty cut from another Hospital Records stalwart S.P.Y. Teasing us with all the hallmarks of a radio-friendly liquid remix in the build-up (soft piano, dreamy vocals), the Brazillian-born bass connoisseur then lets loose just before the drop with a hefty synth bass that comes wobbling out of nowhere. The soundscape is now set for a belter that will put a smile on any screwface. Epic, stadium D&B vibes.
7. London Grammar - If You Wait (Calibre Remix)
The prolific professor of Drum & Bass, Calibre is one of the genre’s greatest and oldest talents - yet he continues to contribute with scene-shaping records every year. Master of the soft and considered touch, here’s another beautifully soulful D&B record from the Belfast producer. Hannah Reid’s vocal is just crying out for a lush liquid rework, and Calibre doesn’t disappoint with this unreleased ‘Alternate Remix’. Shuffling drums, wistful piano and soaring strings intertwine to create a gorgeous musical ebb-and-flow, which is immensely listenable.
8. Sam Binga ft. Redders - Vandilero (Particle Remix)
A totally different vibe, illustrating the diversity of the D&B scene, this one is a wicked MC-led roller - but just as pleasurable. The original tune from Bristolian Sam Binga features some banging production and fiery ragga-influenced vocals from Redders, so the key ingredients are all there. Particle simply gives it the Jungle treatment it was crying out for, with furious drums and menacing bass providing a darker complement to the Carnival-like feel. Banger.
9. High Contrast - If We Ever (Unglued Remix)
A masterful reworking of one of the liquid scene’s most loved tunes a decade on, this is a remix we didn’t know we needed. Breathing new life into the High Contrast classic, Hospital's rising star Unglued catapulted himself into the D&B elite with this release in 2018. Originally a bootleg, it tricks you into a false sense of familiarity with an almost unchanged intro. Then bang: a staggering, stripped back drum pattern and snarling bassline swagger in, giving the whole tune a darker edge whilst retaining its euphoric retro charm.
10. Shy FX feat. UK Apache - Original Nuttah 25 (Chase & Status Remix feat. Irah)
Talking of remixing classics just for the sheer pleasure of it, try this slice of glee from the kings of epic bass music Chase & Status. Giving the rough-and-ready Jungle anthem a glossy new 21st century feel, the boys bring in ‘Program’ MC Irah to supply some more rowdy ragga vocals. Paying homage to UK Apache and Shy FX with samples of the iconic original and a Jungle roller of a beat, we’re then treated to beefed-up bass, Irah’s unmistakable flow and (obviously) a bongo-based intro. This is ear-to-ear grin stuff.
Back-up Bangers
Dizzee Rascal - Sirens (Chase & Status Remix) —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P4ChI0Z74Q
Rusko - Hold On (Sub Focus Remix) —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymKDXgHJnMQ
Chronixx - Who Knows (Shy FX Remix) —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH3hzv07ick
London Elektricity - Just One Second (Apex Remix) —> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzgh0cLopck