Lady Gaga - Yoü And I: The Remixes

Years from now, "Yoü And I" may be remembered by many as "that one Lady Gaga song where she dressed like a guy".  The pop single with a southern rock twist is the fourth single from Gaga's Born This Way.  It's currently in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 and to give it a little promotional push, an album of remixes has been released.  The seven track set includes mixes by names such as Metronomy, Wild Beasts, and Mark Taylor.

Unfortunately, a few of the remixes are forgettable.  The Wild Beasts remix, which is the first track, is a mellow humming trance.  There are piano chords and melodies on top of Gaga's chopped vocal runs.  The song clocks in at under four minutes, but it feels much longer.  Danny Verde and Hector Fonseca's remixes are extended club pieces.  They have bass focused beats with assorted and heavily repeated vocal motifs.  While tracks such as these are generally what remix albums contain, many of Gaga's previous remix compilations have held amazing mixes that almost surpass the original single.

The remaining remixes are by Mark Taylor, ATB, Metronomy, and 10 Kings.  Mark Taylor's remix is close to what I would imagine "Yoü And I" to sound like if Gaga chose the synthesizer over the piano and guitar.  A line-dancing beat is there along with a radio friendly production style.  ATB's remix switches back and forth between a soft dance instrumental and hard pounding synth bleeps.  The variation is great and there's plenty of vocal work.  It's one of the album's highlights.

Metronomy went with a concept that probably wouldn't sound like a success on paper.  They've completely stripped the music, leaving only lush dragging synth chords and piano over an almost soothing beat.  The entire vocal track is intact with a slight filter.  It's minimal in the best way possible.

The real gem on this record is the 10 Kings remix.  This song makes up for every other mix that failed to impress.  It's incredible what a new chord progression can do to a song.  The "We Will Rock You" stomp-stomp-clap beat has been replaced by soaring and dramatic synths.  The 10 Kings re-work is one of my favorite remixes from the Born This Way era.  There's an incredibly emotional climax and the balance of every element is stunning.  If you were to download one track from this album, choose the 10 Kings remix.

As a whole, this batch of remixes has a few weak spots, but when it gets going, this album really shines.  You can download any and all of the remixes here.  If you haven't seen it yet, check out the "Yoü And I" music video below...