This Is The Remix
(Columbia)
Rating: 3
Aficionados of the art form know that a remix does not only soup up an album version, but also to introduces the artist to audiences who wouldn’t normally listen to them. Also, a remix is seen as an important tool in exploring the other sonic possibilities of a song. It could better than the original, if one is lucky enough. Remix albums are good news to the budget-wise that couldn’t get hold of the maxi-single. Countless artists managed to expand their fan base and musicality as a result of the remix. Take it from Destiny’s Child, who present 12 remixes of their signature hits in This is the Remix.
They wisely open with their debut hit, "No, No, No." In its original version, it’s a sultry, almost whispery number. Wyclef Jean turns it into a floor-filler with a sunnier chorus and a billowing bassline. Wyclef also does a great job on the big beat brashness of "Bug A Boo," with the drum and the bass cranked up for bigger systems.
"Survivor" now comes with a rap from Da Brat, with a little zing to the anthemic original. Destiny’s Child has taken to recutting the vocals for the remix, instead of leaving the remixer to speed up their voices. It works well in the Rockwilder Remix of "Bootylicious" with Missy Elliott and in Azza’s Nu Soul Mix of "Nasty Girl."
The Timbaland Remix of "Say My Name" is a downer, however. Supposedly reconstructed to give it a sexier edge, the remix falls flat with a languid groove that goes nowhere. The Neptunes’ mix of "Emotion" is kinda funny. It’s a mystery why the girls decided to play the role of Fierce Ruling Divas here, screeching the chorus like cats having panic attacks.
The most imaginative reworking is in "Jumpin’, Jumpin’." It starts off as a hip-hop number (remixed by Jermaine Dupri, with guests Da Brat and Lil Bow Wow) like the rest, but midway through it becomes club veteran Maurice Joshua’s Jumpin’ Retro Mix, a real treat of a garage version. Ditto Maurice’s intimate-room mixes of "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "So Good."
As an added bonus, the album previews member Michelle Williams’ "Heard A Word" from her forthcoming solo gospel disc, My Heart To Yours. What can we say, but that girl can sing!
Fans will surely snap up this collection, "just because." Others who simply want something to groove to will find good enough reason to give this a try.â€â€Lester Hallig