1) Jack Ü – “Where Are Ü Now?” – Ember Island Remix
While technically more of a cover, Swedish trio Ember Island’s re-work of Jack Ü’s smash hit with Justin Bieber on “Where Are Ü Now” was my favorite remix of 2015, as it stood out as the high point on the single’s remix EP, breathing fresh air into one of the year’s most played out tracks.
With Skrillex and Diplo’s cheesier productions points removed, the song’s true heart and soul is revealed, bringing forth a more sincere approach to the now familiar vocal hooks, complete with an Imogen Heap-esque vocoder. Ember Island’s percussion free production may lack the energy of Jack Ü’s original version, but the enhanced emotionality and pastoral tones leave a more lasting impression.
For these reasons, Ember Island’s version of “Where Are Ü Now” finds itself as the number one remix of 2015.