In recent years, music has been all about remixing songs from decades ago. Artists go back to older tracks, give them a fresh sound, and add new layers – both in music and lyrics. But there’s also another side to this trend: making completely new songs that are heavily inspired by older music.
What’s the point of doing this? The first thought – it’s a marketing move and a way to quickly make money from a song people already know. But the second thought goes deeper: maybe it’s about artists and listeners wanting to escape from the modern world. In all the chaos and fast-paced life, music becomes a space where we feel safe. And then there’s a third idea – maybe it’s just an easier way than writing something completely new?
Nostalgia
It’s worth taking a closer look at something that really drives this whole trend and the talk around bringing back old songs: nostalgia. It plays a key role because it has a strong impact on the human mind. It brings out deep emotions when we hear music from the past, since it reminds us of important moments in our lives.
Research shows that nostalgia can boost our mood (which makes sense), but it also helps reduce stress and strengthen our sense of connection with others. It’s a way for people to deal with the fast pace and chaos of modern life.
But what does this mean for the music industry? Mainly that listeners are more likely to choose songs that make them feel good or remind them of meaningful times. Often, these are tracks that take them back to the carefree days of childhood. Nostalgia makes a song easier to remember and helps listeners connect with it more deeply.
A perfect example is the comeback of “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. The song came out in 1985, but thanks to the series “Stranger Things,” it became one of the biggest hits of 2022. The same thing happened here: people enjoy what they already know.
Old songs in a new style
How does it even work? How do you turn a song that was popular 30 or 40 years ago into a hit today? And most importantly – how do you change it in a way that adds creativity and fresh ideas, while using as little sampling as possible?
The key is understanding today’s trends – what current Billboard hits sound like, what techniques they use, and what makes them catchy. This can be broken down into three main elements:
- Sampling – the foundation of remixing. You pick a track with potential, separate the vocals from the instrumental (which is now often done with AI), and choose a short snippet to use in the new song. Remixers often sample the chorus vocals or the main melody – the most recognizable part of the original.
- A new music genre – this isn’t a strict rule, but it’s a common move. If the original track was pop, it’s often remade as house, trap, or rock. This helps break away from the old version and grabs the attention of listeners who might not have liked the song before. It expands the audience by targeting a new scene that’s usually open to a familiar track reworked in their favorite style.
- Modern production – the way music is produced changes every year, so it’s important to update older songs to fit current standards. New techniques and effects become popular quickly, and it’s easy to fall behind. In most modern remixes, you’ll hear a faster tempo, electronic touches, heavy bass, and punchy drums to give the track energy. A few years ago, everything was being turned into drill, but that wave – while long-lasting – has finally started to fade.
But are remixes the only way to bring the past back into music? Not at all. Many new artists create completely original songs that still sound like they came from decades ago. They don’t remix old tracks – instead, they build fresh ones using the vibe and style of the past.
One of the best examples is “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. It came out five years ago, but from the very first seconds, you can hear the strong influence of 80s music. Another great example is “Say So” by the hugely popular Doja Cat (released in 2019), which clearly takes inspiration from 70s disco.
Marketing
Making new versions of well-known hits might seem like an easier path to success. Older listeners remember the original and are curious about the update, while younger audiences are drawn to the fresh sound. It’s also a low-risk move – if the melody worked once, there’s a good chance it’ll work again.
A well-made reinterpretation can lead to huge reach, and with that – serious money. No surprise that this trend is picked up not only by artists, but also by labels, which own the rights to the originals and often commission these updates themselves.
Social media
TikTok and Instagram trends play a big role here too, helping viral hits blow up fast. A well-known melody with a new twist is perfect for going viral – especially since younger audiences are now into older songs.
These tracks just feel good – most people recognize the tune and the catchiest line, which makes videos using them more likely to get likes and shares. That shows just how powerful these platforms are: an old, forgotten hit can suddenly climb back to the top of the charts. They also convert really well into streams, which is why artists focus so much on getting their songs noticed on these apps.
Here are a few examples of songs that got a second life thanks to TikTok trends:
- Boney M. – “Rasputin” (1978) – dancing is something that just looks good when scrolling online. That’s why viral dance trends pop up around songs, and “Rasputin” is a perfect example of this.
- Michael Jackson – “Smooth Criminal” (1987) – the phrase “Annie, are you OK?” did the heavy lifting here. Even if used as a meme—like in videos where someone falls or does something clumsy—it definitely helped the whole song get a second life.
- Lana Del Rey – “Summertime Sadness” (2012) – we all get caught watching sad movies sometimes. It’s an easy trick – they make us feel emotional or remind us of old times. What’s important is that the music boosts that vibe, and Lana’s song fits perfectly in those films.
- Lady Gaga – “Bloody Mary” (2011) – the big boom happened after the release of the show “Wednesday” and Jenny Ortega’s dance. People started copying that dance all over TikTok, and it became a huge trend at that time. Besides dancing, people also made costumes of different characters from the show, with “Bloody Mary” playing in the background of those videos. It was basically impossible for it not to become a hit.
Bringing generations together
Bringing generations together through culture is a key part of a healthy society. Nostalgic sounds — songs from decades ago — create a musical bridge between age groups. Modern remixes of these tracks let younger people discover classics and old artists, while older listeners get to refresh their favorite songs. Of course, not everyone always approves, but one thing’s clear — this helps new generations learn about the greatest musicians of past decades.
Older people often don’t keep up with new trends and don’t always get why modern music is popular. That’s where the saying comes from: “Music used to be real, but now it’s not.” But when a remix is done tastefully, it can connect listeners from different generations.
A great example is the Beatles’ phenomenon on TikTok. Young people not only play their music but also copy their style, creating a new wave of interest in the band. Classics become timeless and captivate new generations. And if an artist’s music isn’t universally loved, a remix can help rediscover their work and reach a fresh audience.
Summary
Is remixing old songs a sign of a lack of ideas? Definitely not. New versions give these tracks a fresh sound and help present them in a way that connects with younger listeners. It’s not just an artistic choice but also a smart marketing strategy, relying on the power of nostalgia to unite generations and cultures.
Of course, some might see it as a shortcut to quick fame and money. But with today’s huge flood of new music, it’s not that simple. Even though a remix uses a familiar melody, it still needs careful work to sound appealing and fit current trends.
It turns out nostalgia isn’t just about feelings — it’s also a tool that builds bridges between generations and keeps musical history alive.