The Weeknd & ROSALÍA, Blinding Lights (Remix) | Track Review

Grammy-winning Latin artist ROSALÍA joins Grammy-winning R&B artist, The Weeknd, on the latest remix of his mega-hit, “Blinding Lights.”  

Some songs don’t need to be touched.  They’ve become such big, dominant hits, it’s not necessary to serve up a remix of any sort.  That argument could be made regarding 🎵 “Blinding Lights” (💿 After Hours), arguably the best song of 2020 (it arrived in late 2019).  That said, this 🏆 Grammy-snubbed juggernaut by 🎙 The Weeknd has received the remix treatment multiple times.  On the latest remix, Abel Tesfaye gets an assist from 🏆 Grammy-winning Latin standout, 🎙 ROSALÍA.  No, the remix doesn’t supplant the original but, it’s pretty sweet hearing these two musicians collaborate if I do say so myself.

On “Blinding Lights (Remix),” following the intro, ROSALÍA takes the reins on the first – a contrast to the original.  Expectedly, she sings in Spanish, which adds to the sexiness of the record.  Furthermore, the lyrics, even when translated, contrast the original verse.   Vocally, she sounds absolutely stunning, showing off her gorgeous tone.  On the pre-chorus, The Weeknd gets into the action, with ROSALÍA joining him on the majority.  Then, once more, we get the inescapable chorus, in all of its glory:

“I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights
No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
I said, ooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust
Hey, hey, hey.”

Beyond the chorus, The Weeknd sings the second verse, intact, followed by the pre-chorus with a few additional contributions from ROSALÍA.  She then joins him on the chorus (in English), with fabulous results.  She takes the lead on the third verse, in Spanish, with responses in English by Tesfaye.  Later, she also delivers a bridge, exclusively in Spanish, before Tesfaye closes things out with an excerpt from the chorus.

Final Thoughts 💭 

“Blinding Lights (Remix)” is an example where the remix has enjoyable, positive results.  ROSALÍA shines, giving The Weeknd quite a lift.  “Blinding Lights” is dominant all by itself and needed no further enhancement, but this remix is pretty sweet! 

🎙 The Weekend & ROSALÍA • 🎵 “Blinding Lights (Remix)” • 🏷 Republic • 🗓

[📷: Republic]