Here's Part II, since having so many SoundCloud links in the first post created errors on mobile.
If you haven't read Part I, check it out here.
8. "Make You Feel" by Alina Baraz & Galimatias
When I first heard this song, I felt like I discovered a whole new genre of music. With Alina Baraz's silky voice and Galimatias's soulful, deep nocturnal sounds, the two make the perfect duo. They've released a few more singles together, so if you like "Make You Feel," you'll love these singles too.
VESTIGE's remix is a bit more fast-paced and higher-pitched, but I love his version for its chillwave quality while maintaining the original song's sensual vibe.
9. "Say My Name" (feat. Zyra) by ODESZA
So many artists on SoundCloud have remixed this song, and following its popularity, ODESZA even held a remix contest (see winners here). You can listen to the original song here, since SoundCloud didn't allow me to embed the song, but below are my two favorite remixes by GANZ and Hermitude, who add summery synth patterns and trap elements to this fun, electric track.
10. "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay
It's going to be hard for me not to include a Coldplay song in any "favorites" list, given that they're one of my all-time favorite bands (my favorite album being Parachutes). I was actually not a huge fan of "A Sky Full of Stars" when I first heard it, because I didn't think the lyrics were particularly moving, or the melody all that original.
But after a few more listens, and learning that this feel-good song was a collaboration between Coldplay and Avicii, I garnered a respect for the band's ability to pair Avicii's EDM production with their distinctive Coldplay sound.
Instant Party!'s remix is a bit more fast-paced, with a better build-up and an awesome trap influence.
If you're not a fan of trap, you might enjoy Hardwell's more popular EDM version.
11. "Stay High (Habits)" by Tove Lo
As you can see, I've really enjoyed this hit by Tove Lo this year. The most popular remix is by Hippie Sabotage -- it was actually the first version of the song I heard -- but I've collected a number of remixes of this addicting song throughout the year.
Because of its repetitive lyrics, this song was great to study to throughout the semester. The remixes by Hippie Sabotage and M3H are the smoothest, while Keys N Krates, The Chainsmokers, Myles William and Osen make awesome party or workout EDM renditions. Oliver Nelson's remix added a nice funky groove to the beat, making it perfect for the summer.
12. "Stay With Me" by Sam Smith
Sam Smith is one of my favorite new artists of the year. He was also the first artist I've ever met in person, and I can't wait to see him perform in January with one of my best friends. Especially with "Stay With Me" becoming a radio hit, I love that Sam Smith is bringing the blues back into the mainstream. I was also astounded to learn in this CBS Sunday Morning interview that the chorus is actually Sam Smith's voice in about 40 different takes, not a gospel choir.
My favorite remix is Prince Fox's that features chill trap and a future bass sound. Check this one out for another high-energy future bass version, or this one out for a funky alternative.
13. "Tennis Court" by Lorde
"Tennis Court" was released off of Lorde's 2013 debut album Pure Heroine. But with more than 17.5 million plays on SoundCloud, Flume's remix of the song, released in April 2014, made me gain a whole new appreciation for the song. He adds a whole new dark and almost sinister dimension that I just could not stop listening throughout the year. This is one of the reasons why I love a good remix -- it can transform a familiar melody into a whole new different genre.
14. "Two Bodies" by Flight Facilities
"Two Bodies" is the one of the most gorgeous songs I've heard this year. I heard the remixes before I heard the original, and I must say that I love Darius' (below) and Lido's remixes the most, since they really showcase Emma Louise's velvety voice and the seductive nature of the song.
BONUS: "Tell Me" by RL Grime
RL Grime is one of my favorite trap artists of all time. His drops are insane -- like in "Trap on Acid" -- and "Tell Me" is another song that never fails to get me pumped up. Baauer's version is an awesome alternative -- I hope to hear a longer version released soon.