Elton John (“Rocketman”) and Dua Lipa (“Levitating”) released “Cold Heart – Claptone Remix” on Oct. 8 as the fourth version of their duet. “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix” was released on Aug. 13, “Cold Heart – The Blessed Madonna Remix” was released on Sept. 10 and “Cold Heart – PS1 Remix” was released on Sept. 17.

The two artists collaborated on the song during the pandemic when John began putting together his newest album, “The Lockdown Sessions,” which is set to have 16 tracks all featuring different artists he worked with while in isolation. Each remix is a combination of lyrics from four of John’s previous hits, “Kiss The Bride, Too Low For Zero,” “Rocketman, Honky Chateau,” “Where’s the Shoorah, Blue Moves” and “Sacrifice, Healing Hands” which are expertly cut together to form the song no one knew they needed. 

John’s and Lipa’s voices compliment each other throughout the songs and blend together perfectly. John starts each track singing the first verse from “Sacrifice” and transitions into the chorus which is a reprise of the lyrics from “Rocketman.” Lipa then takes the lead singing, “And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time/’Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find/I’m not the man they think I am at home/Oh no, no, no,” which is arguably one of John’s most famous lyrics and is easily recognizable to any music fan. The chorus ends with a piece from “Kiss The Bride” before John jumps back in for the second verse that is a reprise of the first. “Where’s the Shoorah” does not appear outright but is used more as layering for the “Oh no, no, no” part of the chorus. 

Each remix uses the same vocals but puts them together with unique background music and beats, which in turn emphasizes different parts of the song and John’s and Lipa’s vocals in four ways.

“PNAU Remix” has a slower overall beat compared to the other three versions, which allows for the vocals to be in the spotlight. The lyrics and assembly can be fully appreciated and understood by the listener as there are no complicated rhythms blocking them out. “PNAU Remix” was the perfect choice to introduce the collaboration because of this, as the others are sped up in comparison and use more layered tunes, which can drown out the talent of John and Lipa. The four songs that make up “Cold Heart” are more easily recognized due to the quieter beats and can be picked out even when lyrics are overlaid together. 

“The Blessed Madonna Remix” is very different compared to its predecessor, as it utilizes more of a club-like vibe with less focus on lyrics and more on an upbeat, dubstep style. It completely skips the first verse and replaces it with beats and faster tunes. The only vocals for the first 45 seconds are a highly auto tuned version of John singing “cold, cold heart” a few times. John’s next line before the chorus is not even understandable due to the heavy altering of his voice. Lipa’s vocals, in contrast, are barely touched, which makes the chorus seem out of place compared to the first minute of the song. This remix of the song is definitely for those less focused on lyrics and more on sound. Any classic Elton John fan will be very disappointed with the overall lack of his presence in the song and the use of autotune on the vocals that are there. 

“The Blessed Madonna Remix” is on the shorter side compared to the other remixes coming in at 2:53, though it does have an extended version that is 4:34, but the added minute and a half do not add much to the song. The chorus is repeated more and John’s verses are still cut and replaced with different beats. It is pretty much the same song; the extra minute and a half do not add anything special. 

“PS1 Remix” is the shortest version of the song at 2:47 and wastes no time getting into the vocals. It combines the styles of first two remixes perfectly with the emphasis on lyrics and the use of faster beats and different tunes overlaid together that compliment rather than cover the singers. The background beats are louder than in the “PNAU Remix” but because the song is shorter and uses little to no filler music between verses, it creates an impeccable overall sound. This remix also uses some piano that adds throwback feels for fans of John’s original releases, many of which include the instrument. 

The newest release of the song, “Claptone Remix” also uses elements similar to the other remixes but still creates its own unique sound. The beats used parallel the ones in “The Blessed Madonna Remix,” as they are quick and repetitive throughout the whole song. It does not have a drawn out introduction and begins the lyrics right away like “PS1 Remix,” though it does spread out the verses with pre and post chorus musical interludes. This version of the song is a happy medium between all of its predecessors as it does not over or under use vocals or background music. It is the only remix to make some of the lyrics skip before the verse begins but it is done smoothly and does not take away from the singers. 

Overall, of the four remixes released so far, each has its own sound and takes advantage of different aspects of the beautiful vocals recorded by John and Lipa. There is a version for every type of music listener, with emphasis on lyrics or beats or both. “Claptone Remix” and “PNAU Remix” give more care-free summer vibes, while “The Blessed Madonna Remix” makes you want to get up and dance. “PS1 Remix” is perfect for those looking for a solid collaboration between two outstanding artists with an upbeat, feel good vibe. The remixes give fans a glimpse as to what John’s album will be like and what they should expect. Considering the incredible preview given by John and Lipa, everyone who heard the songs will now be counting down the days until “The Lockdown Sessions” releases on Oct. 22. 

Image from Elton John via YouTube