On Oct. 10, PinkPantheress released the remix album “Fancy Some More?” — the follow-up to her sophomore mixtape “Fancy That.” The expanded album is divided into three discs that explore new twists on popular sounds.
The first disc features a dozen vocalists spanning multiple genres. Collaborators include R&B singer Ravyn Lenae and hip-hop soloist JT, both of whom performed at this past year’s Spring Weekend.
The first disc opens with the same instrumentals that back “Fancy That” hit song “Illegal,” but instead of hearing PinkPantheress’ viral introduction — “My name is Pink and I’m really glad to meet you” — listeners are greeted with Brazilian popstar Anitta’s own rendition of the iconic opening. “My name’s Larissa, aunque tengo otro nombre,” Anitta sings, marking the start of her verse that blends Spanish and English and is the perfect icebreaker to the conversational song. Anitta’s vocals engage with PinkPantheress’s throughout the track, breathing air into the chorus.
“Stars + Yves,” the first disc’s fifth song, is equally delightful. After PinkPantheress sings, “It’s getting darker in the city,” the sound changes, and South Korean singer Yves brings a new energy to the track. Throughout her short verse, Yves dangles the song in suspension while her cold vocals reverberate over a warm, steady heartbeat. As the track speeds up, the melody seamlessly rolls back into PinkPantheress’s hands — a testament to the pair’s natural chemistry.
JT’s rendition of “Noises” is another immediate favorite. With a nearly palpable momentum, “Noises + JT” springboards off the first chorus and slips into an addicting rap.
The most streamed remix from the release, “Stateside + Zara Larsson,” continues the first disc’s high-energy sound, elevating the original track from a pop earworm to a hot and throbbing anthem fit for the runway. Larsson struts through her verse, singing: “Boots, that’s my ego boost / Schedule ain’t been loose for a minute / Yeah, I’m that girl, I’ve been it.”
The disc shifts tempo in “Romeo + Ravyn Lenae,” with the track slowing to an instrumental that compliments Lenae’s smooth, yet sparkling sound. Echoes of saxophone flirt with overlapping harmonies that soften the song and give it a sensual edge. But, the song is followed by another rendition of “Romeo” that fails to match up to Lenae’s. British alt-pop singer Rachel Chinouriri’s deeper register squirms under the higher key of the song, and the fast tempo makes her long, belted notes feel out of place.
While the first disc serves to embellish the tracks’ pre-existing sounds, the second aims to subvert it entirely. Each song is reimagined by a producer, made to be blasted through speakers at a rave or on a dance floor aglow with LED lights.
Of the second disc’s 10 tracks, “Girl Like Me + Kaytranada” stands out. The repetition of the lyric “Let it all go” is hypnotic against the thumping percussion and muted synths. London-based producers Nia Archives, Basement Jaxx and Sega Bodega also mix innovative renditions of “Illegal,” “Tonight” and “Nice to Know You,” respectively.
Although singers tend to release unnecessary remixes of their latest album to manufacture streams on music platforms, “Fancy Some More?” is a worthy addition to PinkPantheress’s discography. By working with a diverse selection of up-and-coming artists, PinkPantheress is able to test out new styles while honoring her signature hyperpop sound.
