About The Song
While the original version of Reba McEntire‘s “Turn On The Radio” was released in 2010 on her album All the Women I Am, the Tracy Young Remix offers a vibrant and contemporary reimagining of the country hit. This remix, officially released in 2021 as part of the Revived Remixed Revisited project and later included in the 2022 Reba McEntire: Celebrating Pride album, injects a high-energy dance sensibility into the song, broadening its appeal to a wider audience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
Tracy Young, a Grammy-winning DJ and producer known for her electrifying remixes across various genres, takes the core elements of the original country track – its catchy melody and Reba’s powerful vocals – and reconstructs them within a pulsating dance framework. This remix isn’t about erasing the song’s country roots but rather about reinterpreting them through a different sonic lens, creating a fusion that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The remix typically features a driving beat, layered electronic textures, and a more prominent bassline, transforming the original’s country-rock feel into a club-ready anthem. Young expertly manipulates the tempo and arrangement, building energy and creating moments of dynamic release. The focus remains on Reba’s strong vocal performance, often highlighting key phrases and adding echo or other effects to enhance their impact within the dance context.
This version of “Turn On The Radio” retains the core narrative of the original song, which centers around a woman who finds solace and empowerment in music after a breakup. The act of turning on the radio becomes a symbolic gesture of moving on and finding strength in the shared experience of song. However, Tracy Young’s remix amplifies the feeling of liberation and independence, making it a perfect track for dancing and celebrating self-reliance.
The inclusion of the Tracy Young Remix on the Celebrating Pride album underscores its appeal within the LGBTQ+ community, where dance music often plays a significant role in self-expression and celebration. Young has a long history of creating popular remixes for iconic female artists, and her take on Reba McEntire’s hit fits comfortably within that tradition.
For longtime fans of Reba McEntire, the Tracy Young Remix offers a fresh and exciting way to experience a familiar song. It demonstrates the versatility of her music and her willingness to embrace new interpretations. For those who might not typically gravitate towards country music, this remix provides an accessible entry point, highlighting the strength of the song’s melody and Reba’s undeniable vocal talent within a more contemporary dance context.
In conclusion, the Tracy Young Remix of Reba McEntire‘s “Turn On The Radio” is a vibrant and energetic reimagining that successfully blends country roots with a contemporary dancefloor sensibility. Released in 2021/2022 and remixed by the acclaimed Tracy Young, this version revitalizes the popular track, offering a fresh perspective for longtime fans and potentially attracting a new audience through its infectious beat and empowering message. It stands as a testament to the enduring quality of the song and the transformative power of a well-crafted remix.