When Lady Gaga announced a remix album based on her chart-topping album “Born This Way” last month, one artist on the track list immediately raised some eyebrows: mysterious R&B phenom the Weeknd. Three weeks before the disc’s Nov. 21 release, the Weeknd’s dark, brooding version of Gaga’s “Marry The Night” has hit the web through Gaga, with Illangelo scoring a co-star credit on the remix.
The Weeknd has turned the pop star’s opening declaration on “Born This Way” into a woozy gospel anthem, with skittish drums and echoing backing vocals behind Gaga’s powerful voice. Abel Tesfaye’s voice can be heard in spots on the song, adding a occasional “Ooh yeah” and thoughtful moan, and at the 2:20 the song collapses on itself and ditches the percussion for infrequent piano notes.
Along with the Weeknd & Illangelo’s “Marry The Night” reworking, Gaga’s remix album will feature contributions from Foster The People, Metronomy, Goldfrapp and Michael Woods. The Weeknd — who will next be featured on his buddy Drake‘s sophomore album “Take Care” — has also remixed Florence & the Machine‘s recent single, “Shake It Out.”
Check out the original version of “Marry The Night” below: