Billy Cullum Transforms Britney’s “Born To Make You Happy” Into An Electro-Tinged Dance Track: Premiere

[Jordan Miller]

A must-listen.

Flashback your Friday with this fierce re-working of Baby One More Time cut "Born To Make You Happy."

Indie pop artist Billy Cullum took Britney's 1999 hit single and updated it to sound like something The Chainsmokers or Zedd would put forth (in a good way). Cullum stripped out the original's sugary production for atmospheric drums, dreamy synths and a warbly chipmunk background vocal; it sounds brand new.

"Growing up I was fascinated with Britney Spears," Cullum tells BreatheHeavy.com. "She’s the ultimate pop princess. Her songs are iconic and her visuals elevate each song to another level. I don’t think theres a female pop artist that has a repertoire quite like hers."

As for why he chose to breathe new life into "Born to Make You Happy," Cullum says the song doesn't get enough recognition. "It’s full of heart ache and desire which is something I love about pop music," he continued. "I want people to remember how incredible the song is. I want it to feel nostalgic but inject my style into it. It’s a rework I’m really proud of because it pays homage to Britney’s original whilst adding a really current twist."

This is a must-listen. Hear it below:



Liked it? Cullum has plans to release his forthcoming album, Lonely Hearts Club, in September.

Thoughts on the "Born To Make You Happy" cover? Let us know in Exhale.

And while you're at it... leave a comment and follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

[mrjspears]

Awww booo! I stopped listening as soon as I heard his voice. Thought it was reworked with Britney's vocals 

[avaaa]

[PussyLova]

its really bad

[traviscounty.]

Damn thought he remixed the original 

[falka]

hideous

[MissDarcy]

I'm in love with Brit's music since the beginning, BTMYH is on my top 5 favorites. 

But here it's just not good enough... 

Agree with first comment ! Thought it was a remix, like the Rihanna 90's one 

[gabrielbssss]

I loved the chorus.

[marrecarney]

meh... it really sounds off, especially the chorus. you really can't put melodic lyrics to this kind of instrumental. that's why chainsmokers, lany, etc have vocals that are mostly flat and like two notes up and down.

[CristMont]

[DMVofficial]

I think this would be so good with modern Britney vocals. I still don't think it would work as a remix, her '99 vocals just don't match the production. It's a good concept though! Also you should change the title from "transforms" to "covers". People are automatically going to be disappointed when they don't hear Britney's vocals. 

[Peter Pan]

I quite like it. Like the idea a lot but I feel it misses something. But I definitely don't think it's that bad. Ofcourse since I'm a Britney fan I'd prefer Britney vocals however I still enjoyed it. 

Loved the first verse, worked really well!! didn't like the pre Chorus as much. Chorus was ok

[Xhesiko]

Wasnt expecting much base on the comments. To my surprise I ended up I liking it. I like it a lot actually. On my third listen now. Lol! 

I guess I'm the only one who likes it then. I like when men with manly voice sing Britney's song.

The OG is still better though. 

[BritneyJeanSpearsOfficial]

 I thought I was gonna hear Britney vocals

but it's really cool and faded   

[---]

i thought it was gonna be britney. i should learn to read.

[GirlOnTheMoon]

Wow this is actually pretty good! I like it 

[ohoney]

I don't know if i like it or not, but i was expecting a remix with her vocals.  

 

[ifuseekari]

I like it except for that "glitchy pop" sound every 3 sec. 

but BTMYH is an amazing song. Still love the original tbh 

[PokemonSpears]

Just as I said with that other guy that made Don't Go Knockin' on My Door (or was it this same guy?   ) :

 

Spoiler

Can someone put Britney's vocals on this one though? The beat is actually good

It's his voice what ruins it

 

 

 

[troubleguy]

expected brit vocals, so no, it didnt work