Habits (Stay High) – Tove Lo – Hippie Sabotage Remix

“Habits (Stay High)” is a song by Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo that delves deep into the raw emotions of heartache, addiction, and the need for escape. Released in 2014 as part of her debut album Queen of the Clouds, the track quickly gained widespread attention, particularly with the release of its remix by the American production duo Hippie Sabotage. This remix propelled the song into the global spotlight, transforming it into an anthem for those grappling with the pain of lost love and the desperate attempts to cope with the aftermath.

The Original Song: An Exploration of Emotional Turmoil

The original version of “Habits (Stay High)” is a powerful exploration of the coping mechanisms people often resort to in the face of heartbreak. Tove Lo’s candid lyrics detail her struggle to numb the pain of a breakup through a series of destructive behaviors, including binge drinking, casual hookups, and substance abuse. The chorus, with its repetitive mantra “You’re gone and I gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind,” encapsulates the core message of the song: the use of temporary distractions to avoid confronting deeper emotional pain.

Musically, the original track is characterized by its pulsating beat and synth-heavy production, which serve as a backdrop to Tove Lo’s haunting vocals. The juxtaposition of the upbeat tempo with the dark lyrical content creates a sense of inner conflict, mirroring the protagonist’s attempts to appear unfazed while internally struggling with overwhelming emotions.

Hippie Sabotage Remix: Elevating the Song’s Emotional Intensity

The Hippie Sabotage remix of “Habits (Stay High)” takes the original track and amplifies its emotional intensity, transforming it into a haunting and ethereal experience. The remix slows down the tempo, stripping away the upbeat elements and replacing them with a more minimalistic, ambient sound. This shift in musical style allows the lyrics to take center stage, emphasizing the despair and longing conveyed by Tove Lo’s vocals.

One of the most striking aspects of the remix is its use of reverb and echo effects, which create a sense of space and isolation. The production duo’s decision to focus on the atmospheric elements of the song gives it a dreamlike quality, making the listener feel as though they are drifting through the hazy fog of Tove Lo’s emotional state. The remix also introduces a subtle yet impactful bassline that underscores the melancholy of the lyrics, adding to the overall mood of introspection and sadness.

The Hippie Sabotage remix is a masterclass in how to reinterpret a song without losing its essence. While the original track is powerful in its own right, the remix offers a different perspective on the same emotions, making the experience more immersive for the listener. The slower tempo and ambient production allow the song’s themes of escapism and self-destruction to resonate more deeply, turning it into a cathartic experience for those who relate to its message.

Impact and Reception

The release of the Hippie Sabotage remix marked a turning point for both Tove Lo and the production duo. The remix quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, with its accompanying music video becoming a viral hit. The visual portrayal of Tove Lo’s night out, filled with debauchery and excess, perfectly complements the song’s themes of self-medication and avoidance. The video’s raw and unfiltered depiction of the singer’s emotional turmoil resonated with audiences, contributing to the song’s widespread appeal.

The success of the remix helped propel “Habits (Stay High)” to the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s popularity was further cemented by its inclusion in numerous playlists and its frequent airplay on radio stations around the world. For Tove Lo, “Habits (Stay High)” became a defining moment in her career, establishing her as a bold and unflinching voice in the pop music landscape.

The remix also had a significant impact on Hippie Sabotage’s career, introducing them to a global audience and solidifying their reputation as innovative producers capable of transforming existing tracks into entirely new experiences. Their work on “Habits (Stay High)” demonstrated their ability to tap into the emotional core of a song and enhance its impact through thoughtful and creative production choices.

Cultural Significance

“Habits (Stay High)” and its Hippie Sabotage remix hold a special place in the cultural zeitgeist of the 2010s, particularly among young adults navigating the complexities of modern relationships. The song’s candid exploration of unhealthy coping mechanisms struck a chord with listeners who had experienced similar struggles, making it an anthem for those dealing with the fallout of a breakup or the challenges of self-medication.

The remix’s success also reflects the growing influence of electronic music in mainstream pop during this period. By blending elements of ambient, trap, and electronic music with Tove Lo’s pop sensibilities, Hippie Sabotage helped bridge the gap between different musical genres, contributing to the broader trend of genre-blending that defined much of the decade’s music.

Moreover, “Habits (Stay High)” became a symbol of emotional vulnerability and authenticity in pop music. Tove Lo’s willingness to confront difficult emotions head-on, without sugarcoating or romanticizing them, resonated with a generation of listeners seeking music that spoke to their real-life experiences. The song’s unfiltered portrayal of heartache and the search for solace through self-destructive behaviors highlighted the importance of addressing mental health and emotional well-being in a world that often encourages suppression and denial.

Conclusion

The Hippie Sabotage remix of Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” is a powerful reimagining of an already impactful song. Through its ethereal production and emphasis on emotional depth, the remix enhances the song’s exploration of heartache, escapism, and the search for temporary relief from pain. The success of the remix not only helped to elevate Tove Lo’s career but also demonstrated the power of electronic music to convey complex emotions and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

“Habits (Stay High)” remains a timeless anthem for anyone who has struggled with the aftermath of a breakup or the challenges of finding healthy ways to cope with emotional pain. Its raw honesty and haunting beauty continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the most memorable and impactful songs of the 2010s.

Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh

Stayin’ in my play pretend
Where the fun ain’t got no end
Stayin’ in my play pretend
Where the fun ain’t got no end
Stayin’ in my play pretend
Where the fun ain’t got no end
Oh, ooh
Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain
Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain
Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain
Oh, ooh

Stayin’ in my play pretend
Where the fun ain’t got no end, uh, oh-oh
Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain

You’re gone and I gotta stay high
All the time, to k-, high, to k-
High all the time, to k-, high, to k-
High all the time
To keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
High all the time, to k-, high, to k-
High all the time, to k-, high, to k-
High all the time
To keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh

Stayin’ in my play pretend
Where the fun ain’t got no end, uh, oh-oh
Can’t go home alone again
Need someone to numb the pain

Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh