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Swedish DJ and producer Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was a musical genius who left an indelible mark on the electronic dance music scene. His melodies transcended genres, and his albums have become anthems for a generation. I’ve been following his work for years, and it’s clear that each album has its own story to tell.
From the breakout success of “True” to the posthumous poignancy of “TIM,” Avicii’s discography is a rollercoaster of emotive highs and reflective lows. I’ve taken on the task of ranking his albums, not just by their chart-topping hits, but by their overall impact and the legacy they carry.
Diving into Avicii’s albums is like exploring a treasure trove of groundbreaking beats and heart-tugging lyrics. So, let’s kick off this journey through his musical landscape and see which albums hit the highest notes in his all-too-short, yet profoundly influential career.
1. “True” – Avicii’s Breakout Success
When I think of Avicii’s discography, “True” stands out as the cornerstone of his breakout success. Released in 2013, this album marked a turning point not just for Avicii but for the entire genre of EDM. Its blend of folk influences with electronic beats was revolutionary, setting a trend for what many would call folktronica.
“True” charged up the charts with tracks like “Wake Me Up” and “Hey Brother,” which quickly became not just hits but anthems. These songs showcased Avicii’s ability to craft dance music with soulful elements, earning him critical acclaim and a legion of fans. The album’s unique sound was a bold move that paid off, reflecting Avicii’s penchant for innovation and his ear for crossover appeal.
Major Hits and Acclaim
- “Wake Me Up” peaked at No. 1 in 22 countries
- “Hey Brother” cemented itself as a chart-topper worldwide
- “Addicted to You”
- “Lay Me Down” featuring Adam Lambert and Nile Rodgers
- “You Make Me”
Avicii’s “True” wasn’t just a collection of tracks; it was a narrative that spoke volumes about his growth as an artist and his vision for music. Each song served as a chapter in a larger story about breaking barriers and defying genres. The collaborations on the album, with artists like Aloe Blacc and Dan Tyminski, also highlighted Avicii’s range and his ability to seamlessly merge different musical styles.
The impact of “True” on EDM culture is hard to overstate. It opened doors for other artists to explore new realms within the genre, influencing countless producers and DJs. I’ve watched the ripple effects of Avicii’s creativity unfold over the years and it’s clear that “True” was not just a pivotal moment for him but for the music industry at large.
2. “Stories” – Continuing the Journey
After the groundbreaking success of “True,” I turned my attention to Avicii’s next chapter: “Stories.” Released in 2015, this album was tasked with the formidable challenge of following up on the meteoric rise of its predecessor. I found “Stories” to be a testament to Avicii’s evolving sound, with the artist bringing refined production techniques and fresh vocal collaborations to the forefront.
The album’s sound is undeniably Avicii, yet it’s evident he wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. Instead, he explored broader musical landscapes, incorporating a wide range of influences. Tracks like “Waiting for Love” and “Broken Arrows” blend anthemic choruses with emotional lyrics, while “Touch Me” provides insight into Avicii’s ability to meld introspective themes with infectious rhythms. Each song seemed to carry a piece of Avicii’s narrative, portraying the highs and lows of the artist’s personal and professional experiences.
Critical reception for “Stories” was generally positive, with many highlighting the diversity of the album’s musical offerings. Despite facing the inevitable comparisons to “True,” “Stories” earned its own accolades and respect amongst fans and critics alike. It didn’t just echo the success of Avicii’s debut; it built upon it.
I’ve often looked at the sales figures for “Stories” as an indicator of its impact; it debuted within the top ten in multiple countries, proving that Avicii’s appeal had only grown. Charting songs from the album fortified Avicii’s reputation for creating emotive dance music.
| Song Title | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|
| Waiting for Love | Top 10 in 22 countries |
| Broken Arrows | Charted in Europe & North America |
3. “TIM” – A Posthumous Poignancy
“TIM,” released in 2019, stands as a bittersweet addition to Avicii’s discography. This posthumous album, named after Avicii’s birth name – Tim Bergling – is a mosaic of unreleased tracks that the artist was working on before his untimely passing in April 2018. “TIM” resonated deeply with fans and served as a poignant tribute to Avicii’s remarkable talent and the legacy he left behind.
The production of the album was overseen by a careful selection of Avicii’s closest collaborators. They were tasked with the job of completing the album in a way that would honor Avicii’s creative vision. Each track feels intricately tied to his artistic ethos; there’s a clear throughline of his passion for blending genres and pushing the boundaries of what electronic music could be.
“TIM” is replete with emotionally charged hits like “SOS” featuring Aloe Blacc, which debuted in the top ten on music charts in over 15 countries. The track “Heaven,” a collaboration with Chris Martin of Coldplay, showcases Avicii’s signature melodic craftsmanship, representing the album’s reflective and celebratory tone.
Key collaborations on “TIM” also include names such as Imagine Dragons, with the emotionally laden track “Heart Upon My Sleeve,” and the tender “Tough Love” featuring Agnes, Vargas & Lagola, which reveals Avicii’s interest in exploring diverse sounds and cultures – a consistent trend seen throughout his work.
“TIM” navigates through a variety of emotions: from glimpses of his struggles to the celebration of life. It’s a complex tapestry of the human experience, encapsulated within the medium Avicii knew best: music.
While “TIM” may not have had Avicii there to fully see through its completion, the tracks present within the album certainly complement the growth and diversity of sound that his previous albums, like “True” and “Stories,” laid the groundwork for. This album, symbolizing a final farewell, provides listeners with a chance to connect with Avicii’s enduring spirit.
4. “Levels” – Iconic Tracks
“Levels” isn’t just an album; it’s a milestone in electronic music history. Released in 2011, this EP catapulted Avicii into international stardom, thanks to the eponymous lead single that became synonymous with his name. “Levels” samples the soulful voice of Etta James, and its infectious rhythm has energized dance floors and festivals worldwide. The track’s iconic status isn’t merely anecdotal; it’s a certified hit that dominates streaming services and playlists even today.
The EP doesn’t relent after its stellar opening. Tracks like “Street Dancer” and “Fade into Darkness” showcase Avicii’s ability to blend captivating melodies with danceable beats. They demonstrate his knack for producing tracks that appeal not only to electronic dance music enthusiasts but also to mainstream audiences.
- Lead Single: “Levels”
- Notable Tracks:
- “Street Dancer””Fade into Darkness”
What’s particularly remarkable about “Levels” is the way it reflects Avicii’s signature sound—a fusion of electronic with hints of soul and progressive house. It’s this unique sound that has inspired a generation of producers and ensured that Avicii’s influence will endure in the music industry.
Sales and streaming figures for “Levels” are a testament to its enduring popularity:
| Year | Sales | Streams |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Over 1 million | N/A |
| 2012 – 2017 | Several million | Hundreds of millions |
| 2018 – Present | Continuous sales | Steady stream growth |
My journey through Avicii’s discography reaffirms that “Levels” was more than just a collection of tracks—it was the embodiment of a new era in EDM. The innovative mix of sounds and the masterful production set a new bar for DJs and producers, as well as for what audiences came to expect from dance music. It’s clear that “Levels” is not just an EP to be played; it’s an experience to be lived.
5. Conclusion: Avicii’s Legacy and Impact
Avicii’s “Levels” wasn’t just a breakthrough in my music library—it was a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the EDM landscape. It’s clear that this album isn’t merely a set of tracks but a milestone that continues to influence the music industry. Avicii’s genius in merging melody with beat created a blueprint that artists still follow today. His legacy lives on through the timeless sound of “Levels,” a true testament to his talent and impact on music lovers around the world.