Five years ago, on April 20th, the world mourned the loss of Tim Bergling, known globally as Avicii. The news of his passing at just 28 years old deeply impacted the music community and fans worldwide. Avicii’s death by suicide in Muscat, Oman, triggered an outpouring of grief, with nearly four million tweets mentioning “Avicii” in the immediate aftermath. Even now, his music continues to resonate, and his influence on dance music remains undeniable.
The message board on the official Avicii website is a testament to his enduring legacy. Fans constantly leave messages expressing their connection to his music, from simple acknowledgements like “I miss you… Thank you for everything… And I will never ever forget you” to more profound statements such as “Ur songs kept me alive from the age of 9 until now and forever” and “I always indulge in your songs when I am down. They give me positivity and bravery.” These heartfelt messages underscore the profound impact Avicii’s songs had on listeners, offering solace, inspiration, and joy.
Artists and dance music brands also continue to commemorate Avicii’s contributions. Afrojack recently tweeted, “rip Avicii still play your music every show,” while Defected Records posted “Forever in our hearts” alongside an image of the iconic artist. This collective remembrance highlights the immeasurable impact of Tim Bergling and his music on the dance music scene and beyond. His tracks are still played extensively in festivals and clubs globally, a testament to their timeless quality and Avicii’s enduring artistry. In honor of his legacy, we’ve compiled a list of 15 essential Avicii Songs that showcase his brilliance and continue to captivate audiences.
1. Avicii Feat. Joe Janiak – “Bad Reputation”
Released on his posthumous 2019 album, Tim, “Bad Reputation” is a vibrant example of Avicii’s ability to craft infectious melodies. Featuring Joe Janiak’s compelling vocals and a supremely catchy hook, the song builds with waves of synth leading to an unforgettable drop characterized by slick marimba sounds. This track exemplifies Avicii’s signature blend of electronic elements with pop sensibilities, creating an earworm that lingers long after the song ends.
2. Avicii – “Street Dancer”
“Street Dancer,” a 2011 release, stands out as one of Avicii’s more unique productions. While it achieved chart success primarily in the Netherlands, this track reveals a harder, more experimental edge within his discography. Its distinctive ’80s tropical vibe, reminiscent of Miami Vice aesthetics with “neon palm trees,” sets it apart. The song’s retro flair is attributed to its sample of Break Machine’s 1983 hit “Street Dance.” For those seeking a deeper dive into Avicii’s diverse sound, “Street Dancer” is a must-listen.
3. Avicii – “True Believer”
“True Believer,” from the Stories album, is a testament to Avicii’s meticulous approach to music production. Reportedly, he created around 100 versions of this track, highlighting his dedication to perfection. Featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay on vocals for the chorus, “True Believer” reflects the more refined, streamlined sound Avicii explored on his 2015 LP. The collaboration with Martin brought a global appeal to the song, further showcasing Avicii’s ability to bridge electronic music with mainstream pop.
4. Coldplay – “A Sky Full Of Stars”
Although officially a Coldplay track, “A Sky Full Of Stars” is deeply intertwined with Avicii’s artistry. He co-wrote and co-produced this iconic song for Coldplay’s 2014 album, Ghost Stories. The song’s signature piano-driven build and euphoric drop are unmistakably Avicii’s touch, embodying the uplifting and blissful sound that defined his prolific period. Its inclusion in any list of essential Avicii songs is not just justified but necessary, recognizing his significant contribution to its creation.
5. Avicii Feat. Sebastian Drums – “My Feelings For You”
“My Feelings For You” is pure dance floor energy, a disco-infused track that radiates joy and exuberance. While it may not have reached the same chart heights as some of his other hits, it became an instant crowd-pleaser. Even DJs known for their alternative tastes embraced this track upon its release. Its appeal might stem from its origin as a remix of a song by the French band Cassius, blending Avicii’s energetic style with classic French touch influences, making it a favorite across diverse music scenes.
6. Avicii Feat. Sandro Cavazza – “Without You”
“Without You” is featured on Avicii’s six-track EP Avīci (01) and showcases his knack for creating catchy melodies and vibrant synth arrangements, reminiscent of his country-pop infused sound. The song features Swedish singer-songwriter Sandro Cavazza, with whom Avicii frequently collaborated. Cavazza’s vocals perfectly complement the track’s upbeat tempo and emotional depth, making “Without You” a standout example of Avicii’s later work and his ability to evolve his sound while retaining his signature melodic brilliance.
7. Avicii Feat. Noonie Bao – “Fades Away”
“Fades Away,” the closing track from Tim, is one of the most poignant and memorable songs in Avicii’s catalog. Completed posthumously by producers who were close to him, the song features Swedish singer Noonie Bao, whose vocals deliver the haunting lyrics, “don’t you love it how it all, it all just fades away?” These lyrics, penned by Bergling before his passing, add a layer of emotional weight to the track. The song’s tight drop, built from lush sonic textures, underscores its melancholic beauty and lasting impact.
8. Avicii – “Talk To Myself”
“Talk To Myself,” from the Stories era, exemplifies Avicii’s shift towards a more refined and cooler production style. During this period, he moved away from the massive EDM sound that initially defined him, embracing a tighter, more nuanced approach. The track begins with a dark synth and sparse disco strings, gradually incorporating rhythm guitar before expanding into an anthemic chorus. “Talk To Myself” is a prime example of Avicii’s genius-level understanding of melody and his ability to innovate within the electronic music landscape.
9. Avicii – “Hey Brother”
“Hey Brother,” from the album True, boldly showcased Avicii’s vision of inclusive dance music. The album explored the fusion of genres, and “Hey Brother” stands out as a remarkable example of country-pop blended with electronic dance music. Singer Dan Tyminski’s distinct bluegrass vocals layered over Avicii’s four-on-the-floor beat and bright synths created a unique and unforgettable sound. This track became a festival anthem, proving the surprising and successful combination of country and EDM could resonate globally. Be warned, the music video is known for its emotional depth and may evoke strong feelings.
10. Tim Berg – “Seek Bromance”
“Seek Bromance” is a classic track that takes us back to Avicii’s early days when he was still known as Tim Berg. Despite the moniker, “Seek Bromance” is undeniably recognized as one of the best songs in Avicii’s extensive catalog. It achieved international success, charting in 20 countries and reaching number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Released over 12 years ago, its influence is palpable in countless feel-good house tracks that followed, solidifying its place as a foundational track in modern dance music.
11. Avicii – “Silhouettes”
“Silhouettes” possesses an undeniable charm with its driving beat, ethereal melody, and the smoky vocals of Swedish singer Salem Al Fakir. Listening to it evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, perhaps for 2011, when Avicii mania was first sweeping the globe. This was one of those tracks that, even if initially underappreciated by some, quickly became irresistible, prompting spontaneous fist-pumping and sing-alongs. “Silhouettes” captures the early energy of Avicii’s rise to fame and his knack for creating instantly engaging music.
12. Avicii Feat. Nicky Romero – “I Could Be The One”
“I Could Be The One,” featuring Nicky Romero, boasts one of the most instantly recognizable melodies of 2012. The song oscillates between moments of sweet, uplifting euphoria and powerful, energetic drops, making it a dynamic and captivating listen. An interesting tidbit: the instrumental version initially sampled Justice’s iconic anthem “D.A.N.C.E.,” though this sample was removed for the final release. The track was a global smash, charting in 22 countries and dominating Billboard charts, including reaching the top of the US Dance Club list, cementing its status as a defining track of the era.
13. Avicii – “Fade Into Darkness”
“Fade Into Darkness” is often overshadowed by the global phenomenon of “Levels,” but it predates that track and is a crucial piece in understanding Avicii’s musical evolution. Listening to “Fade Into Darkness” today, one can discern the nascent stages of Avicii’s country-western influences beginning to emerge. By simply replacing the piano with an acoustic guitar, this anthem could easily transition into one of the cross-genre hits that characterized his later work, showcasing his early experimentation with blending different musical styles.
14. Avicii – “Wake Me Up”
The debut of “Wake Me Up” at Ultra Music Festival in Miami in 2013 is now legendary within the dance music community. It was a pivotal “collective head-scratch moment” as Avicii daringly merged country music with electronic dance music, a concept previously unheard of in the genre. This bold move paved the way for countless artists to explore cross-genre collaborations and solidified Avicii as a true innovator, unafraid to break boundaries and redefine the sound of dance music.
15. Avicii – “Levels”
Twelve years after its release, “Levels” remains an undisputed anthem of dance music and a defining track of the EDM era. “Levels” introduced a new generation to the iconic vocals of Etta James through its sample and became a top 10 hit in 15 countries, topping charts in both Sweden and the United States. It continues to ignite dance floors at parties and festivals worldwide, demonstrating its timeless appeal. “Levels” is more than just a song; it is a cultural phenomenon, universally recognized and quintessential Avicii, encapsulating his energy, innovation, and enduring impact on music.
