Today marks five years since EDM legend Avicii passed away, but his legacy still lives on. Since his debut in the music industry, the Swedish DJ wowed audiences with his original beats. From his breakthrough song “Levels” to the posthumous “SOS,” Avicii and his music will live on forever. To honor the artist, let’s go down memory lane and listen to some of his best songs.
“Wake Me up”
Avicii’s most popular song, “Wake Me up,” inspired a generation of music fans with its release in 2013. That year, everywhere you’d go, you’d hear the track. Aloe Blacc wrote the song during a flight, and he also provided vocals. The week “Wake Me up” came out, it peaked at number four in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the start of a great era for the DJ. “Wake Me up” opened the path for Avicii to become one of the most famous artists in the EDM genre.
“Waiting for Love”
In this 2015 track, Simon Aldred, lead singer of Cherry Ghost, sings over Avicii’s iconic production about desperately trying to find that special someone. The music video is also one of Avicii’s best; the main character is an elderly man who goes on a journey to seek out his wife. Co-written by Avicii, “Waiting for Love” was also penned by Aldred, Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare, and Martin Garrix. With lyrics like “if there’s love in this life we’re unstoppable / No, we can’t be defeated,” the track has become a favorite in Avicii’s fandom.
“The Nights”
An extremely positive song, “The Nights” has become a staple in any club that plays EDM. The energetic tune is about living life to the fullest and not drowning in regret. It’s also an ode to fathers and the wisdom they pass on to their offspring. Listening to this track will make you want to venture out into the world and just enjoy life. “The Nights” includes the fan-favorite lyric “one day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember,” which also represents Avicii’s legacy as a musician.
“The Days”
One of Avicii’s most popular songs, “The Days” is about finding love after losing hope in it. The track inspires listeners to take risks even if they’re scared about what will happen next. “These are the days we won’t regret / These are the days we’ll never forget,” Robbie Williams sings. Apart from the released version, there’s also an alternate rendition of “The Days” with The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers, who wrote the song, on vocals.
“Heaven”
Created in 2014, “Heaven” features vocals from Coldplay’s very own Chris Martin, marking the second collaboration between Martin and Avicii, who also co-wrote and co-produced the bands’ hit “A Sky Full of Stars.” The track was supposed to be part of Avicii’s second studio album, Stories; however, it didn’t make the cut. A year after the DJ’s sudden death, “Heaven” came out as the third single off Avicii’s posthumous album TIM. Unbeknownst at the time of its creation, “Heaven” would become an ode to the artist with lyrics like “I think I just died and went to heaven.” The music video also serves as a tribute to the late DJ and a way to remember him for his loved ones and his fans.
Without a doubt, Avicii will continue to live on through the music he created, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
