Avicii's 10 Best Original Songs

Avicii is one of the most polarizing names in all of dance music. For many, he's wrongly considered the face of everything that's wrong with dance mus

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Complex Original

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Avicii is one of the most polarizing names in all of dance music. For many, he's wrongly considered the face of everything that's wrong with dance music. We don't agree. Sure his music will often be the first stop for many new fans of dance music and his most recent work will often be derisively called EDM, but we're not buying that. Avicii has made some dope music over the years and we feel it'd be a disservice to let you think otherwise. Don't believe us? Take a look at his 10 best original works.

Avicii - "Levels"

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Label: Universal Music

Year: 2011

There's really no explanation needed here.

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Tim Berg - "Bromance (Avicii's Arena Mix)"

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Label: Ministry of Sound
Year: 2010

I'm a sucker for female vocals, but this one is perfect without it. The sheer simplcity of the lead is beautiful enough on it's own that it can immediately transport you to a fantasy world.

Avicii ft. Salem Al Fakir - "Silhouettes (Avicii's Exclusive Ralph Lauren Mix)"

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Label: Ralph Lauren Corporation/ LE7ELS / Universal Music

Year: 2012

Though he's caught a lot of undue flack for his partnership with Ralph Lauren, Avicii still managed to put out this oft-unnoticed version of his hit "Silhouettes." The "Exclusive Ralph Lauren Mix" does away with the soul samples and big room builds, and instead delivers this silky smooth progressive house gem.

Avicii - "Fade Into Darkness" / "Penguin" / "Collide"

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Label: Ministry of Sound

Year: 2011

After first appearing as an instrumental called "Penguin" this tune went through two iterations, including the Leona Lewis-collaboration "Collide" and the most famous vocal version, "Fade Into Darkness." Although no track will ever be as signtaure as "Levels," "Fade Into Darkness" might take a close second here as one of his most recognizable.

Avicii vs. Lenny Kravitz - "Superlove"

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Label: LE7ELS / Big Beat

Year: 2012

Avicii and Lenny Kravitz might have seemed like an odd combination at first glance, but there's no question "Superlove" was one of the most infectious tunes of 2012. There's also no question that a name like Avicii attracks immediate and indiscriminate harsh judgment, but this song defies any of that. We hope you didn't miss out on it because Avicii's name bothered you.

Tim Berg - "Alcoholic"

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Label: Joia Records

Year: 2009

Before he was Avicii, he was Tim Berg. As Tim Berg, Avicii released numerous tracks including the wonderfully hip-shaking "Alcoholic." The track has been remixed by CAZZETTE, Alesso, Dada Life and countless others. It was one of Avicii's first big breaks and still remains a relevant track today as it touches on the big room sound.

Avicii vs. Nicky Romero - "Nicktim"

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Label: LE7ELS

Year: 2012

I like to pretend "I Could Be The One" doesn't even exist, and that this is the only version out there. Mixing the Swede's style with the Dutch Nicky Romero, the two gracefully sample the French in Justice's famous "D.A.N.C.E." chorus. Avicii's euphoric melodies, Romeros's rock-steady percussion and of course the fun of Justice makes for quite a special track.

David Guetta & Avicii - "Sunshine"

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Label: Astralwerks / Capitol

Year: 2011

Most of Avicii's song include some vocal in one way or another, and this is the case for David Guetta too. So how does it make any sense that the two make an instrumental gem in "Sunshine?" Well that's because despite what haters like to think, these two producers are some of the best in the game. Avicii and Guetta combine an undeniable knack for pop with the ever-popular big room sound. The track is refreshing and devoid of any trite vocals and we'll still gladly dance to this when it comes on.

Avicii & Philgood - "Record Breaker (Original Mix)"

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Label: Vicious Grooves

Year: 2009

For those who blindly hate on Avicii, you won't even believe that the same guy who made Levels made this track. Collaborating with Philgood, Avicii made this groovy tech number in 2009 and it helped him grab the attention of his fellow DJs. The sparse melodic elements in this track are pieces of what would become Avicii's signature sound. A minimal euphoric nature pervades this feel good track and is definitely some of Avicii's best work.

Avicii - "Malo"

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Label: Vicious Grooves

Year: 2010

Sampling the flamenco track of the same name, Avicii put forth this sexy number in 2009. The track shows that Avicii wasn't always just making those pop-ified big room jams, but instead making some real down low house music. It's one thing to dislike Avicii for some of his recent tracks (although I think you're just a cold one if you can't get into it), but these ones show he actually does know what's up.

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