We were very lucky to get a chance to listen to Avicii’s new LP, “True (Avicii by Avicii)” ahead of it’s release. The album overall is just remixes by Avicii, you get more of the traditional Avicii sound many craved without really shying away too much from the originals. The LP consists of 9 remixes of tracks off #TRUE; excluding “Heart Upon My Sleeve”, “Long Road To Hell” and “Edom” The LP is set to release digitally on March 24th, 2014, can’t wait? Pre-Order it on iTunes today!
(Reviewed: Full LP)
01. Wake Me Up (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Very different from the original with respect to what genre it would fall under but, Avicii has done this without sacrificing the feel. This version of “Wake Me Up” reminds me more of that original Avicii sound that I was first introduced to. It feels a bit slower than original but, it isn’t a bad thing — it works well with Aloe Blacc’s vocals. On the bit more obvious side, the song is longer than the original by almost 3 minutes. What I really enjoyed about this track is that it had a guitar solo which was a nice touch.
02. You Make Me (Avicii By Avicii):
Avicii stripped this track down to the vocals and created a totally different track when compared to the original. The feel is more of Nu Disco track as compared to the Avicii style Progressive found in the original. What I personally did not like about this version is the 80s videogame style pitter patter in the Background but, I found as the more you listen to it the more you start to feel it and everything starts to fit. If you really liked the original version, give this version a chance before throwing it out the window.
03. Hey Brother (Avicii By Avicii):
Starts off roughly the same but, the vocals are different. They are less country-styled and a bit softer which, although different, works pretty well. This version has a drop; instead of the brass coming in fully, it turns into a nice buildup that leads to a Progressive beat with a catchy synth. Again, when compared to the original, this version is a bit longer too.
04. Addicted To You (Avicii By Avicii):
Besides the different styled intros, what stood out to me was that there is more piano action going on during the vocals than the original which has more guitar. The rest of the track is a bit more energetic than the original — a definite crowd pleaser.
05. Dear Boy (Avicii By Avicii):
*Cue Futurama Fry Meme* Not sure if same vocalist with pitch turned up slightly or totally new vocalist following the same singing style. The track is slower than the original which gives it a slight Nu Disco feel at first but, still retains some Progressive House elements. Unlike some of the other tracks, this version is shorter than the original.
06. Liar Liar (Avicii By Avicii):
Don’t worry, you won’t have to turn down your volume immediately with this version. It starts off softly with a guitar-light lead intro, it reminds me of a 80s ballad but with an Avicii twist (obviously). The part originally sung by a female vocalist, is sung by a male one but he follows that same soft and light style. What caught me off guard was the layering of the higher pitched vocals on top of the male vocals but, it wasn’t annoying or anything just different. Overall, a pretty decent track.
07. Shame On Me (Avicii By Avicii):
Bassy Funk and sampled vocals. Not necessarily a festival type track but, it is still an enjoyable one. It was a bit short but, nevertheless it was still pretty good. Not the most memorable track on the LP but, it wasn’t bad either.
08. Lay Me Down (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Sorry Adam Lambert fans, his vocals aren’t on this version but, the female vocals that replace it still keep that soul and style that made the original great. The Nile Rodgers funk is replaced by Avicii’s Progressive sounds. The combination of the female vocals and the Avicii instrumental kind of remind of the classic, “Show Me Love” by Robin S.
09. Hope Theres Someone (Ft. Linnea Henriksson) (Avicii By Avicii): STAFF PICK
Keeping the same intro and vocals as the original, Avicii doesn’t really change much. Except for that drop. A well pronounced kick with an almost brass-like synth that is sure to make this remix one of the most successful ones off this LP. I really enjoyed this one; very simple but it just works so well. A great club track, crowds will love this at his shows.
Is it worth the purchase?
Yes, if you like Avicii’s Pre-True Album sound, this remix LP is a must have. If you don’t feel like dropping $6.99 on the LP, purchase “09. Hope Theres Someone (Ft. Linnea Henriksson) (Avicii By Avicii)”, “08. Lay Me Down (Avicii By Avicii)” and “01. Wake Me Up (Avicii By Avicii)” these songs are definite must haves.
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars
AVAILABLE 03.24.2014
Catch Avicii on the road!
#TRUE – North America Tour Dates:
04.10.14 – TD Garden, Boston, MA
04.12.14 – Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA
05.08.14 – AK-Chin Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ
05.11.14 – Toyota Center, Houston, TX
05.15.14 – Allstate Arena, Rosemont, IL
05.17.14 – Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada
05.26.14 – Encore Beach Club, Las Vegas, NV
06.28.14 – Barclays Centre, Brooklyn, NY