Avicii – TRUE (Album Review)

On September 19, 2013 by ocedm

Avicii - TRUE (Album Review)

The love/hate paradigm doesn’t even begin to describe the many feelings that have been going around since Avicii’s debuted his new album “TRUE” at Ultra Music Festival 2013 in Miami about 6 months ago. Tim Bergling shocked the crowd (and the world) by playing what was deemed “country EDM” at first. He used one of the world’s biggest stages to premier something unique instead of playing heavy hitter after heavy hitter.

When I first heard his set, I honestly was thankful that someone finally had the balls to create something new and refreshing in the scene. Though I understand the UMF fans displeasure for “not getting what they thought they were gonna get” during his set, a change was needed and he stepped up to the plate.

I think it’s funny how people were getting all up in arms about how electro house is starting to have the same generic minimal drops and hardstyle kick in them (ex. “Wakanda” by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike). But the moment when someone does something new and not the norm, a lot of people drank that hater-ade again and were calling Avicii’s new stuff crap and whatnot.

He said in a recent interview that “I’m very used to getting bad feedback for stuff. Usually it’s the complete opposite, that it [his music] sounds the same and my songs sound the same. For this, everyone’s hating on me for doing something different.” Fans were clamoring for something different, they got it, and then they bashed it. Makes sense, right?

As for me, I’m glad it’s just something that I’m not used to hearing. Those generic drops were getting a bit annoying, and a lot of those tracks just seemed hastily put together to capitalize on the sound that is “now”. Read on for a short song by song review of Avicii’s “TRUE”.

Wake Me Up ft. Aloe Blacc

The first track from the album to be released, Blacc delivers lyrics that everyone can sing to.  And trust me, you’ve probably heard everyone and their mom singing this one. Avicii blends some of the country-ness and commercial sound together, leading to the tracks ability to be radio friendly.

You Make Me ft. Salem Al Fakir

Pounding piano chords and a thumping beat give those at a club the perfect opportunity to dance all night to. Al Fakir’s vocals lend a presence that doesn’t over take the original song.

Hey Brother ft. Dan Tyminski

Tyminski’s voice drew me in initially, which really quite surprised me as I’m not the biggest supporter of country/bluegrass music. Though the song is a little down tempo at first, it still has enough movement to keep you engaged.

Addicted To You ft. Mac Davis & Audra Mae

Emotional vocals from Mae, which bear a striking resemblance to Adele, complement Davis’ swift guitar work. A standout in the album, but unfortunately it’s pretty short.

Dear Boy ft. MØ

One of the longest tracks in the album, it uses an energetic melody to get everyone back up and moving. MØ’s voice gives an old fashioned spin to this progressive sound.

Liar Liar ft. Mike Einzinger & Blondfire

Probably my least favorite track of the album, this song features Blondfire who are an indie pop band from Los Angeles. Not sure about the lyrics, but the organ playing reminds me of my grandparent’s house…

Shame On Me ft. Nile Rodgers

The funky bass playing of Roders’ makes him the stand out performer of this tune. He has this to say to Avicii about their music together: “I said ‘Tim, let me tell you something. That shit’s going to be huge.’ What you’re doing is you’re pushing the envelope so when you think about it, what you’ve just done is probably one of the most intelligent. People won’t get it right away.”

Lay Me Down ft. Adam Lambert & Nile Rodgers

I was surprised to see Lambert’s name on the credit of this song to be honest, but he pulls off a pretty good job. Avicii and Rodgers work together to create a dance ready and groovy tune.

Hope There’s Someone ft. Linnea Henriksson

Avicii toys with you for the first 4:30 of the song, bring you up and down on a slow, winding roller coaster ride. Henriksson brings some soft and airy vocals to the table that help control the pace of the track.

Heart Upon My Sleeve ft. Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons

This is my unsuspecting favorite of the whole album, with its acoustic guitar intro leading into a dark and mysterious string orchestral section. Simple, yet effective. I wish this album version would’ve included Reynolds’ vocals though.

Long Road To Hell ft. Audra Mae

Another track that’s can go either way in my opinion. I can’t remember the last time I heard a kazoo in a song, but maybe I haven’t been listening to the right kind. Probably the most memorable/visual track from this years UMF, with Mae waltzing out on stage and belting out on the…kazoo.

Edom

The final track of the album, the piano driven tune pulls everything together quite nicely. The drops aren’t quite as pronounced, but they do hit the nail on the head and serve as a nice closer to the album.

Defying what most electro house producers are releasing these days, the young Swede knew that “Right from the start, I had such confidence in the music ’cause I knew exactly what I had… for me I was never really worried ’cause I knew it was going to be provocative and I knew I was going to get reactions.” Instead of taking a page from someones book, he wrote his own. And for that, I appreciate him.

Overall, I really do think that this is definitely a nice change to what we are normally hearing. For Avicii to bring so many collaborators together and turn out an album like this is truly remarkable. I’ve read countless opinions on “TRUE”, with many saying the production value isn’t there, the vocals don’t fit, the songs have cheesy melodies, etc. But Avicii managed to give us something new and stimulating. Whether people support it or not, the album is certainly a topic of interest throughout the scene.

Avicii – Facebook / Twitter

Purchase: iTunes

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