Was there any electronic dance producer more iconic in the last ten years than Avicii? You’d be hard-pressed to find a musical mind that could so easily master the familiar and the cutting edge. He pushed the dance sound toward uncharted territory while somehow making us feel like we’d heard his timeless classics before. He made the kind of songs that stay with you through generations, so of course, when it came to his remixes, he had his choice of the best collaborators.
Everyone from Skrillex to Afrojack, Marshmello and Diplo has taken a stab at Avicii’s catalog. He is the foundation for many younger artists who found their way in his wake, and his peers couldn’t deny the unstoppable force that was his endless well of happy melodies. He knew how to whip up a frenzy and bring a tear to your eye, and we celebrate his legacy today with these 15 invigorating and heartfelt remixes of our favorite Avicii songs.
Avicii – “Levels” (Skrillex Remix)
This may be the most iconic Avicii remix. Skrillex said it hasn’t left his set since he recorded it in his public goodbye on Twitter. It was a myth that remained unreleased for years. Thankfully, we get to appreciate it whenever we want these days. It’s got everything classic Skrillex fans love, from churning bass gurgles to motorized shrieks, and it’s got the classic “Levels” melody.
Avicii, Leona Lewis – “Collide” (Afrojack Remix)
Afrojack is another powerhouse to be reckoned with. His remix of Avicii’s “Collide” is pure electro house greatness. A strong beat and a bright-eyed melody bring us back to simpler times. He does a lot to leave the original shine, but of course, he had to give it the ol’ Afrojack Dutch house super kick.
Avicii – “Silhouettes” (Syn Cole Creamfields Mix)
Some gritty electro house textures light the way toward this turn-up take on an Avicii classic. “Silhouettes” is a sing along for the dance music ages, and this remix from Syn Cole gives the triumphant drop a glitchy electro reinvention. It’s got a little more bite, but it’ll still hit you right in the feels.
Avicii – “You Make Me” (Throttle Remix)
Throttle takes Avicii’s disco-house tune “You Make Me” and gives it even more hairspray shine. If the original made you don some roller skates and hit the rink, this one covers it in glitter and hits the mirror ball with a rainbow laser. Suddenly you’re pulling off dance moves you didn’t think you had in your arsenal.
Avicii – “You Make Me” (Diplo & Ookay Remix)
Avicii needs a little more bass in his music, so Diplo and Ookay came through to add some low-end. It’s got more of a cocky attitude — a real mean glare as it makes its way across the room — but this remix is still here for the dance party. Just when you think you’ve got a hold of it, it faints into a wild siren of a drop, so keep your ears peeled.
Avicii vs Nicky Romero – “I Could Be The One” (Noonie Bao Acoustic Mix)
Now that we’ve seen what boosted bass can do to Avicii, don’t you want to hear what him stripped him down? Noonie Bao gives Avicii and Nicky Romero’s classic “I Could Be The One” a heartfelt acoustic cover that’ll make your eyes water. Listen to this one if you need a good cry, or if you want to make someone fall in love.
Avicii – “You Make Me” (Avicii by Avicii)
Yes, Avicii remixed his own songs, because who better to reinterpret ones work but oneself. Here he gives his own version of a beasted “You Make Me.” He takes its high-energy sound and kicks it up with a bolder beat and a lot more cascading, arpeggiated synths. That vocal sample still makes us wanna put on a leather jacket, though.
Avicii – “Addicted To You” (David Guetta Remix)
David Guetta is a classic hit maker, and he sees a lot of room for distortion in Avicii’s “Addicted To You.” It’s a slow, stalking build full of dance floor anxiety that leads us to a dusty saloon where our songstress on the mic tells us the haunting story of a love that never lets go. Of course, this being David Guetta, there’s a massive drop.
Avicii – “Waiting For Love” (Marshmello Remix)
Even the leaders of the new school have to tap Avicii for inspiration. He was a guiding light to so many creative dance minds, and Marshmello gives his song “Waiting For Love” the classic candy coat he crafts so well. You can taste its sweetness in the bright melodies, and there’s still that ooey-gooey trap center Marshmello fans love.
Avicii – “Waiting For Love” (Autograf Remix)
Autograf takes an almost Daft Punk-ian approach to its Avicii remix. There are definitely some sonic similarities between this and the robots’ “Digital Love,” which is a pretty cool way to tie your influences together and be sure everyone is having a good time. You should have no problem shimmying to this one.
Avicii – “Pure Grinding” (iSHi Remix)
Here, iSHi lets the soulful vocals grab your attention before hitting you with a barrage of percussion. It’s all about the drums, and then it’s all about that bass. You’ve certainly never heard Avicii like this, but you definitely want to. A little half-time gives this remix even more weight. It’s definitely 100 percent “Pure Grinding.”
Avicii Feat. Sandro Cavazza – “Without You” (Otto Knows Remix)
From Avicii’s last EP, this take on the instant classic “Without You” plays up the melody and beefs up the beat. Sandro Cavazza’s vocal is relatively intact as Otto Knows creates his own bright universe around his confident words. It’s almost demure, even as it fills the sky with confetti.
Avicii Feat. Rita Ora – “Lonely Together” (Alan Walker Remix)
Another young gun gives the legend a fresh face. This original with Rita Ora is alluring, but Alan Walker gives it his signature sunkissed tan. He also gives it some funky 64-bit style in the punchy, warped chords. This is a good one for skipping through a sunny day.
Avicii – “Wake Me Up” (Avicii By Avicii)
First of all, this remix music video is a wild ride. Second of all, who else could touch a classic like “Wake Me Up” but the creator himself? He takes a lot of the country out and replaces it with classic house piano. It’s very straightforward, and it’s oh-so classic Avicii. It’ll fill you with the confidence to master your day, and that guitar solo? That’s what life is all about.
Avicii – “The Days” (Henrik B Remix)
It’s hard to end a remix list like this, but we finish on a happy note with this disco-funk live take on “The Days” by Henrik B. We can just see the band on stage, and we can definitely feel the bellbottoms swishing on the dance floor. Shoot yourself into outer space with this nearly-perfect breakdown and never look back.