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When Did Avicii’s “Levels” Come Out? Discover 10 Fascinating Facts! 🎶
Avicii’s “Levels” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural milestone that transformed the landscape of electronic dance music. Released on October 28, 2011, this iconic track not only topped charts worldwide but also became the anthem of a generation. Have you ever wondered what went into creating such a legendary piece? Or how it influenced countless artists and the EDM scene as a whole? In this article, we dive deep into the story behind “Levels,” exploring everything from its catchy composition to the critical acclaim it received.
Did you know that the song features a vocal sample from Etta James? This fascinating tidbit is just one of the many insights we’ll uncover. So, buckle up as we take you on a journey through Avicii’s masterpiece, revealing the highs and lows of his life and career.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: “Levels” was released on October 28, 2011, and quickly became a global sensation.
- Cultural Impact: The song is credited with popularizing the progressive house genre and influencing a wave of EDM artists.
- Critical Acclaim: It received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, solidifying Avicii’s status in the music industry.
- Mental Health Awareness: Avicii’s struggles with mental health are a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by artists in the spotlight.
- Fun Facts: The song features a sample from Etta James’s “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” showcasing Avicii’s innovative approach to music.
If you’re looking to explore more of Avicii’s music, check out his albums on Amazon Music or iTunes. Dive deeper into the world of Avicii and discover the magic behind his unforgettable tracks!
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips and Facts
- The Story Behind Avicii’s “Levels”: A Journey Through Time
- Development and Release of “Levels”: How It Came to Be
- The Composition of “Levels”: What Makes It So Iconic?
- Critical Reception: How Did the World React to “Levels”?
- Commercial Success: Chart-Topping Achievements of “Levels”
- The Music Video: Visuals That Captured Hearts
- Track Listing: What’s on the “Levels” EP?
- Chart Performance: Where Did “Levels” Land?
- Certifications: Awards and Accolades for “Levels”
- Release History: A Timeline of “Levels”
- Fun Facts About “Levels”: Did You Know?
- Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of “Levels”
- Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Avicii’s Legacy
- FAQ: Your Questions About “Levels” Answered
- Reference Links: Sources for Further Reading
Quick Tips and Facts
“Levels” by Avicii is a progressive house song that was released on October 28, 2011, through Universal Music Group on iTunes. Here are some quick tips and facts about the song:
- Release Date: October 28, 2011
- Genre: Progressive House
- Label: Universal Music Group
- Chart Performance: Reached number one on the Swedish Singles Chart and the Norwegian Singles Chart
- Certifications: Certified platinum eight times in Sweden, three times in the United Kingdom, and three times in the United States
- Awards: Nominated for Best Electro/Dance and won Best Song at the Grammis Awards in 2012, nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy Awards in 2013
The Story Behind Avicii’s “Levels”: A Journey Through Time
Avicii’s “Levels” was a game-changer in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. The song was initially referred to as “Unnamed” and was played on BBC Radio 1 in December 2010. The final version was played at the Ultra Music Festival in March 2011, where it was referred to as “ID.” Avicii stated that he made the song to incorporate a vocal sample from Etta James’s 1962 gospel-inspired song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.”
Avicii’s Inspiration
Avicii was inspired by the vocal sample from Etta James’s song, which he wanted to incorporate into his own music. He worked on “Levels” in early 2010, and the song’s main aspect is its simple synth hook that is divided into two phrases.
Development and Release of “Levels”: How It Came to Be
“Levels” was released on iTunes in multiple countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, on October 28, 2011. The song was released in the United States on October 31, 2011. Avicii’s producer, Arash Pournouri, made a deal with the record label to promote the song.
The Making of “Levels”
Avicii worked on “Levels” in early 2010, and the song’s main aspect is its simple synth hook that is divided into two phrases. The song was initially referred to as “Unnamed” and was played on BBC Radio 1 in December 2010. The final version was played at the Ultra Music Festival in March 2011, where it was referred to as “ID.”
The Composition of “Levels”: What Makes It So Iconic?
“Levels” is a progressive house song that features a simple synth hook that is divided into two phrases. The song’s composition is what makes it so iconic, with its catchy melody and driving beat.
The Synth Hook
The synth hook in “Levels” is what makes the song so memorable. The hook is divided into two phrases, with the first phrase being a simple melody and the second phrase being a more complex melody.
Critical Reception: How Did the World React to “Levels”?
“Levels” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The song was praised for its catchy melody and driving beat, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
Billboard’s Review
Billboard praised “Levels” as “quite possibly one of the biggest dance music songs ever recorded.” The song’s catchy melody and driving beat made it a standout track in the EDM scene.
Commercial Success: Chart-Topping Achievements of “Levels”
“Levels” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Swedish Singles Chart and the Norwegian Singles Chart. The song also reached the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Chart Performance
- Swedish Singles Chart: Number one
- Norwegian Singles Chart: Number one
- Austrian Singles Chart: Number three
- Belgian Singles Chart: Number four
- Danish Singles Chart: Number three
- Dutch Singles Chart: Number three
- Irish Singles Chart: Number three
- Swiss Singles Chart: Number five
- UK Singles Chart: Number four
The Music Video: Visuals That Captured Hearts
The music video for “Levels” was directed by Petro Papahadjopoulos, who came up with the concept after a phone interview with Avicii about the supposed “symbolism” behind “Levels.” The video features Avicii performing the song in a dark room, with flashing lights and lasers illuminating the space.
The Concept Behind the Video
The concept behind the video was to capture the energy and emotion of the song. Papahadjopoulos wanted to create a video that would showcase Avicii’s performance and the song’s catchy melody.
Track Listing: What’s on the “Levels” EP?
The “Levels” EP features the original version of the song, as well as several remixes.
Track Listing
- Levels (Original Version)
- Levels (Skrillex Remix)
- Levels (Cazzette’s NYC Mode Mix)
- Levels (Felix Leiter’s Digital Frenzy Mix)
Chart Performance: Where Did “Levels” Land?
“Levels” reached number one on the Swedish Singles Chart and the Norwegian Singles Chart. The song also reached the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Chart Performance
- Swedish Singles Chart: Number one
- Norwegian Singles Chart: Number one
- Austrian Singles Chart: Number three
- Belgian Singles Chart: Number four
- Danish Singles Chart: Number three
- Dutch Singles Chart: Number three
- Irish Singles Chart: Number three
- Swiss Singles Chart: Number five
- UK Singles Chart: Number four
Certifications: Awards and Accolades for “Levels”
“Levels” was certified platinum eight times in Sweden, three times in the United Kingdom, and three times in the United States.
Certifications
- Sweden: Platinum x8
- United Kingdom: Platinum x3
- United States: Platinum x3
Release History: A Timeline of “Levels”
“Levels” was released on iTunes in multiple countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, on October 28, 2011. The song was released in the United States on October 31, 2011.
Release History
- October 28, 2011: Released on iTunes in Australia, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden
- October 31, 2011: Released on iTunes in the United States
Fun Facts About “Levels”: Did You Know?
Here are some fun facts about “Levels”:
- Avicii was inspired by Etta James’s song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”
- The song was initially referred to as “Unnamed”
- The final version was played at the Ultra Music Festival in March 2011
- The song’s main aspect is its simple synth hook that is divided into two phrases
Avicii’s Journals Detail His Mental Health Struggles
Avicii’s journals detail his struggles with mental health, including anxiety and depression. He also struggled with addiction and substance use.
Avicii’s Struggles with Mental Health
Avicii struggled with anxiety and depression throughout his life. He used alcohol as a coping mechanism for his anxiety, which led to health issues and addiction.
Avicii’s Addiction and Substance Use
Avicii was hospitalized in 2012 for acute pancreatitis due to excessive alcohol use. He was prescribed Oxycodone, an opioid, for pain management, which led to addiction.
Avicii’s Intervention and Treatment
Avicii’s friends and family staged an intervention in Ibiza in 2014. He entered a pricey treatment program on the island for one month, where he recognized his addiction as a coping mechanism for his mental health struggles.
Avicii’s Life After Rehab
Avicii seemed to have a new outlook on life after completing rehab. He meditated regularly, read about the collective unconscious, and got a puppy. However, he still struggled with anxiety and depression.
Avicii’s Death
Avicii died by suicide on April 20th, 2018, at age 28. His death was a shock to the music industry and his fans.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (available 24/7).
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of “Levels”
Avicii’s “Levels” is not just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the landscape of electronic dance music. Released on October 28, 2011, it quickly became a staple in clubs and festivals worldwide, showcasing Avicii’s unique ability to blend catchy melodies with infectious beats.
Positives and Negatives
Positives:
- Catchy Composition: The iconic synth hook is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the EDM genre.
- Critical Acclaim: The song received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, solidifying Avicii’s status as a leading figure in electronic music.
- Commercial Success: “Levels” topped charts in multiple countries and achieved numerous certifications, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Negatives:
- Mental Health Struggles: Behind the success, Avicii faced significant mental health challenges, which ultimately led to his tragic passing.
- Pressure of Fame: The demands of the music industry took a toll on his well-being, highlighting the darker side of celebrity life.
In summary, “Levels” is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness in the music industry. If you’re looking to dive deeper into Avicii’s legacy, we confidently recommend listening to “Levels” and exploring his other works.
Recommended Links: Dive Deeper into Avicii’s Legacy
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👉 Shop Avicii’s Music on:
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Books on Mental Health and Music:
FAQ: Your Questions About “Levels” Answered
When did Avicii make Levels?
Avicii began working on “Levels” in early 2010, and the song was officially released on October 28, 2011. It was initially referred to as “Unnamed” and gained significant attention during its early plays on BBC Radio 1.
When was Avicii diagnosed?
While specific diagnoses are not publicly documented, Avicii struggled with anxiety and depression throughout his life. His mental health challenges were exacerbated by the pressures of fame and a demanding touring schedule.
When did Avicii come out?
Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was open about his struggles with mental health but did not publicly come out regarding his sexuality. His focus was primarily on his music and mental health advocacy.
What songs were released after Avicii’s death?
Following Avicii’s tragic passing in 2018, several posthumous releases included:
- “SOS” featuring Aloe Blacc
- “Heaven”
- “Fades Away”
These songs reflect his enduring legacy and the impact of his music on fans worldwide.
What was the inspiration behind “Levels”?
Avicii drew inspiration from Etta James’s 1962 gospel-inspired song “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” He wanted to incorporate this vocal sample into a modern EDM context, which contributed to the song’s unique sound.
Read more about “Does Avicii Sing “Wake Me Up”? Discover the Truth Behind the Iconic Track! 🎤”
How did “Levels” influence the EDM genre?
“Levels” is often credited with popularizing the progressive house genre and influencing countless artists in the EDM scene. Its catchy melody and infectious beat set a new standard for dance music.
Reference Links: Sources for Further Reading
- Wikipedia – Levels (Avicii song)
- Billboard – Avicii’s Legacy
- Addiction Center – Avicii’s Journals Reveal Mental Health Struggles
- NME – Avicii’s Impact on Music
By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of Avicii’s life, his music, and the challenges he faced.
