Avicii had a gift for melody.
Avicii live at the summertime ball
For years I have thoroughly enjoyed nearly everything Avicii has produced. Although his albums didn't seem to start hitting the scene until 2009, 2011 was his breakout year. "Levels" is still is my top favorite edm tracks, and "Fade into Darkness" is a perfect track. Avicii had a way of simple anthems that were and still are emotionally moving while bringing you to your feet. Especially with tracks such as "Last Dance". While his early compositions definitely set the tone of what he was capable of, I believe he really came into his own when he debuted his "True" album. I know it wasn't recieved well when he played those tracks at Ultra Fest in Miami, but it was (IMO) a pivotal point for electronic music as a genre. That album gave the genre a little more soul.
Most people that condemn EDM do so because they do not understand it. They cannot 'feel' it. Electronic music is all about the drugs and the computer bleep sounds (sure, that happens, but..) EDM is about emotion and melody and of course anthemic bangers. I vaguely remember watching an interview a reporter had with Bob Dylan (maybe.... I could be wrong with who made the statement), either way, the statement was made that electronic music is the modern classical music. Like a modern mozart style music. That statement resonated with me. When I listen to these melodies and cresendos (drops .. lol). It's art through and through. Unlike any other genre. And Avicii was a King when it came to melodies. One of my absolute favorites is " I Could be the One" (acoustic mix). A beautiful track. I was most excited to see what Avicii would produce next. Such a phenomenal artist. Avicii will be greatly missed.
