Top 5 Avicii remixes before ‘Levels’: A glimpse into his early genius

Avicii, who became a global phenomenon with the release of “Levels,” had already begun crafting his unique sound years earlier. While “Levels” catapulted him to international stardom, his earlier remixes from 2009 and 2010 laid the foundation for what was to come. Let’s revisit five of his standout remixes from that period, showcasing the genius that was yet to fully unfold.

5. Toni Braxton – Make My Heart (Avicii’s Replacer Remix)

This remix was one of the first to truly showcase Avicii’s knack for blending melodic elements with soulful vocals. His piano-driven approach, paired with Toni Braxton’s sultry voice, creates a groove that captures the listener’s heart from the very first note. Though this remix was officially released, it remains a hidden gem, absent from platforms like Spotify. For those familiar with its magic, echoes of this remix can be found in Avicii’s reimagined “Lay Me Down” on the “Avicii By Avicii” album released in 2014.

4. Phonat – Set Me Free (Avicii Mix)

Avicii’s remix of Phonat’s “Set Me Free” was another early indicator of his future stardom. The track features uplifting melodies layered over Phonat’s compelling vocals, creating a remix that arguably outshined the original. Released alongside the original version in 2009, Avicii’s take quickly gained popularity, especially among fans of electronic music. While both the original and the remix remain criminally underrated, they stand as testaments to Avicii’s early genius.

3. Robyn – Hang With Me (Avicii Remix)

There’s no better pairing than Avicii’s signature piano sound and Robyn’s unique vocals. This remix, part of Robyn’s groundbreaking “Body Talk” album—home to hits like “Dancing On My Own” and “Call Your Girlfriend”—saw Avicii elevating the entire electro-pop production by Klas Åhlund. The result was a track that resonates with catchy melodies and an immersive atmosphere from start to finish.

2. Tim Berg – Seek Bromance (Avicii’s Arena Mix)

In what might be an unpopular opinion, this 8:17 instrumental remix of “Seek Bromance” remains a personal favorite. The absence of vocals allows Avicii’s long, dramatic build-ups to take center stage, with piano chords bursting mid-build, leading to an unforgettable drop. Released in 2010, this remix caught the attention of several record labels, even before the vocal version dropped later that year. This track transcended the typical remix, marking the dawn of a new era for both Avicii and the dance music world.

1. Nadia Ali – Rapture (Avicii Remix)

Iio’s 2001 club classic “Rapture” was untouchable for nearly a decade, with John Creamer & Stephane K.’s remix standing as the definitive version. But when Avicii stepped in, he brought a breath of fresh air, infusing modern sounds and catchy melodies into Nadia Ali’s timeless toplines. It’s like welcoming a second child—you realize there’s room to love both equally. This brilliant remix didn’t just pay homage to the original; it became a dancefloor anthem in its own right, solidifying Avicii’s ability to transform classics into something entirely new yet equally cherished.