True
The debut record that blended organic instruments with electronic beats to redefine a genre forever.
True stands as the debut studio album by the legendary Swedish DJ and producer known globally as Avicii. Released during a transformative period for electronic dance music, this collection marked a significant departure from standard club sounds by integrating organic instrumentation like banjos and acoustic guitars. It is widely regarded as one of his most influential works, bridging the gap between pop sensibilities and festival energy while maintaining deep emotional resonance.
Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Avicii
- Released
- 13 September 2013
- Recorded
- 2011–2013
- Genre
- EDM
- country
- house
- soul
- bluegrass
- Length
- 46:56
- Label
- PRMD, Island
- Producer
- Tim Bergling
- Arash Pournouri
- Nile Rodgers
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Collaborations with various vocalists brought new textures to the production, allowing for storytelling that extended beyond traditional dance tracks. This approach helped humanize the electronic genre during its commercial peak. The album's success paved the way for future artists to experiment with acoustic elements in their own productions, leaving a lasting imprint on the landscape of modern music.
Reader's Guide
The debut studio album arrived in December 2014 under PRMD Music, marking a pivotal shift for electronic dance music production. Unlike previous synth-heavy releases, this project integrated acoustic guitars and banjos to create a unique folk-house fusion. Lead singles like Wake Me Up and Hey Brother dominated airwaves globally, introducing organic textures to mainstream club culture. Production credits primarily list Tim Bergling himself alongside collaborators such as Aloe Blacc and Wyclef Jean on vocal features.
The tracklist spans twelve core songs plus bonus editions released later in various territories. Commercial performance was exceptional, topping charts across Europe and reaching high positions in the United States. Critics praised the genre-blending approach for revitalizing interest in dance music during a saturated market period. Reissues followed over subsequent years to include remixes and previously unreleased material from the sessions.
This collection remains a cornerstone of modern electronic history, celebrated for its emotional depth and rhythmic innovation. Fans often cite it as the definitive work that showcased the artist's songwriting maturity beyond club bangers. The legacy continues through streaming platforms where millions listen to these timeless tracks daily.
Track listing
True – CD / audio cassette / digital download
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Me Up | Tim Bergling, Aloe Blacc, Mike Einziger | 4:09 |
| 2 | You Make Me | Bergling, Pournouri, Vincent Pontare, Salem Al Fakir | 3:53 |
| 3 | Hey Brother | Bergling, Pournouri, Pontare, Fakir, Veronica Maggio | 4:14 |
| 4 | Addicted to You | Bergling, Pournouri, Mac Davis, Josh Krajcik | 2:28 |
| 5 | Dear Boy | Bergling, Pournouri, Karen Marie Ørsted, Jonas Knutsson | 7:59 |
| 6 | Liar Liar | Bergling, Pournouri, Blacc, Einziger, Bruce Driscoll, Erica Driscoll, Peter Dyer | 3:58 |
| 7 | Shame on Me | Bergling, Pournouri, Audra Mae, Sterling Fox | 4:13 |
| 8 | Lay Me Down | Bergling, Pournouri, Nile Rodgers, Adam Lambert | 5:00 |
| 9 | Hope There's Someone | Anohni Hegarty | 6:21 |
| 10 | Heart Upon My Sleeve | Bergling, Pournouri | 4:40 |
| Total length | 46:55 | ||
True (Avicii by Avicii)
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Me Up (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Blacc, Einziger | 7:05 |
| 2 | You Make Me (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Pontare, Fakir | 3:02 |
| 3 | Hey Brother (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Pontare, Fakir | 6:09 |
| 4 | Addicted to You (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Davis, Krajcik | 5:32 |
| 5 | Dear Boy (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Ørsted, Knutsson | 5:30 |
| 6 | Liar Liar (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Blacc, Einziger, B. Driscoll, E. Driscoll, Dyer | 5:06 |
| 7 | Shame on Me (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Audra Mae, Fox | 3:56 |
| 8 | Lay Me Down (Avicii by Avicii) | Bergling, Pournouri, Rodgers, Lambert, <!-- | 6:02 |
| 9 | Hope There's Someone (Avicii by Avicii) | Hegarty | 8:08 |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album cover features two farmers, inspired by the music video for Wake Me Up.
- Avicii took a break from touring to focus entirely on writing this record.
- A deluxe edition was released later containing additional remixes and tracks.
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