Avicii’s family, Pophouse and Interscope come together to release a new compilation album, featuring the best of the late producer’s songs, with a collective of billions of streams – the album is also headlined by new single ‘Let’s Ride Away’.
The release follows the premiere of the documentary I’M TIM, which debuted on Netflix on New Year’s Eve to strong reviews. Together, the album and film reflect on Avicii’s impact as a trailblazing producer, DJ, and songwriter whose music left a lasting mark on popular culture.
The cover art features a carved stone version of the Avicii logo, made from stone sourced from Bjärlöv in Skåne, Sweden—a place where Tim spent many summers as a child. The physical monument and artwork serve as a tribute to the enduring influence of Avicii’s music and memory.
The single has sparked significant controversy. ‘Let’s Ride Away’ was a finished track that Avicii had teased on social media, though in a very different form. It originally featured vocals from Kacey Musgraves, but the song was shelved after she chose not to be part of the release. As a result, new vocals were needed, which led to Elle King’s involvement. However, it was not just the vocals that changed. A large portion of the production was also reworked after Avicii’s passing, despite the fact that he had already finalised the original version (a mix and mastered version leaked). Many fans have expressed disappointment that the version released does not reflect Tim’s original vision, and they have made their opinions clear across Avicii’s official social media channels.
Of the new single, Carl Falk, producer and longtime friend of Avicii, explained, “Tim wasn’t just a unique artist, he was a once-in-a-generation songwriter and producer, with an unmatched gift for turning any sound into something unmistakably his own. ‘Let’s Ride Away’ captures that perfectly. It is one of those rare songs where it blends organic, roots-inspired elements with his signature melodic style in a way that feels both fresh and undeniably Avicii. Releasing it now gives even more people the chance to experience that brilliance – maybe even for the first time. He continues, “Tim’s creativity knew no bounds – he could pick up any sound, any voice, any instrument and make it completely his own. One of the most beautiful things about Tim’s music is its timelessness – every new generation keeps discovering Avicii, and his songs continue to touch hearts around the world.”
Even outside of the single controversy, people question the need for a compilation album seven years after his death. Many fans have requested the release of some favourite unreleased singles, not a repackaged album. While it’s incredible to see the legacy of Avicii remain alive, at what point does it become inappropriate and inauthentic? Either way, the release of Avicii Forever, signifies the impact he had on dance music and music in general, with billions of streams across the 20 tracks, each record was impactful in its own way, something truly rare among musicians.