Avicii reveals 'Stories'

After two years of waiting, Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii, announced the release of his new album, "Stories."

The album was highly anticipated, after hearing new singles like “Broken Arrows” with country music superstar Zac Brown. Dropping on Oct. 2, 2015, EDM lovers were excited to hear what the Swedish disc jockey had created.

His previous album, "True," received positive reviews, with Entertainment Weekly giving it a "B" rating. Rolling Stone gave it three and a half stars out of five, praising Avicii for his expanding EDM sound.

In "Stories," Avicii continues his expansion, featuring vocalists such as Zac Brown, Matisyahu and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on his 14-track album. However, these vocalists sometimes cloud the original sound that made Bergling internationally known.

Hopes for the superstar DJ were lifted on the album's first track “Waiting for Love.” The song features Cherry Ghost vocalist Simon Aldred and reminds listeners of Bergling’s previous work "True," with its club-like drops and beats.

Confusion struck the third and fourth track when Avicii used hooky radio pop and funky synth solos. Like "True" this roller coaster of an album continues his pop expansion, whether it was Southern ditties in “Broken Arrow,” reggae hip-hop in “Sunset Jesus” or synth in “Gonna Love Ya.”

Amid all the vocals and funky, jazzy pop, Avicii’s recognizable vibe is there, even if it is hard to find at times. After multiple listens of the album and indecisive moments, "Stories" has potential to grow on its listeners and create respect between its fans and the EDM scene.

This album is another example of the variety and expansion that Avicii is capable of. Sure, some of the tracks are a little unusual and might not fit in, but they are tied in with numerous hits and vocals that cover all genres. Taking the risk yet again, Avicii delivers an album that is worth a listen.

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