Four years ago today, Zedd released one of the most famous and recognizable album’s in EDM’s recent history. Clarity hosted incredible, soaring originals alongside the likes of Elie Goulding, Ryan Tedder and Bright Lights. Its leading single, “Clarity,” featured vocals from British singer Foxes, who said she had to look up Zedd on Wikipedia before agreeing to collaborate on the song. With the writing assistance of Porter Robinson, Matthew Koma and Skylar Grey, the title track was released as iTunes Single of the Week on October 2, 2012 and later as an EP via Interscope Records.
Clarity peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard US Dance/Electronic Album chart, and “Clarity” received a Grammy Award for the Best Dance Recording of the year.
The album’s presence on the airwaves and within live sets for several years after its release were undeniable. Nearly every EDM DJ’s sets contained some variation of the “Shave It” or “Spectrum” or “Fall Into The Sky,” and they could be heard in cars, coffee shops or blaring out of the headphones of passers by for what seemed like ages. “Clarity” was truly an international sensation of a track, giving Zedd one of the most significant boosts in his career and influence over the rest of the scene.
Revisit the album that I’m sure is already ringing through your head below.
Image: Rukes