"Faded: Alan Walker's career-defining global hit"

"Faded" is one of Norwegian producer Alan Walker's biggest hits, officially released on December 3, 2015. It is a vocal version of his instrumental song "Fade" (2014) and features the collaboration of Norwegian-British singer Iselin Solheim, whose voice has become a hallmark of the track.

History and Creation

Alan Walker, inspired by the electronic music of producers such as David Guetta and Hans Zimmer, developed "Faded" with a style that mixes elements of progressive house, electro house and downtempo. The single is famous for its melancholic melody and emotional atmosphere, which quickly connected with global audiences.

The song was produced with a minimalist yet impactful approach, using a memorable piano, atmospheric synths and dynamic percussion, which bring the track to life.

Theme

The lyrics of “Faded,” performed with unique emotion by Iselin Solheim, explore themes of loss, nostalgia, and personal search. It speaks of feeling disconnected, “faded” in time or space, searching for something or someone that was once meaningful.

The chorus includes iconic lines such as:

“Where are you now? Was it all in my fantasy? Where are you now? Were you only imaginary?”

Worldwide Success

“Faded” became a global phenomenon, topping the charts in over 10 countries, including Sweden, Germany, and Norway. It also achieved Multi-Platinum certification in numerous markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The music video, directed by Rikkard and Tobias Häggbom, is equally iconic. It features a young man in a black jacket and mask, searching for an abandoned home, symbolizing the search for something lost. The mask became an essential part of Alan Walker's image.

Cultural Impact

Since its release, "Faded" has racked up billions of streams on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. It also cemented Alan Walker as an electronic music star and marked the start of an international career filled with success.

Awards and Recognitions

• Spellemann Award (Norwegian equivalent of the Grammys) for "Best Song of the Year."
• It was included on multiple "Best Electronic Songs" lists of the decade.