The music industry is witnessing a remarkable trend as sleeper hits, particularly from the 2010s, make a surprising resurgence across global charts. These tracks, initially unnoticed upon their release, are now captivating audiences anew, thanks to the dynamic influence of platforms like TikTok. Stuart Dredge, head of insight at Music Ally, describes this phenomenon as "one of the most fascinating trends right now." This wave of rediscovery has not only brought forgotten melodies back into the limelight but also reshaped how music gains popularity in the digital age.
Songs from various eras have been resurfacing for several years; however, it is tunes from the 2010s that dominate this resurgence. Many of these tracks owe their belated success to TikTok, a social media platform that has become a pivotal player in reviving music. Toyin Mustapha, TikTok's UK head of music partnerships, explains that tracks that take off often "evoke some kind of emotional response" in listeners. This emotional resonance can stem from poignant lyrics or compelling instrumentals, making certain songs perfect candidates for viral success.
Record labels attempt to breathe new life into back-catalogue songs, hoping to turn them into sleeper hits. However, Stuart Dredge notes that this process usually occurs organically, driven by fans who find personal connections with the music. These fans often become active participants in the culture, reimagining and sharing music in unique ways on platforms like TikTok. Influencers play a key role in this, often choosing songs from their teenage years in the 2010s to accompany their content.
One such hit is Bon Iver's "Evergreen," which did not originally chart but has become an anthem for "hopecore" videos on TikTok, spreading messages of positivity and optimism. Similarly, Blood Orange's "Champagne Coast" gained traction after featuring in the TV show Euphoria's soundtrack in 2019, leading to its explosion on TikTok last summer.
Other notable examples include The Killers' "Mr Brightside," which remains a fixture in popular music culture. Meanwhile, Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Murder on the Dancefloor" have found renewed success through TV and film soundtracks. Frank Ocean's "Pink + White" has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the seventh most-streamed song in Spotify history after spending over three years in its global daily top 50.
XXXtentacion's "Jocelyn Flores" and Kodaline's "All I Want" have also snowballed on social media, becoming firm favorites despite initially modest chart performances. Additionally, TV Girl's "Lovers Rock" has been embraced as a bisexual anthem. Other tracks like Beach House's "Space Song," Cigarettes After Sex's "Apocalypse," Surf Curse's "Freaks," and The 1975's "I Wanna Be Yours" have all gained significant traction through TikTok memes and viral trends.
Sarah Kloboves highlights that these aren't songs released with the intention of being pop hits. Instead, they offer something distinct from mainstream music. She notes that while pop music can sometimes sound homogenous, these sleeper hits stand out for their uniqueness and emotional depth. Stuart Dredge adds that part of their charm lies in brilliant songwriting that connects with audiences regardless of when it was created.
The viral nature of these songs often hinges on a particular line or melody that resonates with listeners. As Dredge points out, "It often is a particular line from the song that is the thing that is picked up on and goes viral." These tracks lend themselves to capturing specific feelings or moods, making them ideal for sharing in the digital landscape where emotional connection drives engagement.
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