Songs That Trended In 2024

Over the last few years, TikTok has become a major player in breaking new artists and helping emerging acts gain massive fanbases. But the social media platform – and others like it – doesn’t just benefit the up-and-coming. It’s also spurred on the resurgence of many older songs, giving classic tracks new life, exposing cult favorites to a new generation, or simply reminding us of a previous chapter in an artist’s story. Below, we’ve compiled the most popular trending songs of 2024 as they happened.

October 2

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Maps

In “Maps,” Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O shared a message to her then-partner, Liars frontman Angus Andrew. “Wait, they don’t love you like I love you,” O sang in what has become one of the most affecting modern alternative love songs. Its impact has spread far and wide, evidenced in covers by artists as varied as Macy Gray, Anderson .Paak, and Arcade Fire. It is trending on TikTok, where its resurgence began in a face puzzle trend, in which users have to reattach their features in the right place, and later, as part of a dance trend taken on by the likes of Towa Bird and Khalid.

The Cramps – Goo Goo Muck

“Goo Goo Muck” was first released by Ronnie Cook and The Gaylads in 1962. The single failed to chart but was dug out of the crates by The Cramps in 1980 before appearing on its second album, Psychedelic Jungle, a year later. The band’s take on the original turned it into something far more sleazy, the song’s monster figure becoming a hormone-fuelled teen. It is part of a new photo trend on TikTok linked to the lyrics “When the sun goes down and the mood comes up,” with users sharing photos of their day and night looks. It is also being shared on the platform as part of an Addams Family-themed trick creators are sharing in videos.

Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over

“Don’t Dream It’s Over,” the 1986 single from Crowded House, would go on to be the band’s biggest international hit. It peaked at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987 and reached the top spot in Canada and the band’s home country of New Zealand. It is receiving renewed interest after it was used prominently in the sixth episode of Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story.

John Lennon – Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

Paul McCartney has called “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” a track on John Lennon’s final album Double Fantasy, one of his favorite songs by his former Beatles bandmate. The track was written by Lennon for his son Sean, sharing his love for the child in its lyrics. It is experiencing a resurgence online as part of two different trends – one in which users share photos illustrated by cartoon-adorned versions of the lyrics and another focused around the line, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

September 25

Pearl Jam – Future Days

“Future Days” is a poignant tribute to Eddie Vedder’s friend and founding member of The Frogs, Dennis Flemion. “Back when I was feelin’ broken, I focused on a prayer,” the Pearl Jam frontman sings on the Lightning Bolt track. “You came deep as any ocean, did something out there hear?” The song was previously featured in the game The Last Of Us Part II, becoming a theme between the characters Joel and Ellie. As the HBO adaptation of the video game prepares to return to screens, “Future Days”’ connection with The Last Of Us has been reignited, with the song soundtracking the trailer for the new episodes.

Sugarland – It Happens

Country duo Sugarland captured a relatable scenario on its 2009 single “It Happens,” sharing a tale of oversleeping and being late to work. As the story unfolds further, the drama surrounding the narrator increases, with Jennifer Nettles getting into a car accident with her ex and his new girlfriend. The song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2010 Grammys. Fans are sharing the song on TikTok after discovering its lyrics have a different impact in adulthood.

Halsey – Bad At Love

Taken from Halsey’s second album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, “Bad At Love” details the star’s past relationships and why they failed to last. After the song’s release, Halsey explained to Billboard that they wanted the track to “sound like Leonardo DiCaprio in a Hawaiian T-shirt in a droptop yellow convertible car – driving down the highway like in Miami Vice with all his friends.” The song is now being used on TikTok to soundtrack videos showing off users’ pick-up trucks.

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Brown Shuga

“Brown Shuga” appeared on Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1994 album Chief Boot Knocka and found the artist opining about a woman he called “Sweet Brown Shuga.” The track is trending on TikTok as creators set anime clips to it and celebrate it in light of “Nasty Dog”’s recent viral moment.

Ed Ivory – Oogie Boogie’s Song

“Oogie Boogie’s Song” was written for the soundtrack of Tim Burton’s 1995 movie The Nightmare Before Christmas and served as an introduction to the character, the Oogie Boogie Man. The song finds the figure making fun of “Sandy Claws” – aka Santa Claus – and taunting him as he keeps him captive. As Halloween approaches, it is doing the rounds on social media.

September 18

JAWNY – Honeypie

When JAWNY released “Honeypie” in 2019, he was still using the artist name Johnny Utah and working as an independent artist. The track captured the imagination of many around the world, though, going viral on TikTok, racking up millions of streams, and helping secure him a record deal with Interscope Records. The track is experiencing a resurgence as an animated lyric video goes viral on TikTok.

Mint Condition – So Fine

Minneapolis R&B group Mint Condition shared “So Fine” as part of its second studio album, From The Mint Factory, in October 1993. The track earned it a Top 40 finish in both the Billboard Hot R&B Songs and Adult R&B Songs charts, the track’s tribute to “a woman of quality” striking a chord with fans. The song is part of a new dance trend on TikTok that sees users dance in pairs.

WILLOW – Whip My Hair

“Whip My Hair” was the debut single for WILLOW, then aged 10 years old. The song mixed motivational lyrics with dance-pop melodies and rhythms – a combination that proved popular with her new fans. It peaked at No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rocketed into the Top 10 in charts around the world, including in the UK and Denmark. The track is having a resurgence on TikTok as part of a hair-whipping dance trend.

Blackstreet – Don’t Leave Me

Taken from Blackstreet’s second album, Another Level, “Don’t Leave Me” samples DeBarge’s “A Dream” and was produced by Teddy Riley. It wasn’t given a physical release, which meant chart rules at the time stopped it from appearing in the Billboard Hot 100, although it did peak at No.1 on the Hot R&B Airplay chart. It also scored huge success in New Zealand, where it topped the chart for two weeks and was later certified gold. The song is trending on TikTok as users lip-sync along to its powerful vocals.

Disclosure – Latch

“Latch” catapulted both Disclosure and guest vocalist Sam Smith to fame in 2012, with the track peaking at No.11 in the U.K. and at No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. It was a sleeper hit in the latter country, not reaching the upper echelons of the chart until 2014. The track is seeing an uptick on TikTok as fans share clips of both Disclosure and Smith performing it live at recent festivals and concerts.

Idina Menzel – Into The Unknown

“Into The Unknown” appeared in the 2019 Disney film Frozen 2 and was recorded by actor Idina Menzel and Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora. It went on to be nominated for numerous awards, including Best Original Song at the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Fans are sharing their versions of the song on TikTok.

September 11

Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)

Taken from Crystal Waters’ debut album Surprise, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” is best known for its infectious “La de dee, la dee da” hook, which helped propel it to the upper echelons of the charts – and to classic status. In the decades since its 1991 release, the track has frequently been dubbed one of the best songs of all time by publications like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. It is experiencing a resurgence following Katy Perry sampling it on her single “I’m His, He’s Mine.”

Richard Harris – MacArthur Park

Although the Jimmy Webb-penned “MacArthur Park” has been recorded and released by numerous artists over the years, Irish actor and singer Richard Harris was the first back in 1968. Harris met Webb at a fundraising event in Los Angeles and mentioned that he was looking to make his own record, leading to Webb playing the track for him. Harris’ version peaked at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of his biggest hits. It is piquing the interest of a new generation of music listeners now after it was featured on the soundtrack for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Ashanti – Rain On Me

With the lead single for her second album, Chapter II, Ashanti shared a powerful message of overcoming an abusive relationship. During the promotion of “Rain On Me,” the star teamed up with organizations LidRock and Family Violence Prevention Fund to raise awareness of domestic violence. The track also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2004. It is now the soundtrack to a new trend on TikTok where users share a still from Black Mafia Family as part of a “My face when…” meme.

Bobby Valentino – Slow Down

“Slow Down” introduced Bobby Valentino to the world in 2005 and made a strong first impression. The track topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, spending four consecutive weeks in the No.1 spot, while it also reached No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.4 on the Official UK Singles Chart. It is experiencing a resurgence after being shared on TikTok by the latest winners of Love Island.

September 5

Rihanna – Love On The Brain

On “Love On The Brain,” Rihanna took inspiration from doo-wop and soul from the 1950s and 60s, repackaging it in a modern style. In the emotionally powerful track, the star sings of a toxic but addictive relationship. The song is trending again following Rihanna’s appearance in a perfume campaign for Christian Dior’s J’adore, with a promotional film soundtracked by “Love On The Brain.”

Bobby “Boris” Pickett – Monster Mash

Although considered a novelty song, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s “Monster Mash” has experienced an enduring impact that many other tracks of its ilk fall short of. A now-traditional soundtrack of Halloween, the song tells the tale of a mad scientist who creates a monster that comes to life and comes up with a new dance move that becomes popular among other monsters, like Dracula and the Wolfman. As anticipation for Halloween 2024 ramps up, the song is beginning to experience its annual resurgence, with content creators online flocking to use the song in their videos.

Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me

In 1983, Rockwell released “Somebody’s Watching Me,” the lead single from his debut studio album of the same name. It featured vocals from Michael and Jermaine Jackson and Norman Dozier. It rocketed into the Top 5 of the charts around the world, including in the US, South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, and more. The track has become associated with Halloween thanks to its themes of paranoia and fear and is trending again as the season approaches once again.

Phil Collins – En Mi Corazón Estarás

Phil Collins contributed the song “You’ll Be In My Heart” to the soundtrack of Disney’s animated film Tarzan in 1999. “En Mi Corazón Estarás” is a Spanish version of that song, performed by Collins. That version of the track made it to No.32 in Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart, marking the star’s only appearance on the list in his career. The song is trending on TikTok as creators use it to share the people and places that have touched their hearts.

The La’s – There She Goes

“There She Goes” gave The La’s its biggest single, hitting No.13 in the UK charts when it was re-released in 1990. The track was taken from the band’s self-titled debut album – its only LP to be released – and has frequently been listed as one of the greatest songs of all time. As autumn takes over from summer, the song is trending online, with fans using it as the soundtrack for seasonal snippets of Gilmore Girls and Gossip Girl, as well as in general autumn-themed content.

August 21

Sir Mix-A-Lot – Nasty Dog

The dog at the heart of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1994 track “Nasty Dog” isn’t a furry friend but, in fact, the rapper himself. Instead of taking an interest in his fellow canines, the star spends the song in pursuit of a “kitty cat,” tempting them down from treetops “with a jingle of my car keys.” Between his recounted attempts, barks and woofs take on a percussive role, Mix-a-Lot occasionally adding to the layers with baritone “bow wow” refrains.

Riley Green – There Was This Girl

On “There Was This Girl,” country singer Riley Green shares stories about different women he’s met, from encounters at bars to the front rows of his shows. What starts out as a tale of various crushes, though, ends in commitment and the musician finding out “what love is all about.” The 2018 single is experiencing a resurgence thanks to an acoustic version soundtracking a new TikTok photo swipe trend, in which users share photos of themselves and their partners.

Cher – Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves

Cher’s first solo US No.1 single “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” put the pop icon in the shoes of a 16-year-old Romani girl, sharing details of her life. The big comeback track appeared on the album of the same name, which arrived in 1971 and earned Cher a nomination for the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy in 1972. It is receiving renewed attention thanks to a sync in Netflix’s Umbrella Academy, in which it soundtracks a dance sequence.

Hannah Montana – You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home

Hannah Montana’s 2009 track “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” was stuffed with superstar talent. Its vocals were recorded by the fictional Montana’s real-life counterpart, Miley Cyrus, while Taylor Swift co-wrote it with Boys Like Girls’ Martin Johnson. It appeared in 2009’s Hannah Montana: The Movie and is now trending thanks to Cyrus’ induction into Disney Legends.

August 14

The Cardigans – Lovefool

The Cardigans’ catchy hit single “Lovefool” was released in 1996 but didn’t reach the upper echelons of charts around the world until a year later. Its success was propelled by a feature on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and a re-release, pushing it to No.2 on the Official UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart and to No.1 in New Zealand and Scotland. The song is now experiencing a resurgence as fans use it to soundtrack edits of couples they wanted to see together on TV shows and share their own covers of it.

Lorde – The Love Club

In 2012, Lorde introduced herself to the world with The Love Club EP. Its title track depicted the then-teenager befriending the bad kids in her peer group and shone a light on the negative sides of popularity. TikTok users are setting it to a new trend on the app where they show recent photos from their camera roll.

Lloyd – You

“You” previewed Lloyd’s second studio album, Street Love, in 2007 and boosted a feature from Lil Wayne. It became the R&B singer’s first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 and his first No.1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Nearly a decade after its release, it is regaining attention after being posted by Olympian Suni Lee.

Young Jeezy – Leave You Alone

Young Jeezy’s slow-burning “Leave You Alone” was released in 2012 and saw the rapper team up with hip-hop icon Warren G, who produced the track. It marked Jeezy’s fifth single from his 2011 album, Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition, and after a steady climb up the charts earned him a No.3 placement on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Kavinsky – Nightcall

Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” brought together some of the buzziest names of the early 2010s, featuring CSS’ Lovefoxxx, produced by Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and mixed by Sebastian. It went on to be used as the theme for Nicolas Winding Rein’s Drive and appeared on Kavinsky’s debut album OutRun in 2013. It is now getting a second life after he performed it with Phoenix and Angèle at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

The Tragically Hip – Ahead By A Century

In 1996, The Tragically Hip scored its most successful single in its home country of Canada with “Ahead By A Century.” It topped the singles chart in the territory and was one of the top 10 most-played songs there that year. A decade later, it would become the final song the band would play live, closing out its last concert in Victoria, BC. After featuring in the new season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, the track is gaining fresh momentum.

Christopher Jackson – Where You Are

Hamilton superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda penned “Where You Are” for the soundtrack of Disney’s Moana, tapping into the feeling of finding happiness in one’s current situation. It’s become a central part of a TikTok trend that sees users sharing vacation posts, expressing their gratitude for being “where they are.”

August 7

Jhené Aiko – None Of Your Concern

On 2019’s “None Of Your Concern,” Jhené Aiko got personal. The track delved into her then-former relationship with Big Sean, who guested on the track, and detailed the couple’s issues and the pain of moving on. It followed the pair collaborating on Sean’s “Single Again,” which also looked at their partnership in detail. The track has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA and is experiencing a resurgence as fans share live clips from the star’s tour.

Lynyrd Skynyrd – I Need You

“I Need You” appeared on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second studio album, Second Helping, in 1974. The song, co-written by Ed King, Gary Rossington, and Ronnie Van Zant, details being away from a loved one and yearning to be back by their side. TikTok users are soundtracking a new trend where they share the people – or things – that they love.

Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting

Richard Marx wrote his 1989 single “Right Here Waiting” as a love letter to his wife, Cynthia Rhodes, while she was away in South Africa filming a movie. He initially sent it to Barbra Streisand to sing but, after she rejected it, recorded it himself. It went on to become a No.1 hit in countries around the world and is now featured in the trailer for Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice sequel.

Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu – Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride

“Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” was the main theme on the soundtrack for Disney’s animated movie Lilo & Stitch. “There’s no place I’d rather be/Than on my surfboard out at sea,” Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu sings in the track, and fans are using the song as the basis for videos sharing their vacations in Hawaii and beyond.

July 31

Deadpool & Wolverine

The action-packed new Deadpool & Wolverine movie reunites Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s titular characters and soundtracks their journey with some huge tracks. Among them are Huey Lewis & The News’ 1985 single, “The Power Of Love,” which was originally written as the theme song for Back To The Future. Chris de Burgh’s signature track “The Lady In Red” joins it on the score, while Fergie’s “Glamorous” offers a more modern contribution to the film. All three are now experiencing a resurgence as viewers share their reactions to the songs’ usage.

La Roux – Bulletproof

La Roux’s 2009 single “Bulletproof” earned the British duo – comprised of Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid – instant success in the U.K. There, the song debuted at No.1 in the charts but, in the U.S., it took more of a slow-burn approach to glory. It wasn’t until June 2010 that the track reached its peak of No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is back in the public consciousness after rapper Kodak Black was filmed singing along to it between brushing his teeth in a car.

Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box

“Heart-Shaped Box” appeared on Nirvana’s final studio album, In Utero, in 1993 and is believed to be about frontman Kurt Cobain’s relationship with his wife, Courtney Love. However, Cobain told biographer Michael Azerrad he had written it about children suffering from cancer. The song is trending online after it appeared in the season finale of The Boys.

Jodeci – My Heart Belongs To U

“My Heart Belongs To U” was the first single to be released from Diary Of A Mad Band, the second album from North Carolina R&B duo Jodeci. On the song, the pair offer to give a partner whatever they want and need to show how much they love them. The song is experiencing a resurgence as part of a dance trend that sees TikTokers performing choreography to the song.

All-American Rejects – Gives You Hell

In 2008, All-American Rejects previews its third studio album, When The World Comes Down, with the lead single “Gives You Hell.” It became the band’s most successful song to date, topping the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and Adult Top 40 charts and rocketing to No.4 on the Hot 100. The track is being picked up by a new generation of fans as part of a TikTok trend that sees them sharing what makes them respond with the energy in the chorus’ lyrics.

July 24

Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”

“Don’t Know Why” was originally penned by singer-songwriter Jesse Harris for his 1999 album, Jesse Harris & The Ferdinandos. Three years later, Norah Jones covered the track, scoring a triple Grammy-winning hit and global success story. Jones’ version peaked at No.30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the upper echelons in the charts in the likes of Australia, Croatia, and New Zealand. It has since been certified double platinum in the U.S. Her take on the song is now experiencing a resurgence, thanks to Jones performing it on NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”

“Centuries” served as the lead single from Fall Out Boy’s sixth album, American Beauty/American Psycho, in 2014. It went on to become the band’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in eight years and their fourth overall. Its anthemic nature has seen it used as the soundtrack to sports coverage over the years, including on ESPN in the year following its release. As the 2024 Olympic Games approach, the song is once again receiving new interest.

Vangelis – “Chariots Of Fire”

In 1980, Vangelis composed “Chariots Of Fire” as the theme song for the film of the same name. Two years later, the instrumental piece hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, 22 weeks after it first entered the chart, making it the only release by a Greek artist in the chart’s history to reach No.1. Since then, it has been covered in numerous styles by a host of other artists and has become synonymous with TV coverage of sporting events. It is also witnessing a resurgence ahead of the Olympics in Paris.

Chris Stapleton – “Either Way”

Although Chris Stapleton co-wrote “Either Way” with Tim James and Kendell Marvel, he wasn’t the first artist to release it. Lee Ann Womack recorded a version of the track for her 2008 album Call Me Crazy. But, in 2017, Stapleton reprised the song himself, including it on his album From A Room: Volume 1. A year later, it picked up the award for Best Country Solo Performance, with the musician’s heartfelt reflections on the end of a relationship striking a chord with voters. The song is receiving fresh attention after being included on the soundtrack for Tyler Perry’s new movie, Divorce In The Black.

Dove Cameron – “If Only”

Pop star Dove Cameron starred in the Disney Channel’s original movie Descendants in 2015, playing the character of Mal. As part of the role, she performed the song “If Only,” which took the form of an internal monologue about having her heart pulled in different directions. The track is trending following the release of the latest Descendants movie, Rise Of Red, on Disney+.

July 17

Justin Bieber – “Baby”

In 2010, Justin Bieber followed up the early success of his first two singles with “Baby,” a Ludacris-featuring track that made the Canadian pop star a household name worldwide. It earned the singer his first Top Five entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.3, and entered the Top 10 in charts across the globe. Additionally, the music video held the record for the most viewed video on YouTube for over two years. The song is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a sped-up version of Ludacris’ verse, which is at the center of a lip-syncing trend on TikTok that sees groups of friends miming along to the lyrics.

Smino – “Backstage Pass” ft. Monte Booker & The Drums

In 2020, rapper Smino teamed up with Monte Booker and The Drums for “Backstage Pass,” a contribution to the Madden NFL 21 soundtrack. In the song, the star asks someone to “get down with me,” later trying to convince them that they “really wanna be my only one.” Fans are returning to the track following the announcement of the new NCAA 25 football game and using it to soundtrack football edits.

Bee Gees – “Tragedy”

“Tragedy” was one part of a fruitful writing session for Bee Gees, during which it wrote this song, “Too Much Heaven,” and “Shadow Dancing.” When “Tragedy” was released in 1979, it scored the trio huge success, hitting the top of the charts in both the U.K. and the U.S. The song has played a big part in pop culture since, both in the British band Steps’ cover and in its inclusion on the soundtrack for the West End version of Saturday Night Fever. Now, it has been included in the trailer for Tim Burton’s new Beetlejuice movie.

Danny Elfman – “Alice’s Theme”

Danny Elfman penned “Alice’s Theme” for the soundtrack of the 2010 movie Alice In Wonderland, which Tim Burton directed. The song’s lyrics capture some of the most famous details of the classic tale, from the dream-like nature of the story to its experiments with making Alice bigger and smaller. “Alice’s Theme” is experiencing a resurgence over a decade on, trending in the countries of Spain and Mexico.

July 10

The Killers – Mr. Brightside

Since its release in 2003, The Killers’ debut single “Mr. Brightside” has taken on a life of its own, becoming a huge hit worldwide. One of the first songs ever written by the Las Vegas band, it is one of its best-selling songs in the U.S.; in the U.K., it is a record-breaking triumph. The track is the country’s third biggest-selling/streaming song of all time and the longest-charting single on the singles chart, spending over 408 weeks in the Top 100. The modern indie anthem is experiencing a resurgence after The Killers performed it at a recent gig at London’s The O2 – seconds after pausing the show to screen the final moments of the England soccer team’s Euros 2024 semi-final victory.

Iggy Azalea – Work

In 2013, Iggy Azalea introduced herself with her debut single, “Work,” an inspirational track that depicted the obstacles she faced in her efforts to make it in the music business. It made a strong first impression for the Australian rapper, becoming a sleeper hit in both the U.K. and the U.S., where it charted at No.17 and No.54 on the respective singles charts. The track is now trending on TikTok, thanks to it soundtracking a new trend where users share the very specific reasons why they are their “favorite animal.”

Vengaboys – We Like To Party!

Dutch Eurodance troupe Vengaboys made its preferences clear with its 1998 single, “We Like To Party!” The track, which featured on its debut album, Up & Down – The Party Album – took listeners on a fun ride on “the Vengabus” and rode into the Top Five in the U.K., Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland. The song is currently experiencing a resurgence thanks to a spike on Shazam.

Harold Faltermeyer – Axel F

German musician Harold Faltermeyer composed “Axel F” as the theme tune for Eddie Murphy’s 1984 movie Beverly Hills Cop. It went on to become a hit across the globe, hitting the top spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and on the Irish Singles Chart. It also scored huge success in the U.K. and across Europe – but the film’s producers weren’t initially impressed with the song. It wasn’t until director Martin Brest gave it his approval that it was allowed to move forward.

Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot

Already a hip-hop icon by 2004, Snoop Dogg’s 2004 single “Drop It Like It’s Hot” earned the rapper his first Billboard Hot 100 No.1. It stayed at the top of the chart for three weeks and also marked the first chart-topper for guest artist Pharrell Williams, too. In 2009, the track was named by Billboard as the most popular rap song of the noughties.

Alan Silvestri – The Avengers

American composer Alan Silvestri reprised his role as soundtrack mastermind for Marvel following his work on Captain America: The First Avenger with The Avengers score. “The Avengers,” a track taken from the OST, is now trending as part of a “Then and Now” video on YouTube that shows how the cast of the film has changed over the years since its release. It is also trending as the sound for videos that show the journey of an activity, from creating popcorn to learning how to drive a race car.

July 3

The Police – Every Breath You Take

In 1983, The Police released “Every Breath You Take,” which would go on to become the biggest song in North America that year. The track, which appeared on its Synchronicity album, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and Canada’s corresponding RPM chart for four and earned two Grammys (Song Of The Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals) in 1984. Now considered the band’s signature song, it was crowned the most-played song in radio history by BMI in 2019. As The Police ready a reissue of Synchronicity, its fifth and final album, “Every Breath You Take” is experiencing a resurgence among fans.

Nina Simone – Feeling Good

“Feeling Good” was originally written for the musical The Roar Of The Greasepaint – The Smell Of The Crowd, but perhaps its most famous version is the one recorded by Nina Simone. The star covered the track for her 1965 album, I Put A Spell On You, although it wasn’t released as a single until 1994. It has been sampled by numerous artists over the years, including Jay-Z and Kanye West, Flo Rida, and Bassnectar. Simone’s version of the track has returned to the front of the public consciousness thanks to its appearance in the A Quiet Place prequel, Day One.

Sia – Breathe Me

Taken from Sia’s third studio album, Colour The Small One, “Breathe Me” was released in 2004. Since its release, it has sold over 1.2 million copies in the U.S. alone and has been featured on multiple TV shows, including Misfits, The Simpsons, and Six Feet Under. It is now trending on TikTok as users share their experiences of resilience and getting through tough situations.

Lorde – Solar Power

In 2021, Lorde returned with a markedly different sound from her second album, Melodrama, in “Solar Power.” The lead single from her third album of the same name centered around psych-tinged, sunkissed indie-pop and featured backing vocals from Clairo and Phoebe Bridgers. As summer continues, fans are returning to the track and others from Lorde, causing it to trend online.

Keith David – Friends On The Other Side

“Friends On The Other Side” was written by Randy Newman and performed by Keith David for the 2009 animated film, The Princess And The Frog. David voices villain Doctor Facilier in the movie and the song depicts him plotting to take control of New Orleans. The song is being used as a soundtrack for gaming videos on YouTube Shorts, with fans particularly using it for the game Geometry Dash.

June 26

ScHoolboy Q – Collard Greens (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Released in 2013, “Collard Greens” served as the lead single from ScHoolboy Q’s third studio album, Oxymoron. It featured an appearance from Kendrick Lamar, which saw the rapper include bars in Spanish and French. The track made an entrance on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK R&B Chart and gave Q a Top 40 finish on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It is experiencing a resurgence after the rapper joined Lamar on stage at his recent LA show.

Jhené Aiko – My Mine

Taken from her mixtape Sailing Soul(s), “My Mine” found Jhené Aiko exploring the darker side of relationships. “Buried alive here inside a nightmare,” she sings. “Living a life where you’re gone / There is no light here.” Fans are using the song to soundtrack a new TikTok trend where they profess they’ll be OK through a breakup.

Sublime – Doin’ Time

On its 1997 track “Doin’ Time,” Sublime compared being cheated on and treated poorly by a girlfriend to being in prison. The track samples numerous other songs, including a Herbie Mann cover of George Gershwin’s “Summertime,” Beastie Boys’ “Slow And Low,” and Malcolm McLaren’s “Buffalo Gals,” among others. As summer hits the northern hemisphere, the track is experiencing a resurgence online.

Anthony Gonzalez – Un Poco Loco

“Un Polo Loco” features on the soundtrack for Disney/Pixar’s 2017 animated film Coco and is sung by characters Miguel and Héctor during a music contest in the Land Of The Dead. The track is regaining popularity online as people use it to soundtrack gaming videos.

June 19

Jagged Edge – Put A Little Umph In It (feat. Ashanti)

In 2007, Atlanta R&B group Jagged Edge teamed up with Ashanti on “Put A Little Umph In It,” the first track from its sixth studio album, Baby Makin’ Project. The release marked the first in the group’s new deal with Def Jam and earned it a Top 20 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The song is experiencing a resurgence as TikTok users share their dance covers of it and set it to anime videos.

DNCE – Cake By The Ocean

When Joe Jonas’ DNCE unveiled itself to the public in 2015, it did so with a bang. Its debut single, “Cake By The Ocean,” took inspiration from 70s pop, disco-funk and R&B, merging those sounds together to create one almighty earworm. The track became a hit around the world and peaked at No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans are using the song to soundtrack edits of their favorite TV shows and movies.

Glass Animals – Heat Waves

Taken from Glass Animals’ third album Dreamland, the 2020 single “Heat Waves” served up a huge sleeper hit for the British band. It climbed its way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, taking 59 weeks to reach the peak. Although it typically experiences a resurgence each summer, the track’s lyrics deal with themes of loss and nostalgia for something that no longer exists.

Sayaka Kanda and Takako Matsu – For The First Time In Forever

“For The First Time In Forever” is taken from the soundtrack to Disney’s hit movie Frozen, with the original sung by Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell. However, Sayaka Kanda and Takako Matsu contributed to a Japanese version of the track, which is being used to soundtrack TikTok users’ videos of adventures in Japan.

June 12

The Bird And The Bee – Again & Again

In 2006, producer Greg Kurstin and singer-songwriter Inara George teamed up to form the indie-pop duo The Bird And The Bee. “Again & Again” led its debut EP, Again And Again And Again And Again, which was released on Blue Note, and later appeared on the pair’s self-titled first album. It is experiencing a resurgence as fans use it to soundtrack videos featuring anime content on TikTok.

Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me)

Originally written for the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” became a huge hit for Simple Minds. It topped the charts in the U.S. and Canada, becoming the band’s biggest single in the former, where it is now certified double platinum. The track – which was inspired by a scene in the film that depicts introverted Brian Johnson and bully John Bender bonding – is gaining renewed attention after being featured in a trailer for a documentary about The Brat Pack.

Steve Miller Band – Abracadabra

Legend has it that “Abracadabra,” the 1982 single from Steve Miller Band, was inspired by Diana Ross after Miller and the star met on music show Hullabaloo. Regardless of its source, the track gave the U.S. band its biggest hit in its home country, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. Over the years, it has been covered by a number of other artists, while Eminem sampled the track in his 2024 single “Houdini.”

Trinidad Cardona – Jennifer

Released in 2017, “Jennifer” tells the story of a man regretting cheating on his partner with another woman, despite the former being “the girl I wanna finish with until the end of time.” The song is at the center of a new photo swipe trend on social media, where users share songs that are so good they text the lyrics to friends.

ZAYN – A Whole New World

Former One Direction star ZAYN tackled one of Aladdin’s most famous songs, “A Whole New World,” in 2019 as part of the soundtrack for the live-action version of the film. His take on the track appeared in the end credits of the movie, while English-Spanish versions were released featuring Becky G and Aitana.

June 5

Justin Bieber – That Should Be Me

“That Should Be Me” first appeared on Justin Bieber’s debut album, My World 2.0, in 2010. In the ballad, the pop star pleaded with a former lover to take him back with tear-jerking emotion. The song has been certified double platinum by the RIAA and was later remixed to feature country band Rascal Flatts. It is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a new dance trend set to a sped-up version of the track.

Andy Grammer – These Tears

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Andy Grammer shared his single “These Tears” in 2023. The track, on which he worked with Jake Torrey and Tone, detailed the trials and tribulations of loss and letting someone go. “Letting go isn’t something you can achieve, crush or master,” he said at the time of release. “It’s more of a slow burn, an acceptance, a daily release in small doses.” The heartfelt song is currently trending across Asia.

Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me

Rockwell’s 1983 single “Somebody’s Watching Me” was a star-studded affair, featuring vocals from Michael and Jermaine Jackson, plus Norman Dozier. The song served as the lead single for the star’s debut album of the same name and was a commercial hit, entering the Top Five in the charts in the U.S., South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and more. Users on Snapchat are driving a resurgence of the track.

The Beatles – Hey Jude

In 1968, The Beatles launched its Apple record label with “Hey Jude,” a song that has gone on to become a perennial classic and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and was the longest single to top the U.K. charts at that time, clocking in at seven minutes and 12 seconds. The track has remained a mainstay in the public consciousness since its release and is now experiencing another resurgence, thanks to being at the center of a couples trend and a sped-up version of the track doing the rounds.

Far East Movement – Like A G6

“Like A G6,” the lead single from Far East Movement’s third studio album Free Wired, made history in 2009. It became the first single by Asian-American artists to top the Billboard Hot 100 and the first by any artist of East Asian origin since Kyu Sakamoto hit No.1 in 1963. It is spiking in popularity once again since being sampled in a viral remix of a video on TikTok, in which a user states they are “looking for a man in finance.”

May 29

Empire Of The Sun – Walking On A Dream

Empire Of The Sun – aka The Sleepy Jackson’s Luke Steele and Pnau’s Nick Littlemore – released “Walking On A Dream” back in 2008 in its home country of Australia. The track served as the lead single of its debut studio album of the same name and won the duo instant success. The track charted in the Top 10 of the ARIA Charts and, the following year, was named Single Of The Year at the ARIA Music Awards. A global release followed in 2009, but it was a sync in a Honda commercial in 2016 that finally saw it reach bigger hits in the U.S. The advert feature helped propel the track to the top of Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart seven years after its initial release. As fans get excited for new material from Empire Of The Sun, the track is experiencing another resurgence.

Weezer – Island In The Sun

“Island In The Sun” wasn’t originally intended to be included on the tracklist for Weezer’s second self-titled album – aka The Green Album – in 2001. But, after producer Ric Ocasek fought for its inclusion, it went on to become the second single – and one of the band’s biggest international hits. As summer arrives in the northern hemisphere, fans are sharing the song to get into the spirit of the season.

Lee Greenwood – God Bless The U.S.A.

Lee Greenwood’s signature song, “God Bless The U.S.A.,” was first released as part of his 1984 album, You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’. The patriotic track has been used as part of numerous presidential election campaigns and rallies since, while Greenwood re-recorded it in 1992 after a new peak in popularity during the Gulf War. The song, which has sold over one million copies in the U.S., is experiencing a new resurgence as fans share it in Memorial Day-themed content.

Toby Keith – Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)

Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” was initially a song the country music star would only play live at concerts for military personnel. Keith initially refused to record it but was later convinced to share it wider. When it was released in 2002, it peaked at No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. With Memorial Day just passed in the U.S., fans have been remembering the song.

Glass Animals – Take A Slice

“Take A Slice” appeared on Glass Animals’ second studio album, How To Be A Human Being. In its lyrics, frontman Dave Bayley hypes himself up as “the treasure, baby, I’m the prize.” The track is at the center of two trends on TikTok – one in which fans share videos conveying their feelings when the song hits and another featuring anime edits set to the song.

Michael Giacchino – Bundle Of Joy

“Bundle Of Joy” is an instrumental track from the score of the 2015 Disney/Pixar animated film Inside Out. It is heard in the movie when the emotion Joy is introduced into the narrative and is named after a line in the dialogue where Mr. Andersen tells Riley: “Aren’t you a little bundle of joy?” The track is experiencing a resurgence as fans’ anticipation for the new Inside Out sequel rises.

May 22

Lyn Lapid – In My Mind

Filipino singer-songwriter let fans into her mind with the lead single from her debut EP, The Outsider, in 2021. “In My Mind” found the star sharing what goes on behind the closed doors of her brain, from the thoughts that keep her up at night to how she tries to quiet them down. The track surpassed 100 million streams in 2023 and continues to strike a chord with Lapid’s fans.

K’naan – Bang Bang (ft. Adam Levine)

“Bang Bang” appeared on K’naan’s second album, Troubadour, in 2008 but also made its mark in Hollywood later on. In 2010, the Somalian-Canadian star’s song appeared on the soundtrack for The Karate Kid. The track also boasts guest vocals from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, presenting an impactful collaboration between the two artists.

Tiësto & Dzeko ft. Preme & Post Malone – Jackie Chan

After Preme and Post Malone released an original version of “Jackie Chan” in 2018, dance stars Tiësto and Dzeko decided to give it a club-ready makeover. The track landed in the Top 10 in charts around the world, including the U.K., Finland, Canada, the Netherlands, and more, and has since been certified double platinum in the U.S.

Idina Menzel – Let It Go

Idina Menzel performed Frozen’s infamous song “Let It Go” in the Disney movie and scored her first Billboard Hot 100 charting release in the process. It peaked at No.5, making Menzel the first Tony-winning actor to enter the upper echelons of the chart. A decade on from its original release, the song continues to stay with fans, who are giving it another resurgence via new trends on YouTube shorts and sharing their own covers of the track.

Katy Perry – Teenage Dream

The second single and title track from Katy Perry’s third album, “Teenage Dream” captures the giddy feeling of falling in love in your youth. It is widely regarded as one of the best pop songs of all-time and has placed in lists of that ilk by both Billboard and Glamour. It is eight times platinum in the U.S. and is one of Perry’s signature songs. It is currently experiencing a resurgence thanks to TikTok, with creator Anna Paul’s lip-sync video featuring the song going viral on the platform.

May 15

The Gap Band – Outstanding

“Outstanding” appeared on The Gap Band’s sixth studio album, 1982’s Gap Band IV, and has become one of its signature songs since. The track, which was written by member Raymond Calhoun, topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and has been certified platinum by the RIAA. It is now finding a new generation of fans after popular Twitch streamer Sketch – famed for his “What’s up, brother?” catchphrase – shared in an interview that The Gap Band is one of his favorite bands.

Dion – The Wanderer

This 12-bar blues single was originally written by Ernie Maresca before being recorded by Dion in 1961. It marked another team-up for the pair, following their work on the No.1 single “Runaround Sue” and was almost as successful, landing at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite only being released as a b-side. “The Wanderer” was released on the flip side of “The Majestic,” but became the preferred choice of the two tracks for radio DJs, helping to propel it up the charts.

Bag Raiders – Shooting Stars

“Shooting Stars,” a track by Australian electronic outfit Bag Raiders, has become known as a sleeper hit over the years, thanks to its slow build in popularity. It fared well in the duo’s home country upon release as a single in 2009 but has since grown worldwide after being attached to an internet meme in 2017. Since then, it’s been referenced by Katy Perry and sampled by Troye Sivan, while it now soundtracks a variety of trends on social media, from covers to dance videos.

Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth

Belinda Carlisle’s smash hit “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” first entered the public consciousness in 1987, when it served as the lead single from the star’s album of the same name. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart before receiving a nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 1988 Grammys. The song is trending after a recent stunt by the Seattle Mariners, which saw the baseball team drop hot dogs from the sky.

Auli’i Cravalho – How Far I’ll Go

“How Far I’ll Go” is taken from the soundtrack to Disney’s 2016 animated movie, Moana, and won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2018 and Best Original Song at the Oscars and the Golden Globes in 2017. It was performed by Moana actress Auli’i Cravalho in the movie, while Canadian singer Alessia Cara recorded it for the OST release. The song is experiencing a resurgence as fans share their covers of it online.

May 8

Wang Chung – Dance Hall Days

Wang Chung’s 1983 single could have ended up on Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. The pop superstar and Quincy Jones heard a demo of the track and requested the band make some lyric changes, but a final version was never reached. Instead, the English band released kept it for itself and scored a huge hit. It peaked at No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gave the trio its only Top 40 in the UK. The song is experiencing a resurgence thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack of the new Anne Hathaway-starring rom-com The Idea Of You.

Madonna – Faz Gostoso

On Madonna’s 2019 album, Madame X, the pop icon explored the music of Latin America. “Faz Gostoso,” which features Brazilian star Anitta, combined pop with Brazilian funk to great effect. The song is experiencing a huge uptick in interest following Madonna’s history-making shows in Brazil as part of her The Celebration Tour, where she performed for 1.6 million people at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach.

Jhené Aiko  – 2 Seconds

Taken from the expanded edition of her 2018 album, Sailing Soul(s), “2 Seconds” finds Jhené Aiko dealing with distrust in a relationship. “OK, you back to talkin’ that s__t again/Question me about where I’ve been,” she moans about a partner in the opening lines. The pre-chorus’ lyrics of “Man, I wish I had some weed up in my system/‘Cause I’m ‘bout two seconds away from just flippin’ out” have become part of a new TikTok trend that finds fans relating to Aiko’s emotion in the lines.

Demi Lovato – Cool For The Summer

Released in 2015, “Cool For The Summer” has given Demi Lovato a huge hit not once but twice. The track was an instant success on its first release, entering the upper echelons of charts around the world. In 2022, it experienced a resurgence on TikTok and shot back up the charts once more. Now, it is peaking on social media once more, as fans use it in the background of videos on YouTube to show off their personal projects and small businesses.

May 1

Maggie Rogers – Light On

Released in 2018, Maggie Rogers shared “Light On” as a message of gratitude to her fans after she had experienced a whirlwind ascendance into the public eye. The song shared her feelings about finding peace in music and moments on stage amid all of the “overwhelming” things she was experiencing. It is experiencing a resurgence after being featured on the soundtrack of Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine’s new rom-com, The Idea Of You.

Jack Johnson – Upside Down

In 2006, Jack Johnson wrote and recorded the soundtrack for the animated film Curious George, which centered around an orphaned monkey in the African jungle. One of the songs featured on the album Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George was “Upside Down,” which would go on to be a hit, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40. Nearly a decade on, it is still connecting with fans and is at the heart of a number of trends on social media. They include a “fauxstalgia” trend for the Curious George movie, created by Gen Z, and
another based around different “how life feels” situations.

DJ Snake – Taki Taki

“Taki Taki” saw DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B come together to create a global hit. The bilingual track – which features lyrics in English and Spanish – crashed into the upper echelons of charts in Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, Italy, the US, and many more, while it has racked up over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify worldwide alone. It is the focus of a dance trend on social media that sees fans striking powerful moves to the track.

Sabrina Carpenter – Looking At Me

Taken from Sabrina Carpenter’s 2019 album Singular: Act II, “Looking At Me” finds the US pop star in characteristically confident form. “‘Cause I’ve been here once or twice,” she sings. “Never worry ‘bout the eyes.” Fans are using the song to create edits, both of the star and of their favorite TV shows, like the K-drama Lovely Runner.

April 24

Johnny Cash – So Doggone Lonesome

Recorded and released in 1955 by Johnny Cash and his band The Tennessee Two, “So Doggone Lonesome” was inspired by singer-songwriter Ernest Tubb. The Texan musician later recorded his own version of the track after hearing Cash’s original on the radio – an incident that made Cash think he had “made it” as an artist. Decades after its release, “So Doggone Lonesome” is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a sync on the soundtrack for Amazon Prime Video’s new dystopian series, Fallout.

Nat King Cole – I Don’t Want To See Tomorrow

Nat King Cole’s “I Don’t Want To See Tomorrow” was penned by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris and was released as the b-side to the star’s single “L-O-V-E” in 1964. The track captures the feeling of not wanting to go on without your partner. It appeared in the teaser trailer for Fallout, as well as in the final episode of the show’s first season.

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says

On 2011’s “Who Says,” Selena Gomez & The Scene hit back at cyberbullies, telling them: “You made me insecure/Told me I wasn’t good enough/But who are you to judge.” The empowering, jangly track connected with fans, peaking at No.21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified triple platinum by the RIAA. It has experienced a resurgence lately thanks to British singer-songwriter Freya Skye’s cover of the track.

Hinder – Lips Of An Angel

Oklahoman band Hinder released “Lips Of An Angel” in 2006, with the song dominating the charts around the world. It hit the top of the polls in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US’s Mainstream Top 40 chart, and peaked at No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as placing high in other countries. Lyrically, the song details receiving phone calls from a beloved ex and the problems they cause in a new relationship. A new phone call trend has emerged linked to the track, with people sharing moments where they call the person they shouldn’t.

April 17

No Doubt – Bathwater

No Doubt’s 2000 song “Bathwater” showed new facets of the band’s creativity. The track combined New Orleans funeral brass with beat-boxing and a ska-punk rhythm, topped off with singer Gwen Stefani’s distinctive vocals. It scored huge radio airplay at the time of release and is still making an impact today – as evidenced by Olivia Rodrigo, who joined the band to perform it at its hotly-anticipated reunion set at Coachella 2024. “I remember hearing bathwater for the first time when I had just started writing songs,” she wrote on Instagram. “It totally turned my world on its head and inspires me to this day.”

The Ink Spots – I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire

Written in 1938, “I Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire” was recorded and released by the vocal group The Ink Spots in 1941. The single scored the group a hit, charting at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track is now experiencing a resurgence after being used in both the trailer for and the second episode of Amazon Prime Video’s post-apocalyptic drama, Fallout.

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

The title track of Amy Winehouse’s second and final album, “Back To Black” captured the star’s feelings around being left by her partner for their ex-girlfriend. It poured her pain into a poised 60s girl group backing and has become one of the star’s best-loved songs, evidenced in the number of covers that have been produced of it over the years. The track is having another resurgence thanks to the release of a biopic detailing Winehouse’s life, also titled Back To Black.

April 10

The Cranberries – Sunday

“Sunday” appeared on The Cranberries’ 1993 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, which arrived after the band had released four EPs. The song details conflicting feelings in a relationship, with frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan being both swept away by a love interest but unsure where she stands with them. The track is experiencing a resurgence on social media thanks to a dance trend set to a sped-up version of the song.

Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen

Dexys Midnight Runners scored a huge hit with “Come On Eileen” in 1982, with the track going on to become the best-selling single of that year in the U.K. It also won the trophy for Best British Single at the 1983 BRIT Awards and has remained a national favorite in the country over the decades since. Its impact continues today, with social media users sharing videos of their own covers of the song and practicing dance moves for weddings.

Will Smith – Arabian Nights

In 2019, Will Smith starred in the live-action remake of Disney’s classic movie Aladdin, playing the role of Genie. The singer and actor also contributed to the soundtrack, including his version of “Arabian Nights.” Instagram users are now soundtracking videos of their own experiences in the Middle East.

ABBA – Waterloo

This year marks the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s “Waterloo,” the Swedish band’s 1974 Eurovision Song Contest winner. The track kickstarted the four-piece’s path to global fame, topping charts around the world. It used Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 to explore the feeling of surrendering yourself to love. Fans are sharing old live performances of the track on social media to celebrate five decades of the song.

April 3

The-Dream – I Luv Your Girl

“I Luv Your Girl,” the third and final single to be taken from Atlanta singer The-Dream’s debut album Love/Hate, gave the star his second Top 20 hit in the US. The 2008 track boasted a guest verse from Young Jeezy, while its video also featured cameos from the likes of Chingy, Ne-Yo and Jermaine Dupri. Its impact extended beyond its original release, with T-Pain interpolating the song for his verse on Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It,” while “I Luv Your Girl” is trending on social media again as part of a new dance trend.

Leat’eq – Tokyo

Los Angeles producer Leat’eq’s 2018 single “Tokyo” creates a whole song out of just seven words. As they’re repeated, processed and chopped and screwed, an understated electronic backing underpins them, combining to make something low-key addictive. That’s likely helped the track experience a resurgence on social media, particularly as part of a new dance trend.

March 27

Lil Mosey – Blueberry Faygo

Lil Mosey’s “Blueberry Faygo” was officially released in 2020 and landed the Seattle rapper his most successful song to date. The track peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and surpassed one billion streams on Spotify in just over two years. “Blueberry Faygo” continues to make an impact with listeners four years on, with the song trending on YouTube shorts as gamers use it to soundtrack Fortnite edits.

March 20

Ross Lynch – On My Own

Not only did Ross Lynch star as Brady in the 2015 movie Teen Beach 2, but he also wrote and recorded songs for its soundtrack. “On My Own” was penned by Lynch and his brothers after reading the script for the film, capturing Brady’s feelings following his breakup with Mack (Maia Mitchell). Lynch’s recent performances at Lollapalooza in Argentina and Chile both included performances of “On My Own,” with fan-shot footage of the moments being shared on social media.

March 13

Lorde – Supercut

Lorde’s “Supercut,” featured on her 2017 album Melodrama, finds the New Zealand singer looking back on a relationship with rose-tinted glasses. Despite not being released as a single, the track found a legion of fans and is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a viral mash-up with Flo Rida’s “Club Can’t Handle Me.” The new fan-made remix ups the euphoric rush of the original, with fans declaring it their “summer song.”

Timbaland – The Way I Are

In 2007, Timbaland, Keri Hilson, and D.O.E. teamed up on the huge hit single “The Way I Are,” which scored a No.3 smash on the Billboard Hot 100. The electro-hop track fused a futuristic sound that continues to strike a chord with listeners today. The song is going viral on social media after creator @tugboat_spenny featured it in some of his popular ceiling fan videos.

Burna Boy – Alone

Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy contributed to the soundtrack of Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022 with “Alone.” The song features early on in the movie and captures the solemn atmosphere that characterizes the film in the scenes after T’Challa’s death. “Alone” is receiving renewed attention, thanks to the recent release of Burna Boy’s latest album, ‘I Told Them…’, and his current world tour.

March 6

Masego & FKJ – Tadow

The 2018 breakthrough single for both Masego and FKJ, “Tadow,” came from a moment of improvisation in the studio when the pair first began working together. Its title refers to “expressing the inexplicable synchronicity of human life and the sublime experiences of subjectivity and wonder that the English language cannot adequately describe,” according to the music video, while the chill-house track is laced with smooth sax lines and awestruck lyrics.

Baby Bash – Suga Suga (featuring Frankie J)

“You got me lifted, feeling so gifted/Suga, how you get so fly?” Frankie J sings in this 2003 track, the second and final single from Californian rapper Baby Bash’s third studio album, Tha Smokin’ Nephew. The R&B hip-hop cut gave the lead artist his highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No.7 and landing in the Top 10 of other charts around the world. Its popularity has continued since, with Robin Schulz sampling the track on his song “Sugar” in 2015.

Rascal Flatts – Life Is A Highway

Originally released by Tom Cochrane in 1991, “Life Is A Highway” became a hit single for country band Rascal Flatts in 2006. The group covered the song for the soundtrack of Pixar’s animated film Cars, which shot them to No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is experiencing a resurgence thanks to social media users including it in travel videos showing their adventures around the world and in videos referencing Cars.

February 28

Jessie J – Domino

The explosive euphoria of “Domino” has always packed a whole lot of power ever since it was first released back in 2011. At that time, it became Jessie J’s second No.1 single in the UK and broke new ground for her in the US, giving her a Top 10 track for the very first time. Over a decade later, it’s still going strong with regular viral boosts, keeping it at the forefront of the pop consciousness. Its latest resurgence comes via a “Domino” emote being launched on Fortnite, sparking new interest in the song and a healthy amount of memes reacting to the addition.

Far East Movement – Rocketeer

Taken from Far East Movement’s third studio album, Free Wired, “Rocketeer” saw the hip-hop and electronic group team up with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. The track saw the four-piece making a departure from the sound that had propelled the previous single “Like A G6” to huge success, with “Rocketeer” taking a softer, more tender approach. “Here we go, come with me/There’s a world out there that we should see,” Tedder sings in the chorus over a polished piano backing.

Miley Cyrus – Party In The U.S.A.

Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.” is instantly recognizable from its very first note. The 2009 single told a coming-of-age story of the star’s move from Nashville to Hollywood, capturing the wide-eyed excitement of the move in an irresistible piece of pop greatness. That youthful wonder still courses through the song – now certified Diamond by the RIAA – which is likely part of its frequent resurgences around the world.

February 21

Juvenile – Back That Azz Up

Juvenile’s 1999 single “Back That Azz Up” – alternatively known as the censored “Back That Thang Up” – has experienced something of a cultural resurgence in recent years. In 2021, the rapper released a new version called “Vaxx That Thang Up” to encourage the public to get educated about the COVID-19 vaccine. More recently, the original track has been sampled by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Do It” and formed a pivotal part of an Abbott Elementary scene, with the power to bring Principal Ava back to her usual ways. On social media, meanwhile, fans are taking the song viral with mash-ups of Beyoncé’s new country single “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Iggy Pop – The Passenger

In one sense, the titular passenger in Iggy Pop’s 1977 hit was the singer, traveling around with David Bowie. “I’d been riding around North America and Europe in David’s car ad infinitum,” he told the Guardian in 2016 of the literal inspiration behind the track. “I didn’t have a driver’s license or a vehicle.” But the song was also inspired by Jim Morrison’s “The Lords,” a poem that characterized modern life as a car journey. Over the years, “The Passenger” has been featured in numerous films, ad campaigns, and TV shows, and a new Calvin Klein commercial has been added to that list. The advert sees BTS singer Jungkook dancing to the song in an empty Grand Central Station, where he recreates part of its iconic melody on piano.

Ne-Yo – Closer

At the time of its release, Ne-Yo’s 2008 single “Closer” marked a new move into dance-pop sounds for the singer. Nearly two decades later, that step is still proving to be a success, with the track going viral as part of a new dance trend. Users are sharing videos in which one person runs at another, causing the other to start running away. After a few steps, though, they reconsider, turn around, and start dancing to the track together.

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song

Taken from the third album by pop-rockers Selena Gomez & The Scene, “Love You Like A Love Song” captured the addictive feeling of new love. “I love you like a love song, baby/And I keep hitting repeat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat,” Gomez sang over a pulsating electro-pop backing. The track has been making its mark on social media, with fans using it as the soundtrack to Valentine videos, transformation videos, and sharing old live footage of Gomez.

February 14

Justin Bieber – Favorite Girl

Believe it or not, Justin Bieber first teased his 2009 single “Favorite Girl” because of Taylor Swift. In August of that year, Taylor and her team shared a tour diary video on her YouTube channel which featured her and her friends dancing to Bieber’s “One Time.” Bieber was so excited by the news that he shard an acoustic rendition of the then never-before heard “Favorite Girl” on his YouTube channel in response. The song eventually appeared on his album My World. The two artists eventually met at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, and she even invited him to be a special guest on her Fearless Tour. Now, Bieber’s song is back in the spotlight.

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

Queen’s iconic track “Don’t Stop Me Now” is making renewed noise in the viral world thanks to its use in a Pfizer commercial that aired during the Super Bowl. In the clip, portraits of famous thinkers like Isaac Newton, Copernicus, and more come to life to sing along to the song. The ad speeds through the history of medicine, culminating a final ode to science. Fittingly, the commercial concludes with Brian May’s scorching solo. Check out the ad below.

Olivia Rodrigo – All I Want

It was only five years ago that Olivia Rodrigo was a star on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, but so much has changed in that time. Now, Olivia is one of the biggest pop stars on Earth. Despite her solo discography turning her into an icon, it’s a HSM song that’s currently trending. “All I Want” was first performed by Rodrigo’s character, Nini Salazar-Roberts, in the fourth episode of the first season, titled “Blocking.” Revisit the beloved Disney favorite below.

February 12

Fast Life Yungstaz – Swag Surfin’

F.L.Y.’s (Fast Life Yungstaz) “Swag Surfin’” has taken over the internet thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift’s adoption of the track as the team’s official theme song. The cultural sensation is back in 2024 thanks to Swift and Travis Kelce’s mother, who were captured dancing along to the song last month. Swifties worldwide chose the song as their anthem, too, and the soundtrack for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run received a big boost after emerging as one of the most popular songs of 2009. The group, from Stone Mountain, Georgia, were everywhere during the Super Bowl, bringing their infectious track to the masses.

The Band – The Weight

The Band’s “The Weight” is reemerging for new audiences after it was featured prominently in a Super Bowl LVIII commercial for Budweiser. The ad begins with an instrumental version of the track before evolving into the original song. The commercial features Bud’s famous Clydesdale horses delivering beer to a very thirsty bar.

The track was featured on the band’s debut album Music From Big Pink. Released at the height of the psychedelic era, Big Pink sideswiped a music scene that had become reliant upon finding itself in lysergic experiences and extended instrumental wig-outs.

Neil Diamond – I Am… I Said

Neil Diamond’s “I Am… I Said” is stirring up a lot of buzz after being featured in a Volkswagen Super Bowl ad. The commercial features Volkswagen throughout history, culminating in the unveiling of the company’s brand-new electric vehicle.The song was first featured on Diamond’s Stones LP. After debuting on the American chart on November 13, 1971, the album hit the UK bestsellers on December 11 of that year.

Steppenwolf – Magic Carpet Ride

“Magic Carpet Ride,” the 1968 anthem from Steppenwolf, is making waves after being featured in a Super Bowl advertisement from Bud Light. The clip features Peyton Manning, Post Malone, and the Tyrannosaurs Rex from Jurassic Park.

“Magic Carpet Ride” was built around a riff conjured by Steppenwolf bassist Rushton Moreve, and with lyrics inspired by the stereo system that frontman John Kay had bought with the royalties from the band’s self-titled debut album. The lines “I like to dream/Yes, yes/Right between my sound machine” reportedly came to Kay after he took a demo of the song home to listen to.

Coi Leray – Make My Day

Rap star Coi Leray has been stealing the spotlight thanks to her 2023 David Guetta-featuring single “Make My Day.” The song soundtracked a Super Bowl commercial for E*Trade. The clever clip features babies playing Pickleball against Grant Hill.

The track is featured on the rapper’s 2023 album COI. In an interview upon release, Leray explained her reasoning behind the album title. She said, “I feel like even just self titling it COI, I want people to understand everything that is just about me. At home they call me Coi, Coi Leray is my brand. But my mom, everybody, you or anybody here in the room, I would want you to call me Coi ’cause it’s a personal thing.”

The Velvet Underground – I’ll Be Your Mirror

Velvet Underground’s classic “I’ll Be Your Mirror” is back in the spotlight, serving as the soundtrack for an Expedia Super Bowl ad. The song is taken from the group’s 1967 debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico.

In the clip, the band’s song soundtracks a mother booking a trip to Norway to see the Northern lights after seeing how much her child loves them. This is the first advertisement featuring the Velvet Underground song, and the first national campaign featuring a song from the group, since a Nissan Xterra campaign in 2003.

January 30

The Cranberries – Linger

The Cranberries’ bevy of hits is the perfect catalog for TikTok, where creators spin the band’s lyrics into fresh, related pieces of content or build new worlds from the band’s signature sound. Recently, the Irish rock band’s “Linger” has become quite popular on the app, with users riffing on the lyrics, “But I’m in so deep, you know I’m such a fool for you.” Users have created playful tributes to their favorite stuffed creatures, videos showing an inability to miss impossible basketball shots, and a collage that celebrates the power of good dentistry.

Cher – Dark Lady

Cher always has a hit bubbling up, and this time, it’s her 1974 single “Dark Lady.” The song has found a new audience thanks to its inclusion on RuPaul’s Drag Race, with Geneva Karr and Mirage lip syncing to the classic track. Fans of the show then took to TikTok to react to the performance, with some less impressed than others by Mirage’s performance. In fact, most fans walked away from the show hoping for a better showing. On the bright side, however, it’s reminded folks just how powerful Cher’s original track is.

K’NAAN – Bang Bang

K’NAAN’s massive “Bang Bang” never needs all that big of a boost, considering the 2009 smash seems to be omnipresent, but the Adam Levine-assisted track received a new push thanks to its soundtracking a meme from the video game Warfare. The song’s uptempo energy has inspired video creators to use the song to soundtrack moves from some of the fastest characters in the game.

Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know

Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers has gone viral thanks to his new theme song, “Didn’t Cha Know” from neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. In a press conference, George explained why fans may have chosen it as his soundtrack, saying, “I guess it’s something smooth. I always look at basketball as dancing anyways. I’m always down to tango.” Fans have been uploading compilations of highlights from the all-star, highlighting his smooth moves on the court.

January 26

Frank Sinatra – Somethin Stupid

When is old Blue Eyes not trending on TikTok? After his iconic hit “My Way” took the platform by storm, Frank Sinatra is trending again for his 1967 duet “Somethin Stupid.” Sinatra worked with everyone from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and bossa nova icon Antônio Carlos Jobim, but his biggest collaboration of the 60s was with his daughter Nancy for the hit song. Countless creators have used the song around ruining situationships with the lyric “and then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like ‘I love you.’”

The 1975 – Sex

As one of the few torchbearers of aughts rock, The 1975 both have a devoted original fanbase thanks to their nonstop touring and passionate younger fans rediscovering their early catalog again. Case in point is their song “Sex” from their 2012 self-titled EP. Another lyric trend, creators on TikTok are using the lyric “she’s got a boyfriend anyway,” to show off their boyfriends and celebrity crushes. With streams up 70 percent, no wonder it’s still a fixture in their setlist.

Bob Marley – One Love / People Get Ready

It’s a time-honored tradition for every generation to rediscover Bob Marley’s music. For one, it was the Legend compilation and dorm poster; for this generation, it’s TikTok and the forthcoming biopic One Love. From posts about appreciating Jamaican culture to outdoor adventures, Marley’s 1965 unifying anthem is more resonant than ever.

January 19

Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me

Following the viral success of her 1963 song “Misty,” Lesley Gore is taking over TikTok with an even bigger hit, “You Don’t Own Me.” Forever a feminist anthem and cemented in pop culture forever thanks to its appearance in the 1996 film The First Wives Club, the song is back in the zeitgeist thanks to a very memorable Calvin Klein ad starring Jeremy Allen White of The Bear. From girlfriends to models, it was the ad campaign heard around the world set to one of the best songs of the 60s.

Ariana Grande – bloodline

Along with the wild anticipation for her new album, Ariana Grande fans are revisiting her past hits, including the reggae-tinged “bloodline,” from her thank u, next album. From dance challenges to glam transitions and TV fan edits, the Arianators are working overtime.

Kristen Bell – Love Is An Open Door

Following last week’s Tangled trend, another Disney classic is trending on the app, with “Love Is An Open Door” performed by Kristen Bell as Princess Anna from Frozen, as the focus of a trend about getting the ick from a romantic partner. Despite its title, the song is really a duet between Anna and Prince Hans, performed by Santino Fontana, who turns out to be the villain.

January 12

Lesley Gore – Misty

New year, new trends, and 2024 is kicking off by once again looking to the past, with the fast-rising virality of Lesley Gore’s 1963 track “Misty, which reached No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart. Creators are discovering the “original sad girl” Lesley Gore, who made an entire crying-themed album called It’s My Party, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones and featured the “Misty.” The main trend driving the virality of the track is a couples and friends trend: “me without X, me with X,” with X being a trait of the other person. With 1.8 million video creates and counting, more and more people are discovering the remarkable singer and queer pioneer.

Fast Life Yungstaz – Swag Surfin

Fast Life Yungstaz’s 2009 hit “Swag Surfin” first trended back in November of last year thanks to its popularity during homecoming season at HBCUs, and now it’s trending again after being adopted as the unofficial anthem of the Kansas City Chiefs. Otherwise known as Travis Kelce’s team. The song reached fever pitch when a church in Atlanta played the song and did the dance during service. If the Chiefs win this weekend, we’re going to be Swag Surfin into the playoffs.

Sara – Je Voudrais

Still riding the success of WISH, Disney is trending for another reason on TikTok thanks to a French version of Grace Potter’s “Something That I Want” from the 2010 Disney film Tangled. The French version “Je Voudrais” is performed by French singer Sarah Bismuth (Sara). Both versions of the song are currently trending, but it’s the sped-up version of the French track that creators are embracing. Fun fact: Sara first started her career after winning the Disney Channel Talents singing competition when she was just 12!

Listen to all the best viral tracks on TikTok on Apple Music and Spotify.