Songs That Trended In 2024
Here are just a few of the older songs that found a resurgence in popularity, thanks to TikTok, social media, and film and TV syncs.
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.
November 13
Village People – YMCA
Village People’s signature song was released in 1978, serving as the only single from its third studio album, Cruisin’. It was written after lead singer Victor Willis explained the concept of the YMCA’s single-room occupancy scheme to producer Jacques Morali, who was inspired to write a song about it together. It went on to become the group’s biggest hit, reaching No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 12 million copies worldwide to date. It is trending online after Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential election, with creators replicating his dance to “YMCA” on TikTok.
Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot
Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams teamed up on 2004’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” scoring both critical acclaim and commercial success for the track worldwide. Its impact is enduring, with it regularly moving back to the forefront of the public consciousness. Recently, it has done so again following Snoop Dogg joining Fortnite as one of the main characters for the Chapter 2 Remix. The game brings back the boogie bomb, which, when thrown at a player, makes them dance and starts “Drop It Like It Hot” playing.
Toadies – Possum Kingdom
“Possum Kingdom” was taken from alt-rock band Toadies’ 1994 album Rubberneck and was inspired by a piece of folklore from its home state of Texas, named after Possum Kingdom Lake near Fort Worth. It is experiencing a resurgence after being featured in the trailer for Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
Nov 6
Lil Tecca – Ransom
New York rapper Lil Tecca made his breakthrough in 2019 with “Ransom,” a track he released independently before resharing it after signing with Galactic Records and Republic Records. The song is now considered his signature track and climbed up the Billboard Hot 100 to peak at No.4. It also scored considerable success around the world, charting in the Top 10 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the UK and more.
October 23
X Ambassadors – Unsteady
X Ambassadors’ “Unsteady” might be about the dissolution of a relationship, but the track only served to build the U.S. rock band up higher. Originally released as part of its 2014 EP The Reason, it later featured on its debut album, VHS, and earned both a nod for Top Rock Song at the 2017 BBMAs and a Billboard Hot 100 chart placement. It is trending on TikTok as users try to recreate a dance move from Dancing With The Stars to it, with some famous faces – like U.S. rugby player and DWTS contestant Ilona Maher – getting involved.
Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra – Somethin’ Stupid
Although originally recorded by C. Carson Parks and his wife Gail Foote in 1966, it wasn’t until Frank and Nancy Sinatra released “Somethin’ Stupid” a year later that it would become a hit. The father and daughter duo’s version topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and U.K. Singles Chart and has become a mainstay in pop culture over the decades since. A clip of Jennifer Lawrence singing the song in her 2015 film Joy is trending on TikTok, forming the basis of a trend where creators, including pop star Sabrina Carpenter, describe a sad habit they do to their significant other that ruins a relationship.
Peggy Lee – I Go To Sleep
The Kinks’ Ray Davies penned “I Go To Sleep” in 1965, with the song going on to be covered by the likes of The Applejacks, Cher, and Peggy Lee. The latter’s version appeared on her 1965 album, Then Was Then – Now Is Now!, and is now being used as the ending credits song for a new Prime Video TV series, Edge Of Sleep.
Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face
Billy Idol took inspiration from Georges Franju’s 1960 film Les Yeux sans visage for “Eyes Without A Face,” the British rock star’s 1984 hit. Using the English translation of the movie’s title, he began to form the song around it, diving into a relationship that had gone wrong. The song went on to give him his first Top 10 hit in the U.S., peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is now experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as users make it the soundtrack to videos around emo and alternative fashion and lifestyle trends or show off their spooky Halloween decor.
October 16
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth – Defying Gravity
Taken from the musical Wicked, “Defying Gravity” is performed by the characters Elphaba and Glinda, with the former vowing to fight the Wizard of Oz. It is often considered the musical’s signature song and is experiencing a resurgence as fans prepare for the release of the soundtrack for the movie adaptation of the stage show.
Amy Winehouse – Tears Dry On Their Own
“Tears Dry On Their Own” appeared on Amy Winehouse’s second and final studio album, Back To Black, in 2006. It fused her retro influences with distinctive style, interpolating Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1967 hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” It is trending on TikTok as users share the things that make them upset.
Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot
In 2004, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams both scored their first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” The song was the lead single from Snoop’s seventh studio album, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta), and was co-produced by Williams and his Neptunes cohort, Chad Hugo. The track remained at the top of the chart for three weeks and later earned two Grammy nominations. It is featured in Piece By Piece, Williams’ Lego-based biopic, sparking a resurgence for the song.
Wreckx-N-Effect – Rump Shaker
US hip-hop group Wreckx-N-Effect released its single “Rump Shaker” in 1992 as a preview of its second album, Hard Or Smooth. It was co-written by a pre-fame Pharrell Williams and peaked at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also featured in Williams’ Piece By Piece film.
Mazzy Star – Fade Into You
“Fade Into You” is often cited as one of the best songs of all time, securing spots in such lists by Rolling Stone and Pitchfork. It was released in 1993 and is Mazzy Star’s only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No.48. It is trending on TikTok as creators use it to soundtrack videos of content themed around autumn and lifestyle trends.
Mary J Blige – I Can Love You
On “I Can Love You,” Mary J. Blige teamed up with Lil’ Kim. The track, which appeared on her third album, Share My World, contained parts of Kim’s own track “Queen Bitch,” a sample that producer Rodney Jerkins brought in. It is part of a trend on TikTok in which creators exemplify a form of love.
Lorde – Ribs
“Ribs,” taken from Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine, found the New Zealand singer fretting over ageing and taking inspiration from a party she threw. Although it was never released as a single, it is now certified triple platinum in the U.S. It is trending on TikTok, as users take its “You’re the only friend I need” lyric and pay tribute to their pals.
October 9
Olly Alexander – Breathe
In 2015, Olly Alexander – then under the name Years & Years – shared a cover of Blu Cantrell’s hit song “Breathe.” The cover served as the B-side to “Take Shelter” and was later re-released on Years & Years’ debut album Communion. It now serves as the soundtrack to a new TikTok trend where users lip-sync to a brief dialogue before launching into a dance routine.
City Girls – What We Doin’
Taken from City Girls’ 2018 album Girl Code, “What We Doin’” is a liberating anthem in which the duo takes care of their responsibilities and is ready to hit the town. It is trending on TikTok as the unlikely accompaniment to a trend where users share their reactions via images of Chicken Little.
Jeremih – Birthday Sex
“Birthday Sex” was Jeremih’s debut single and was released in 2009. It scored the then-R&B newcomer huge success, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified five times platinum by the RIAA. It forms the soundtrack for a new TikTok trend in which creators share their take on the cue “when he asks me to dance but…”.
Jon Bellion – All Time Low
On his 2016 single “All Time Low,” Jon Bellion captured the feeling of being three days into a breakup, where the emotions are weighing you down and making life feel futile. It struck a chord with many around the world and is now certified four times platinum in the U.S. Fans are using it as the music for edits of footage from the NFL.
Lady A – Downtown
“Downtown” was the first taste of Lady A’s fifth studio album, Golden, kicking off that era of the band in huge style. The track topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and scored a Top 30 finish on the Hot 100. It’s now the basis of a homecoming dress trend on TikTok, which finds creators lip-syncing to the song as they transition from regular clothes to their chosen gowns.
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
