When it comes to songs that were popular years after release, timing really is everything. Whether it’s thanks to a viral TikTok trend, a hit movie soundtrack, or a sudden wave of nostalgia, some tracks take years, even decades, to find their audience. These songs may have slipped under the radar at first, but they eventually exploded into mainstream hits. Here are 9 of the most fascinating cases of delayed musical fame.
9. Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
While Fast Car was already a hit in its own right, the song got a massive revival in 2023 thanks to Luke Combs’ country cover. The renewed interest led to Chapman’s original version climbing back up the charts, reminding fans of the emotional power of her storytelling.
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8. Goo Goo Muck, The Cramps
The Cramps’ gothic punk anthem Goo Goo Muck surged in popularity after being used in the hit Netflix show Wednesday. Thanks to a now-iconic dance scene performed by Jenna Ortega, the song went viral on TikTok. Therefore, it quickly became one of the best songs that were popular years after release.
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7. Something In The Way, Nirvana
Although it was never a single, Something In The Way found new fame in 2022 when it was featured prominently in The Batman trailers and soundtrack. The haunting grunge ballad introduced Nirvana to younger audiences, who sent it soaring up the streaming charts.
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6. Come and Get Your Love, Redbone
This funky 1974 hit returned when it appeared in the opening scene of Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. The song’s energy was instantly beloved by a new generation, sparking streaming spikes and radio play. Therefore, it became another great example of how songs that were popular years after release can still have cultural relevance.
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5. Redbone, Childish Gambino
Although it did moderately well upon release, Redbone truly found its second wind when it was used in the opening scene of Jordan Peele’s 2017 horror film Get Out. The eerie mood left a lasting impression, and the song quickly became a streaming favorite.
4. Truth Hurts, Lizzo
When Lizzo first dropped Truth Hurts, it didn’t make much of an impact. Two years later, in 2019, the song went viral on TikTok and was featured in Netflix’s Someone Great, soaring to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Therefore, it became one of the clearest examples of songs that were popular years after release.
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3. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
Queen’s theatrical masterpiece didn’t initially chart well in the U.S. when it was first released. But thanks to its unforgettable use in the 1992 film Wayne’s World, the song exploded in popularity nearly two decades later. It’s one of those songs that were popular years after release that went on to become a global anthem.
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2. Dreams, Fleetwood Mac
Though always a fan favorite, Dreams re-entered the cultural spotlight in 2020 when a TikTok video of Nathan Apodaca skateboarding while sipping cranberry juice went viral. The result? Millions of new streams, chart re-entries, and a whole new audience discovering Fleetwood Mac’s magic.
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1. Running Up That Hill, Kate Bush
Originally released in 1985, Kate Bush’s track saw a major resurgence in 2022 thanks to its prominent feature in Stranger Things Season 4. The placement introduced an entirely new generation to the track, sending it soaring up the charts nearly 40 years later. As one of the most iconic songs that were popular years after release, it proved that a timeless song can thrive in any era.
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