In an unexpected turn of events, Radiohead’s 1997 song Let Down from their seminal album OK Computer has entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the band’s fourth appearance on this prestigious list. This resurgence is largely attributed to the song’s viral popularity on TikTok, where users have embraced its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics to underscore a variety of emotional content.
Unlike Radiohead’s more mainstream hits like Creep and Karma Police, Let Down has traditionally been a fan favorite rather than a chart-topper. Its recent ascent is reminiscent of other classic tracks that have found new life through social media platforms. For instance, Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill experienced a 9,000% increase in streams after being featured in a Netflix series and going viral on TikTok. ([link.techcrunch.com](https://link.techcrunch.com/public/28526409?utm_source=openai))
The emotional depth of Let Down has resonated with TikTok users, leading to its use in various heartfelt videos. One notable example is a montage dedicated to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, who faced a season-ending surgery. The video, set to a choral rendition of Let Down, overlays lyrics like Bouncing back and/One day, I am gonna grow wings atop highlights of Wheeler’s career, creating a poignant tribute.
This trend isn’t limited to sports tributes. TikTok users have also paired Let Down with scenes from popular films like The Hunger Games, amplifying the song’s melancholic yet hopeful essence. The track’s inclusion in the season finale of the TV series The Bear further contributed to its renewed popularity.
In May, a TikTok account specializing in music edits posted a version of Let Down featuring a large chorus, urging users to Please make the saddest edit that ever exist with this overlay. The post garnered over a million likes, indicating the song’s profound impact on the platform’s community.
Data from Google Trends indicates that interest in Let Down began to rise in the spring, culminating in its current chart success. This phenomenon underscores the significant influence of social media platforms like TikTok in reshaping the music industry’s landscape, breathing new life into classic tracks and introducing them to a new generation of listeners.
