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’re compiling the most popular trending songs of 2023 each week.
November 17
Colbie Caillat – Bubbly
TikTok loves a mashup and has gotten ahold of Colbie Caillat’s 2007 hit “Bubbly” and juxtaposed it with other artists’ rowdy live performances, including everyone from Tyler the Creator, Post Malone, Travis Scott, and even KISS. The song is now Top 30 on the TikTok Viral Chart, and even Colbie has gotten on board.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – Ride
Forget GQ Man of the Year, TikTok decides who the new thirst trap of the year is, and that person is Josh Hutcherson. Whether fans are nostalgic for his role in The Hunger Games, with the prequel opening this weekend, or his recent appearance in Five Nights at Freddy’s, the actor is showing up in countless fan videos set to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1994 hit “Ride.”
Elton John – Step Into Christmas
No need to wait until after Thanksgiving; everyone (along with Mariah) knows the holiday season starts November 1, and creators are sharing their holiday flair with Elton John’s underrated classic “Step Into Christmas.” From JoJo Siwa showing off her impressive display to even Sir Elton serving looks.
November 3
50 Cent – Baby By Me
Fresh off earning his first RIAA Diamond certification for “In Da Club,” 50 Cent is also heating up the TikTok viral charts with his 2009 hit “Baby By Me.” Equipped with a catchy Ne-Yo hook, 50 also made a ballsy move with the track by sampling himself from his 2007 hit “I Get Money.” Fans and other creators are using the track to soundtrack their posts about an ideal partner, set to a Benny Benassi remix that’s even got some Euphoria stars to hop on the trend.
Quality Control, Kodak Black, and Lil Baby – My Dawg
Quality Control: Control the Streets, Vol.1 acts as a time capsule of 2017 when QC ruled the rap roost and a showcase for the label’s established and up-and-coming stars. When of the best cuts off the comp was “My Dawg” led by Lil Baby and Kodak Black, which is now getting a second life on TikTok as creators share a hot take or statement and clap when Baby says “fact.”
Alessi Brothers – Seabird
While TikTok launches old songs back into the mix on a daily basis, sometimes these trends pop up in even more surprising places. That’s certainly the case with the song “Seabird” from identical twin duo and 70s soft-rock favorites The Alessi Brothers. The song is featured in the newly launched Spider-Man 2 game that dropped in October, and it’s been popping up everywhere from TikTok to YouTube and probably your FYP page by now.
Fast Life Yungstaz – Swag Surfin
If you couldn’t tell by the crispness in the air and the smell of freshly cracked hard seltzer cans, it’s homecoming season at HBCUs and beyond this month, and everyone has adopted Fast Life Yungstaz’s 2009 hit “Swag Surfin” as their anthem. New to some but a nostalgic hit for others; some are even swag surfin’ at their wedding reception.
October 27
Willow – Wait A Minute
It only makes sense that a song Willow Smith released when she was 15 is speaking to a generation of teens again, with the resurgence of her 2015 song “Wait A Minute” on TikTok. The track first appeared on her debut album, Ardipithecus, and is being used to soundtrack clips featuring a dimple filter, while others just lip-sync along to the line “You left your diary at my house, and I read those pages, do you really love me, baby?” With over 77K creates and counting, Willow’s wistful and nostalgic track is ready to take over the platform.
Rockin Around The Christmas Tree
It’s not even Halloween, and yet Christmas content is already popping up on TikTok, including Brenda Lee’s perennial classic “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree.” From holiday light shows to a photo-swipe trend, looks like everyone is already over spooky season and ready to bring on the holidays.
The Weeknd – The Party & The After Party
Before sped-up tracks proliferated on TikTok, The Weeknd did it first, on his 2011 debut mixtape House of Balloons. On the single “The Party & The After Party,” he speeds up Beach House’s “Master of None,” building out his own sexy soundscapes out of the moody indie track. Now creators on TikTok are embracing the Weeknd cut again, set to the dramatic “Velocity” Capcut filter, slideshows, and everything in between.
October 20
Jhené Aiko – Sativa
The smooth operator of R&B Jhené Aiko has been busy being a mom, but that doesn’t stop her music from scaling the TikTok charts thanks to a new trend set to her 2018 single “Sativa,” featuring Swae Lee from Rae Sremmurd. Fans are creating videos around the lyrics “But I lasted 10 rounds like a freak,” bringing The Trip single back into the mix with 216K creates and counting.
Calum Scott – Dancing On My Own
TikTok is in full MLB mode, as the two teams are dominating the baseball playoff chatter thanks to their signature anthems.
First up, the Philadelphia Phillies are putting up a good fight against the Diamondbacks thanks to their inspiring anthem, Calum Scott’s cover of the Robyn hit “Dancing On My Own.”
Creed – Higher
Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers are taking us back to Y2K and inspiring a Creed reunion after claiming the 1999 track “Higher” as their team anthem. Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney mentioned in a radio interview that the team has escaped a season slump by “having fun and playing Creed before games. It even inspired a stadium-wide singalong.
Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People
While Y2K has dominated the TikTok music landscape, the mid-2000s are ready for their moment, kicking it off with Empire Of The Sun’s timeless hit “We Are The People” from 2008. There’s no specific trend, just a generation of people discovering the instant earworm quality from an album stuffed full of hits.
October 6
The Cranberries – Zombie
In 1994, The Cranberries released one of its biggest hits in “Zombie,” a protest song against the then-ongoing Troubles in Northern Ireland. The song was written following the death of two children injured by IRA bombs and captured the anguish and anger of the time. It has gone on to be one of the band’s defining songs and is still having an impact around the world now. It has recently been experiencing a resurgence on TikTok, as part of a trend using an underground stranger filter, soundtracking Peaky Blinders clips, and via its usage as the Ireland Rugby World Cup anthem.
Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot
Produced by the Neptunes, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” gave both Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams their first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track stayed in the top spot for three weeks and later earned two Grammy nominations in 2005 for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Now, it’s being imagined by a new generation, with one TikTok creator in the Philippines making it trend on the app thanks to their varied remixes of it.
Ingrid Michaelson – You And I
“You And I” appeared on Ingrid Michaelson’s 2008 compilation album Be OK and has since gone on to become one of her most popular releases. The track saw her team up with Dan Romer to share a sweet tale of unity with a loved one. The track is trending on TikTok following friends sharing their unique wedding tradition on the platform.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll A-Trak Remix
“Heads Will Roll” served as the second single from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ third album It’s Blitz! In 2009. The track took the band into new electronic territory, its synth-pop foundations taking it straight to the dancefloor. Following the original song’s release, Canadian DJ A-Trak remixed it for the film Project X, amplifying its club-ready energy. Now, fans are celebrating the remix on TikTok.
September 29
No Doubt – Just A Girl
As No Doubt prepared to release its third studio album, Tragic Kingdom, it previewed the record with its lead single, “Just A Girl.” Written by Gwen Stefani about growing up as a woman with strict parents, it marked the first time the singer had completed a song without collaborating with her brother. The feminist sentiment of the song struck a chord with fans, sending the track to the Top 10 of the charts in Australia, the UK, Norway, and more. The song has experienced a resurgence on TikTok as it is used in a new POV trend where users share things they do as a girl.
Katy Perry – Harleys In Hawaii
In 2019, Katy Perry returned with a standalone single “Harleys In Hawaii.” The track found the pop star pulling from a palette of reggae, trap and tropical pop as she shared her emotions while riding motorbikes in Hawaii with a lover. The track is trending on TikTok as fans revisit it, lamenting the world for “moving on way too fast.”
Mary J. Blige – Family Affair
Mary J. Blige scored her first and only Billboard Hot 100 No.1 single in 2001 when she released “Family Affair.” The track, which was produced by Dr. Dre, has gone on to consistently be regarded as one of the best of the 2000s. Now, it has become the center of a new trend on TikTok where users dance with a virtual figure.
Niall Horan – This Town
Shortly after One Direction went on hiatus, Niall Horan released his debut solo single, “This Town.” It saw the Irish singer step out with a new artistic identity, mining acoustic guitar pop and sentimental storytelling, and earned him a Top 10 hit in the UK. As the seven-year anniversary of the song approaches, fans have been celebrating it on TikTok.
The Police – Every Breath You Take
“Every Breath You Take” has become one of The Police’s defining songs since it was first released in 1983, when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. It went on to win two Grammys – Song Of The Year and Best Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals – as well as the Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. Fans have been trending the song online, sharing how it makes them feel in TikTok videos.
September 23
Frank Ocean – Pink Matter
Taken from Frank Ocean’s acclaimed debut album Channel Orange, “Pink Matter” tackles the topic of pleasure in relation to women. “Sensei replied, ‘What is your woman?/Is she just a container for the child?’/That soft pink matter,” the star sings in the first verse of the slow-paced jam, which also features a guest appearance from André 3000. Fans on TikTok have been sharing their love for the track, particularly the moment Ocean cries: “My god, giving me pleasure.”
Nelly – Dilemma (ft. Kelly Rowland)
In 2002, Nelly and Kelly Rowland teamed up for a superstar collaboration that would become a classic pop song of the era. “Dilemma” sampled Patti LaBelle’s “Love, Need and Want You” and captured the feeling of falling in love with someone – despite them already being in a relationship. TikTok users have been celebrating the track and sharing live clips of Nelly performing it for a happy couple at their wedding.
Jhené Aiko – None Of Your Concern
“None Of Your Concern” previewed Jhené Aiko’s third studio album Chilombo and took inspiration from the singer’s own relationship with Big Sean. The rapper featured on the track – alongside Ty Dolla Sign – and helped Aiko detail the process of moving on from an old relationship. The song is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as fans praise Aiko’s lyrics for their “realness.”
George Strait – Here For A Good Time
The title track from country icon George Strait’s 27th studio album, “Here For A Good Time” was a family affair for the star. He co-wrote the single – the 92nd of his career – with his son Bubba and frequent collaborator Dean Dillon and brought the motto “here for a good time, not a long time” to life. TikTok users have been using the song as the soundtrack to montages of capturing that same spirit and having a good time with friends.
Although Black Eyed Peas’ 2005 single “My Humps” sparked some controversy with its lyrics, it has gone down as a celebrated song of its era. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2007 and is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as fans highlight it as one of the best songs of its time.
September 15
Floetry – Say Yes
In 2003, English R&B duo Floetry shared “Say Yes,” the second single from its debut album Floetic. It was the pair’s only hit single, peaking at No.24 in the Billboard Hot 100 the same year of release and getting nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Fans on TikTok have been giving the track an online revival of late, sharing how relaxed and soothed the serene song makes them feel.
Lil Yachty – Flex Up
On his 2020 track “Flex Up,” Lil Yachty and collaborators Playboi Carti and Future do exactly what the song’s title suggests and flex their lifestyles. “Six speeds, Bentleys, APs, that s__t light/Two-piece, FNs, red dots, chop your height,” he raps in his verse. The track is at the centre of a new dance trend on TikTok that sees users on the app teaming up with a friend to bust some moves to the song.
Ashanti – Foolish
With “Foolish,” her 2002 debut single, Ashanti gave herself a big introduction. The track spent 10 consecutive weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Top 10 in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It earned nods at the 2003 Grammys for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and was named one of the best songs of the 2000s by Billboard. Its legacy still lives on, with TikTok users sharing the impact specific parts of the song have on them.
September 8
Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
In 1977, Jimmy Buffett released his single “Margaritaville,” which would go on to be his defining song. It peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and, at the end of that year, ranked at No.14 on its Pop Singles of 1977 chart. The track went on to be a reference throughout Buffett’s career and pop culture at large, lending its name to his Meet Me In Margaritaville: The Ultimate Collection compilation album, the 2017 musical Escape To Margaritaville, and many commercial ventures, including his restaurant chain of the same name. After the sad death of Buffett, the track has been trending online as fans share their fond memories of the icon.
Smash Mouth – All Star
Taken from Smash Mouth’s second studio album Astro Land, “All Star” achieved acclaim and success upon its release in 1999. It was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the Grammys and hit the top of the charts around the world. Two years later, it featured on the soundtrack for Shrek, launching it to stratospheric status. Following Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell’s tragic death, fans have been paying their respects online, sharing their love for the track.
Rihanna – If It’s Lovin’ That You Want
“If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” appeared on Rihanna’s debut album, Music of the Sun, in 2005 and found the then-rising star sharing a message to potential suitors. “[It’s] basically telling a guy, ‘If it’s lovin’ that you want, you should make me your girl because I’ve got what you need,” she told MTV at the time. The song has been experiencing a resurgence as fans recreate some body-rolling choreography on TikTok – or, in the case of Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg, put their own spin on it.
September 1
Rae Sremmurd – Throw Sum Mo
When Rae Sremmurd was still a fledgling rap duo, they scored big with their third single from debut record SremmLife. “Throw Sum Mo” boasted appearances from Nicki Minaj and Young Thug – and it performed fittingly well. The track peaked in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, laying more solid foundations for a glorious career to come. Nearly a decade since its release, fans on TikTok are sharing it again, recommending it to those who have yet to hear it.
Rihanna – Breakin’ Dishes
“Breakin’ Dishes” might not have been an official single from Good Girl Gone Bad, but it still managed to impact the charts. The track, which found Rihanna fronting up to her partner about their cheating, soared to No.4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs. Fans on TikTok have been using the song to soundtrack edits of movies like Jessica Alba’s Honey.
Migos – Need It
Migos’ 2020 single “Need It” found the rap trio teaming up with YoungBoy Never Broke Again and served as the lead single for the group’s fourth album, Culture III. On the track, it sampled 50 Cent’s “Get In My Car” and detailed the lifestyles the four artists led and their lengths to protect themselves. The track is now being used as the soundtrack for a POV trend on TikTok.
Limp Bizkit – Behind Blue Eyes
In 2003, Limp Bizkit covered The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes,” putting their own rap-rock spin on the 1971 single. Its version featured a new verse, an extra chorus, and extra flourishes and embellishments. It went on to achieve huge success worldwide, particularly in Europe. TikTok users have been helping the song to trend on the app by sharing videos based on how hearing the song makes them feel.
The La’s – There She Goes
Considered one of the greatest indie songs of all time, The La’s‘ “There She Goes” was originally released in 1988 before being re-issued in 1990 to huge success. It placed at No.13 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart and has, in decades since, been hailed by the likes of Noel Gallagher, Eric Clapton, and Ben Gibbard. The song has been reaching a new audience on TikTok, with fans sharing their own covers of the track.
August 25
Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On
In 2006, Corinne Bailey Rae released “Put Your Records On” as the second single from her self-titled debut album. It went on to huge success, peaking at No.2 on the Official UK Singles Chart. It also was nominated for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year at the Grammys the following year. Users on TikTok have been celebrating the song on the platform by posting their own versions and Rae’s live performances of it.
Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer
When Taylor Swift’s Lover was originally released in 2019, one of its standout tracks, “Cruel Summer,” was not put out as a single. In the years since, fans have campaigned for it to be given its flowers, finally succeeding in 2023. With the track making an appearance at Swift’s Eras tour, fans have been sharing live videos of it on TikTok, helping boost its resurgence further.
Chrisette Michele – Epiphany (I’m Leaving)
The first track to be taken from Chrisette Michele’s second album, “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” gave the singer her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track detailed Michele’s experiences in different relationships in her life, sharing lessons learned along the way. A new dance trend set to the song is sweeping TikTok, with fans twerking in videos shared on the app.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – Bark Like You Want It
“Woof, bark like you want it, woof, bark like you want it, baby,” Sir Mix-a-Lot commands on “Bark Like You Want It,” a track taken from his penultimate album, Return Of The Bumpasaurus. TikTok users are now sharing videos of themselves lip-syncing to the song.
Keyshia Cole – Love
In 2005, Keyshia Cole released the single “Love” from her debut album, The Way It Is. It became the most successful track on the record, peaking at No.19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fans on TikTok have been sharing clips of Cole performing the song at recent concerts nearly two decades later, helping it trend on the app.
August 18
Big Sean – I Don’t F__k With You
Big Sean’s 2014 single “I Don’t F__k With You” interpolates two songs from the 70s in its framework – D.J. Rogers’ “Say You Love Me One More Time” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” It also saw the rapper team up with E-40 and Top 20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in the process. Nearly a decade after its release, the song is now at the center of a trend, which sees users on TikTok lip-syncing to the track while using a filter that spins their image in a circular frame.
Chief Keef – Hate Bein’ Sober
In 2012, Chief Keef recruited 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa for “Hate Bein’ Sober,” the follow-up to his hit single “Love Sosa.” Released as the third single from his debut album Finally Rich, the track went on to become yet another success in his arsenal, now certified double platinum in the US. TikTok users are now soundtracking a new trend with the song in which they share videos with different scenarios that would make their morning or night good.
Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
The title track from Ariana Grande’s 2016 album, “Dangerous Woman” saw the star work with songwriters Johan Carson, Ross Golan, and super-producer Max Martin. Already no stranger to massive hits, it added another to her catalog, entering the upper echelons of the charts in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. The song is central to a new trend on TikTok that sees fans sharing pictures from their childhood juxtapositioned with a photo of their “glow up” later in life.
August 11
Luke Bryan – Move
In 2016, country star Luke Bryan penned “Move,” a song about a woman moving to the American South and becoming more attractive to the narrator thanks to adopting Southern ways. As well as making a big impact on the country scene, it also scored some crossover success in the mainstream, landing at No.50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fans on TikTok are now sharing videos that combine both a dance trend and a transition that sees them switch outfits.
Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
“This Is How We Do It” served as the lead single to singer-songwriter Montell Jordan’s debut album of the same name in 1995. It featured a sample from Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story” and took on the world – taking over the Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot from Madonna and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Users on TikTok are now sharing funny videos set to the track detailing relatable parts of daily life.
Frank and Nancy Sinatra – Somethin’ Stupid
Although originally recorded by C. Carson Parks and his wife Gaile Foote in 1966, the most famous version of “Somethin’ Stupid” arrived a year later courtesy of Frank and Nancy Sinatra. The song has since become a staple of pop culture, appearing in movies and TV shows from Joy to Breaking Bad, The Simpsons to Gilmore Girls. Users on TikTok have been sharing their own covers of the song in tribute to the classic.
Enigma – Sadeness
In 1990, German outfit Enigma explored the “sexual desires of Marquis de Sade” and scored a huge hit in its home country. The track made it to the top of the German charts faster than any other song in history at the time, thanks to radio play and its success in clubs. Its usual mix of electronics and Gregorian chants has inspired TikTok users to share their reactions to it in videos on the app.
August 4
The Cardigans – Lovefool
In 1996, Swedish band The Cardigans released one of the most iconic earworms of all time with “Lovefool.” The lead single from its third album, First Band On The Moon, the track had a slow-burn to hit status, propelled by its feature on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Nearly three decades later, the song is still finding popularity with new audiences and is having a resurgence on TikTok as users make it the soundtrack of a new trend that shows what they’re listening to as they play video games.<
Tame Impala – Let It Happen
For its third album, Currents, Tame Impala returned with a lead single that clocked in at nearly eight minutes. “Let It Happen” introduced the 2015 record in an epic expanse of laser-like synths and infectious beats, while its lyrics dealt with themes of personal transition. Fans on TikTok are using the track as a way to express how they dance like no one’s watching.
Dazz Band – Let It Whip
Released in 1982, “Let It Whip” gave the Ohio R&B and funk outfit Dazz Band its biggest hit. The track topped the US R&B chart for five non-consecutive weeks and peaked at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also went on to win a Grammy that same year for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Now, it’s become the center of a new trend on TikTok, which sees users perform majorette dance moves to the song.
July 28
Spiderbait – Black Betty
In 2004, Australian alt-rock trio Spiderbait covered Lead Belly’s 1939 work song “Black Betty,” following in the footsteps of US rockers Ram Jam to give the track their own spin. Released as the lead single from its sixth studio album, Tonight Alright, Spiderbait’s take became a hit worldwide, but particularly in the band’s home country, where it topped the charts and is now certified double platinum. Users on TikTok are now using the song to soundtrack videos of them racing through the streets for different reasons.
Ariana Grande – Everyday
In 2016, Ariana Grande teamed up with Future on her Dangerous Woman single “Everyday.” Although it presented more explicit topics than the star had previously touched on before then, the track soared to the Top 20 of the Billboard Mainstream Top 40. Now, fans are using it to soundtrack a variety of videos, from cute clips with their partners to videos of favorite K-pop idols.
Justin Bieber – Beauty And A Beat
The third single from Justin Bieber’s 2012 album Believe, “Beauty And A Beat” found the pop icon teaming up with Nicki Minaj as he sang about taking a lover to the club. It peaked at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified quadruple platinum in the US. The song is central to a “body rock trend” on TikTok, in which users dance to a sped-up version of the track.
July 21
Ne-Yo – Because Of You
Released in 2007, “Because Of You” went on to become US singer-songwriter Ne-Yo’s second most successful song, bested only by “So Sick.” It was produced by Stargate and became a hit around the world, entering the Top 10 in Ireland, Japan, and the UK, while peaking at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track is now experiencing a resurgence thanks to a viral video on TikTok, which sees the song edited into a clip of a man trying to break a car window.
Playboi Carti – Magnolia
Taken from Playboi Carti’s self-titled debut commercial mixtape, “Magnolia” sampled The Jamie Foxx Show, while the video featured cameos from the song’s producer Pi’erre Bourne and A$AP Rocky, the A$AP Mob, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and many more. Fans on TikTok are now using the track as the soundtrack for a variety of funny videos.
Akon – Right Now (Na Na Na)
The lead single from Akon’s third album Freedom, “Right Now (Na Na Na)” gave the singer yet another hit. It reached No.6 in the UK while, in the US, it peaked at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100. TikTok users have helped the track trend again by sharing videos celebrating its lyrics.
July 14
Jessie J – Price Tag
Only the second single from Jessie J’s debut album Who You Are, “Price Tag” already cemented the British singer-songwriter as a formidable force. The track went straight to No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, while it also made a huge dent in the Billboard Hot 100 at No.23. Featuring US rapper B.o.B, the infectious song went on to be the best-selling collaboration of 2011 in the UK. Over a decade since its release, it’s still having an impact online, with TikTok users putting a sped-up version of it at the center of a new dance trend.
Katy Perry – Firework
In 2010, Katy Perry harnessed the upbeat genre of dance-pop to craft a new self-empowerment anthem – one that would have the world exploding in declarations of being a firework. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and entered the Top Five in 20 charts around the world, and has since been certified a massive 12-times platinum by the RIAA. The song is now trending on TikTok following a July 4 surge for the song.
Drake – Passionfruit
Taken from Drake‘s 2017 mixtape More Life, “Passionfruit” boasted an unlikely Hollywood A-list addition, with Zoë Kravitz providing additional vocals for the track. A Top 10 hit in the UK, US, Canada, and more, the track’s mix of tropical house, R&B, pop, and dancehall proved contagious upon release, with a wealth of artists covering the song in the time since, including Paramore, John Mayer, and Mabel. Fans on TikTok have been sharing how the song makes them feel.
Black Eyed Peas – My Humps
The third single from Black Eyed Peas’ 2005 album Monkey Business, “My Humps” found Fergie singing and rapping about using her natural assets to get ahead. The track stirred some controversy over its subject matter but went on to win the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 2007 Grammys. The track is being used in videos across TikTok, including users remembering one The X Factor contestant performing the song while dressed as Mary Poppins.
Rob Zombie – Dragula
Rob Zombie’s signature solo song, “Dragula,” was based on the drag racer DRAG-U-LA from The Munsters and samples a piece of Christopher Lee’s dialogue from the 1960 movie The City Of The Dead. The song is trending on TikTok as users play it over a scene from Matilda, pulling together an unlikely combination that somehow works.
James Bay – Let It Go
In 2014, when James Bay was still a rising star, the English singer-songwriter released “Let It Go.” It was later re-released as part of his debut album Chaos And The Calm a year later, giving it the exposure it deserved and sending it into the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. Users on TikTok have been sharing their own versions of the heartfelt song on the app.
July 7
Juvenile – Back That Azz Up
Juvenile’s 1999 single “Back That Azz Up” – his biggest hit until 2004 – has had a long-lasting impact on pop culture. The Lil Wayne-featuring track featured the lyric “drop it like it’s hot,” which was later re-popularized by Snoop Dogg, while Weezy repeated his verse from it on 50 Cent’s “Lollipop” and Drake sampled the track on his 2011 song “Practice.” Thanks to Juvenile’s recent appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk – during which he performed an orchestral version of the hit – “Back That Azz Up” is now experiencing a resurgence alongside other tracks like “Slow Motion” and “Bounce Back.”
Tears For Fears – Head Over Heels
The fourth single from Tears For Fears’ second album, Songs from the Big Chair, “Head Over Heels” gave the duo its eighth Top 40 hit in the UK, peaking at No.12. In the US, meanwhile, the searching love song fared even better, landing at No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Decades after its original release, the track is trending on TikTok as part of a trend where users explain the things that make them fall head over heels.
June 30
Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face
When Billy Idol released “Eyes Without A Face” in 1983, it followed the more upbeat “Rebel Yell” in previewing his second album. Softer, sparser, and dreamier, the new track took its inspiration from the 1960 French film Les Yeux sans Visage and detailed a relationship on the rocks. It became a hit for the rock star, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing him his first Top 10 track in the US. Forty years later, the song is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as users soundtrack a new trend with it, in which they share videos of how they think they look in certain situations, only to then show the comical reality.
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body
The lead single from her 2008 album E=MC², “Touch My Body” made history for Mariah Carey. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 – not an unusual feat for the star – giving the singer her 18th No.1 and making her the solo artist with the most No.1 singles in US chart history. The song’s impact is still being felt, not least on TikTok, where it is part of a new dance trend.
The All-American Rejects – Swing Swing
In 2002, The All-American Rejects struck gold with its debut single “Swing Swing.” The first taste of its self-titled debut album, the track surged into the Top 10 of the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and scored success with a Top 20 finish on the Official UK Singles Chart. Decades later, the song is trending on TikTok, with users on the app soundtracking videos of a little girl dancing that are captioned with different funny or relatable situations.
Clairo – 4Ever
Taken from her 2018 EP diary 001, “4ever” was written the night before a big change in Clairo’s life – ahead of her moving away to college. Capturing the confusion of starting a new chapter in your life, the song won praise for its coming-of-age story. With the singer-songwriter currently on tour, the track has been trending on TikTok as users share live performances of the song on the app.
Creed – Higher
The lead single from Creed’s second album Human Clay, “Higher” became the band’s first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to spend a whopping 57 weeks on the chart – the longest for any Creed track – and was certified gold by the RIAA. Its influence continues to show itself as the song trends on TikTok, with it appearing in funny videos of cats flying via the power of a filter.
June 23
Ne-Yo – Closer
Ne-Yo’s “Closer” was originally released on his 2008 album Year of the Gentleman, and the Stargate-produced track immediately made its presence felt on the Billboard charts, peaking at No.7. Now, the song has found renewed interest thanks to TikTok. Though there isn’t one uniting theme among the many creators, some users, like @sagethomass, jam out to the cut, lamenting that music like this isn’t made any more.
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body
Mariah Carey’s iconic “Touch My Body” emerged as a hit and was propelled by an excellent music video co-starring Jack McBrayer from 30 Rock when it was first released in 2008 as a part of her album E=MC² . Now, the track has become a viral sensation thanks to a TikTok dance trend in which creators showcase some seductive and sultry moves.
Gwen Stefani – What Are You Waiting For?
Gwen Stefani is making waves across the music industry with her new single, “True Babe,” but one of her older hits is causing quite a storm as well. Her pop-rap anthem “What You Waiting For?” from her debut album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. signaled that the No Doubt frontwoman would have a sterling solo career. Two decades later, the track has been reinvigorated thanks to a trend in which creators use emojis to recreate the song lyrics, “Look at your watch now/ You’re still a super hot female.”
Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign – Scared of the Dark
Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign’s 2018 collaboration “Scared of the Dark” was an integral part of the Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse soundtrack, and thanks to the success of the new Spider-Man film and soundtrack, the song is getting a much-deserved resurgence across social channels. Wayne sums up the song’s philosophy during his first verse when he raps, “Tunechi/ I ain’t never scared and I ain’t never horrified/ I just look down at my Rolex, it said it’s the darkest times.”
June 16
Jhené Aiko – Promises
Taken from Jhené Aiko’s 2014 debut album Souled Out, “Promises” was a family affair. The song featured vocals from not just the R&B star herself but her late brother Miyagi and her daughter Namiko. The track itself was dedicated to both of her relatives, with Aiko promising them that she’ll “be alright.” Fans on TikTok have been using the song to soundtrack manifestation videos or clips reassuring themselves of Aiko’s message.
Nicki Minaj – Black Barbies
On “Black Barbies,” Nicki Minaj took Rae Sremmurd and Gucci Mane’s “Black Beatles” and flipped it to be about herself, taking down her competitors and gassing herself up in the new lyrics. The track is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as it soundtracks a new trend based around a Barbie transformation filter.
Post Malone and Swae Lee – Sunflower
In 2018, Post Malone and Swae Lee teamed up to work on the soundtrack of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, coming up with the mega-hit “Sunflower.” It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is now the highest-certified song ever by the RIAA, with 18 times platinum status in the US. With the release of the Spider-Man sequel Across The Spider-Verse and Post Malone and Swae Lee performing the song on Post’s recent tour, the song is now trending on TikTok with edits and live performances.
Justin Bieber – Company
“Company” marked the fourth and final single from Justin Bieber’s 2016 album Purpose and took a tropical-tinged electro-pop form. “Can we be, can we be/Be each other’s company?” Bieber asks in the song, a line that has now sparked a new TikTok trend. Users on the app are taking that segment and using it to soundtrack videos of people they would like to keep company.
Glass Animals – Heat Waves
Glass Animals‘ “Heat Waves” is the definition of a modern summer anthem, as evidenced by both its ubiquitousness at festivals and its record-breaking run on the charts. Although a sleeper hit, the track is now the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, with 91 weeks on the chart. As temperatures rise around the world this summer, fans on TikTok are sharing live clips of the song.
Luke Bryan – I See You
Featured on Luke Bryan’s 2013 album Crash My Party, “I See You” details someone trying to forget an ex-lover, only to be haunted by visions of them wherever they go. TikTok users are now sharing the song on videos of their trucks or as they explain their relationship with their partners.
June 9
Lana Del Rey – Radio
“Now my life is sweet like cinnamon,” Lana Del Rey sings in “Radio,” one of the songs that featured on her 2012 major label debut album Born To Die. The track’s name was originally “Cinnamon,” and its lyrics narrate a story of someone whose life rebuilds from hard times to something like a dream. Fans on TikTok are using the song to soundtrack videos of their own movie-like moments, helping it to experience a resurgence on the app.
Baby Boy Da Prince – The Way I Live
Released in 2006, “The Way I Live” served as a single from New Orleans rapper Baby Boy Da Prince’s debut album, Across The Water. The Lil Boosie-featuring track gave the star an instant hit, peaking at No.21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has since been certified platinum. Users on TikTok have been celebrating the song’s verses, while comedian Luisa Lange shared an imaginary insight into the writing of the single on the platform.
Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Taken from Tears For Fears’ second album, Songs From The Big Chair, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” has since become considered one of the English band’s signature songs. A commentary on humans’ want for control and power – even at society’s cost – it scored the group a global smash hit, topping the charts in Canada, New Zealand, and the US, and peaking at No.2 in Ireland, Australia, and its native UK. Nearly four decades since its release, TikTok creators are highlighting the magic of the song via videos showing the isolated vocals and more.
Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffett’s 1977 single “Margaritaville” encapsulated a laidback lifestyle in a tropical land that most people might dream of. That was evidenced by its popularity upon its original release, as it soared up the charts to No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and, in 2016, was added to the Grammy Hall Of Fame in recognition of its cultural and historic significance. The way of life the song sings of still has an impact today, and it is experiencing a resurgence as a new generation shows their “Margaritaville”-branded purchases on TikTok.
Black Caviar and Blackway – What’s Up Danger
Black Caviar and Blackway teamed up in 2018 for “What’s Up Danger,” the second single from the Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack. As the next movie in the animated franchise is released, fans are returning to the song on TikTok edits of the 2018 film.
Alesso – Heroes (We Could Be)
In 2015, Swedish DJ and producer Alesso recruited Tove Lo for the aspirational hit “Heroes (We Could Be).” Inspired by conversations between the two artists, the resulting track provided a motivating spirit to listeners, telling them: “I know you hear me now, we are a different kind/We can do anything.” The track began to experience a resurgence online as anticipation for Alesso’s performance at the 2023 Champions League final grew.
June 2
Dreamville – Under The Sun ft. J. Cole, Lute & DaBaby
On its third compilation album, Revenge Of The Dreamers III, Dreamville Records brought together J. Cole, Lute, and DaBaby for “Under The Sun.” The track, which has since been certified platinum by the RIAA, also features a spontaneous cameo from Kendrick Lamar, who raps the two lines of the chorus. The track is now having a resurgence on TikTok thanks to a new Cap-Cut trend, which sees an image of a creator being pieced together on screen and turning into a video as Lamar’s lyrics hit.
Sir Mix-a-Lot – Baby Got Back
In 1992, Sir Mix-a-Lot scored a humongous hit with “Baby Got Back,” which spent five weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the second best-selling song in the US that year. The track immediately grabbed attention with its opening line, “I like big butts, and I cannot lie,” but the following verses presented a challenge to the beauty standard in the West at the time. A sped-up version of the song is making the track trend once again, this time on TikTok.
Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone
The version of “Better Off Alone” that’s become a trance classic might have been released in 1999 but, two years prior, Alice Deejay’s DJ Jurgen shared a limited release of an instrumental version of the track. After adding Judith Pronk’s voice to the song, the group re-released it and helped set a new standard for electronic music in the late 90s. The track is trending on TikTok thanks to a sped-up version of the song and it being sampled on Kim Petras’ Nicki Minaj-sampling single “Alone.”
May 26
Tone-Lōc – Wild Thing
In 1998, American rapper Tone-Lōc introduced himself to the world with “Wild Thing,” a song that would quickly become a global hit. The track sampled part of Van Halen’s “Jamie’s Cryin’” and lyrically delivered a tale of lust and youthful indiscretions. Now, TikTok users are helping the song have a resurgence, using an instrumental version of it as the soundtrack for their hot takes, from the reasons why people should date older women to their own personal toxic traits.
Mohombi – Bumpy Ride
Taken from Swedish-Congolese R&B star Mohombi’s debut album MoveMeant, “Bumpy Ride” presented a lively soca song that took the Caribbean genre worldwide. It hit No.1 on the singles chart in the Netherlands while also entering the Top 10 in multiple countries in Europe, including Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Poland, and more. The song is trending online as creators on YouTube Shorts perform a fun dance choreography to the uplifting track.
Lady Gaga – Monster, Just Dance
During her The Fame era, Lady Gaga collaborated frequently with producer and songwriter RedOne, working together on some of that period’s boldest and best songs. One of them, “Just Dance,” served as the album’s lead single and became a sleeper hit, gradually climbing up the charts until it reached the top spot some nine months after it was first released. As a follow-up to The Fame, Gaga shared an additional EP – The Fame Monster – in November 2009, featuring the single “Monster.” That track dressed up the star’s fear of intimacy and relationships in horror-filled metaphors while also nodding back to “Just Dance.” Both songs are experiencing a resurgence on TikTok, with users making videos set to sped-up versions of the songs, celebrating Gaga’s Met Gala looks, or highlighting their infectious natures.
DJ Kool – Let Me Clear My Throat
In 1996, DJ Kool paid homage to some of the hip-hop and soul heavyweights who’d come before him on his single “Let Me Clear My Throat.” The lyrics made reference to the likes of Run DMC and James Brown, while the track’s title itself was taken from Beastie Boys’ “The New Style.” Gen X users on TikTok are using the song to soundtrack videos showing off their youthful looks.
Frank Sinatra – The World We Knew (Over And Over)
Based on a composition by German musician Bert Kaempert, “The World We Knew (Over And Over)” appeared on Frank Sinatra’s 1967 album, The World We Knew. It gave Ol’ Blue Eyes yet another hit, hitting No.30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the easy listening chart, where it stayed at No.1 for five weeks. Decades after its release, the track is finding a new audience on TikTok, where fans are using it to soundtrack Bridgerton edits.
Riley Green – Different ‘Round Here
The title track from country star Riley Green’s 2019 debut album, “Different ‘Round Here,” pays tribute to his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. “Simple’s how we live, thanks is what we give,” he sings. “Roots in the ground’s why we stay.” The track is trending on TikTok as fans share their own covers of the gold-certified song, along with performances of Green’s own.
May 19
Don McLean – American Pie
One of the most iconic songs of all time, Don McLean’s “American Pie” arrived in 1971 and reflected changes in culture through the 60s. Among them, he notably paid tribute to “the day the music died,” a reference to a 1959 plane crash that killed rock-and-rollers Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Decades on, the song is still scoring huge relevance with music fans, with the latest example of this coming in a new TikTok trend. Creators on the app are sharing videos made up of photos of stars who have sadly passed away – from iconic musicians to fictional characters, like Guardians Of The Galaxy’s Rocket.
Kool & The Gang – Get Down On It
In 1981, American R&B, soul, and funk group Kool & The Gang released what would go on to be one of its most famous songs. The infectious “Get Down On It” scored the band a Top 10 hit in both the US and the UK, peaking at No.3 in the latter country. The song is now experiencing a resurgence on TikTok thanks to a dance trend that started spreading in April and is increasing in popularity as a new prom activity.
Lana Del Rey – Say Yes To Heaven
Although fans of known of its existence for years, with unofficial versions floating around the internet, this week saw Lana Del Rey finally give a proper release to her 2012 track “Say Yes To Heaven.” A sped-up version is already trending on TikTok, with fans sharing their excitement for the original version of the track and the fast-paced reworking.
May 12
Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over
The phrase “Dog Days Are Over” formed the core of a piece of artwork that was installed near London’s Waterloo Bridge in 2008 and had been created by Ugo Rondinone. At the time, Florence + The Machine frontwoman Florence Welch passed by it every day and was inspired by the art to write the second single from her debut album Lungs. In the song, she wrote about finding happiness but not being able to believe it was real. The track has been used in the Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 movie, soundtracking a key moment in the film. Welch shared her reaction to seeing the moment on TikTok, posting a video of her crying in a cinema, explaining in the caption that she had cried the whole way through but “really lost it” when her song came on.
Beastie Boys – No Sleep Till Brooklyn
In 1987, Beastie Boys unleashed “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” on the world – a track from its seminal debut album Licensed To Ill that captured the exhausting nature of touring. On the song, the trio combined rap and metal, making for an emphatic part of its setlist. The song is now experiencing a resurgence thanks to being included on the Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 soundtrack.
Ed Helms – How Bad Can I Be?
Taken from The Lorax, “How Bad Can I Be?” is sung by actor Ed Helms, who voiced the character of the Once-ler. The track encapsulates the success of the Once-ler’s business but also highlights the struggles that come with that – needing more space and the disruption his expansion causes to his local environment. Fans on TikTok have started a new trend centered around the song, mimicking the dance of a young boy in the film.
The Lorax Singers – Let It Grow
“Let It Grow” is the final song to be heard in The Lorax and finds the citizens of Thneedville celebrating the end of the business operated by the O’Hares. TikTok users have been sharing edits from the movie featuring the track on the app.
May 5
Chief Keef – Love Sosa
In 2012, Chicago rapper Chief Keef shared a second preview of his then-forthcoming debut album, Finally Rich, in the form of the single “Love Sosa.” The track quickly shot to great acclaim from fans and fellow artists – Drake showed love to the song on Twitter, telling his followers he’d played it 130 times in three days. It peaked at No.56 in the Billboard Hot 100 and went even further in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaching No.16. The track is now trending again after Keef joined boxer Gervonta Davis at a recent match, accompanying the athlete for his entrance as “Love Sosa” played.
Luke Bryan – Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
The final single from Luke Bryan’s 2011 album Tailgates & Taglines, “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” tells the story of a couple on the brink of a breakup. The two times platinum single – which topped the Billboard Country Airplay song after its release – is experiencing a resurgence on TikTok, thanks to the relationship wisdom in its lyrics. Creators on the app are using the song’s chorus as a prompt for their relationship stories.
Rich The Kid – New Freezer
“New Freezer” gave Georgia rapper Rich The Kid’s career a huge boost, thanks to its guest verse from Kendrick Lamar. The latter insisted on being the only feature on the track, and the song rocketed into the Top 20 of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, as well as the Hot 100. TikTok users are now using it as the soundtrack to a new “get ready with me” transition trend, which sees creators making videos that show them going from fresh-faced and in the works of getting ready to fully made up and ready to go out.
Frank Sinatra – Theme From New York, New York
The iconic theme song from Martin Scorsese’s 1977 film New York, New York is now one of the best-known songs about the US city and, after he released a version of it on his 1980 album Trilogy: Past Present Future, considered one of Frank Sinatra’s signature songs. Decades later, the song is having a resurgence on TikTok as users make it the soundtrack to a three-part video trend in which they share something that will remain consistent today, tomorrow, and every day.
April 28
702 – Get It Together
Released in 1996, “Get It Together” served as Las Vegas R&B trio 702’s second single from its debut album, No Doubt. The track gave the girl group one of its biggest hits in the US, its relationship questioning rocketing up to No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The Mustard-sampling single has since been certified gold and is experiencing a resurgence after 21 Savage sang along to the track on a live video.
Tame Impala – New Person, Same Old Mistakes
Taken from Tame Impala’s 2015 studio album Currents, “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” – much like the rest of the record – deals with transformation. Here, Kevin Parker warns that his metamorphosis doesn’t mean he’s free from the mistakes he’s made in the past. The track went on to be covered by Rihanna on her Anti album under the title “Same Ol’ Mistakes,” while nearly a decade on from its release, the track is trending on TikTok as fans dig into its relation to the zeitgeist-y concept of Saturn returns.
Brick & Lace – Love Is Wicked
“Love Is Wicked” arrived in 2007 as the second single from Jamaican-American dancehall duo Brick & Lace’s self-titled debut album. The track talks of being consumed by thoughts of a partner, the pair singing: “Wait for your call cause your love is wicked/Can’t sleep at all cause your love is wicked.” Fans on TikTok are now sharing the song as part of a new trend that sees them serving up their best dance moves to the track.
Mac DeMarco – Heart To Heart
Mac DeMarco released “Heart To Heart” back in 2019 as a tribute to the late rapper Mac Miller. “We became really close, and I was going over to his place multiple times a week, up until the point that he passed away,” the indie artist explained to Entertainment Weekly around the time of the track’s release as part of his album, Here Comes The Cowboy. Thanks to fans on TikTok, the song has now gone viral, with it being used in more than 94,000 videos on the app, including ones explaining the meaning behind its lyrics.
Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance
A Grammy and CMA-winning track, 2000’s “I Hope You Dance” gave Lee Ann Womack her only No.1 on the Billboard charts, reaching the pinnacle of both the Hot Country Singles & Tracks and Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts. An optimistic and hopeful ode to what the star wants for future generations, the country-pop crossover song is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a sync on the hit Netflix series Love Is Blind.
April 14
No Doubt – Just A Girl
“Just A Girl” was the lead single of No Doubt’s third album Tragic Kingdom in 1995 and delivered a feminist message. “‘Cause I’m just a girl, oh little old me/Well don’t let me out of your sight,” Gwen Stefani sneered in the chorus, hitting back at society’s expectations of women and those who try to stop them doing things men do. “Oh I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite/So don’t let me have any rights.” The track began experiencing a resurgence in March when it was announced that Florence + The Machine would cover the song for the soundtrack of Yellowjackets season two, while Stefani also performed it at the CMT Awards in April.
Beastie Boys – Intergalactic
Taken from Beastie Boys’ fifth album Hello Nasty, “Intergalactic” gave the trio one if its biggest hits, entering a Top 40 in the US and the Top Five in the UK. The song, which sampled Rachmaninoff, The Jazz Crusaders, and Beastie Boys themselves, also went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999. Now, 25 years after its release, it is continuing to maintain relevance with a new sync in the trailer for the upcoming MCU film The Marvels.
Aqua – Barbie Girl
In 1995, Danish band Aqua released a song that would enter the social consciousness and never leave – “Barbie Girl.” Serving tongue-in-cheek commentary over bright synths, the track criticized a culture where bodies altered by plastic surgery were glorified over people finding confidence in their natural looks. Since the release of the trailer for the Barbie movie, fans have been using the song in videos about the film, from edits of the trailer to comments on the actors involved.
Jhené Aiko – Bed Peace
On Sell Out’s “Bed Peace,” Jhené Aiko teamed up with Childish Gambino to share a love song about slowing down and enjoying the present with a partner. “You are the reason, my love/My mind is open so wide since you came inside,” Aiko sings to her lover. “I feel so alive/Without you life just passes by.” TikTok users have been using the song in videos lip-syncing along to the lyrics, celebrating Aiko’s work.
April 7
Beastie Boys – Brass Monkey
Back in 1987, New York rap trio Beastie Boys teamed up with producer and co-writer Rick Rubin on the Licensed To Ill single “Brass Monkey.” Named after a line of pre-mixed cocktails, the track paid tribute to the drink, with the group rapping: “‘Cause I drink it anytime and any place/When it’s time to get ill, I pour it on my face.” Recently, the song has become the soundtrack to a trend on TikTok, which sees creators using CapCut to create videos warning that they’re not someone “you can control.”
Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson – Say Say Say (Kygo Remix)
“Say Say Say,” the lead single from Paul McCartney’s 1983 album Pipes Of Peace, saw the Beatles icon link up with another member of pop royalty – Michael Jackson. Together, they scored a No.1 hit in the US, as well as in several other countries around the world. In April 2023, Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo shared his own take on the iconic track in the form of a new remix that transforms the song into a juddering piece of infectious EDM. Following its release, TikTok users have been celebrating the new version with videos paying homage to Michael Jackson’s dance moves and more.
Jhené Aiko – Spotless Mind
Taken from Jhené Aiko’s debut album Souled Out, “Spotless Mind” was written while the star was on tour with Lauryn Hill and Nas. Fittingly for the nomadic existence in which it came to exist, the track details someone wandering through life, “moving from place to place” on their own journey. Nearly a decade after the track’s initial release, fans have been celebrating it on TikTok, sharing Aiko’s live performances of it from across the years.
Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John’s illustrious back catalog contains many songs that could be considered some of the greatest of all time, and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is one of them. Released in 1973, the ballad finds the British superstar yearning to go back to his roots, and upon its release, became one of his biggest hits. The awe it inspires continues to this day, with it frequently featured or referenced in pop culture. In 2022, it appeared in the Marvel movie Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, which is still helping it trend on TikTok. Elsewhere, creators are also using the track to soundtrack edits of TV shows like Stranger Things and The Last Of Us.
The Beach Boys – Fun, Fun, Fun
Inspired by a story the band overheard a radio station’s secretary telling while they were doing an interview, The Beach Boys’ 1964 single “Fun, Fun, Fun” tells the tale of a teenage girl deceiving her father into lending her his car under the pretense of needing it to go study. The track gave the band another hit, peaking at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly six decades later, the song is experiencing a resurgence thanks to being featured in the trailer for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Lookin’ Out My Back Door
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door” appeared on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1970 album Cosmic Factory and gave the band its fifth and final No.2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Singer, guitarist, and songwriter John Fogerty penned the track for his then-three-year-old son, Josh, and took inspiration from the stories of Dr. Seuss. In 1998, the track was featured in the movie The Big Lebowski, and fans on TikTok – and Fogerty himself – have been celebrating the sync as it reached its 25th anniversary.
March 31
Erykah Badu – On & On
In 1996, Erykah Badu released the neo-soul classic “On & On,” which also served as the lead single from her debut album Baduizm, which arrived the following year. The track was an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two weeks and entering the Top 20 of the Hot 100. It also went on to win the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1998. Nearly three decades on, the song is still finding fans in new generations, with it now experiencing a resurgence on TikTok as listeners respond to the song’s lyrics.
Summer Walker – Girls Need Love (Remix ft. Drake)
Just over six months after she released the original version, Summer Walker shared a remix of her single “Girls Need Love,” bolstered by a guest verse by Drake. While the first version had scored success in the US, the remix took Walker and her song worldwide, racking up chart appearances in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and more. A sped-up take on the remix is now trending on TikTok, with users creating cinematic visuals set to it.
Demi Lovato – Heart Attack
Released in 2013, Demi Lovato’s “Heart Attack” took the shape of an electro-pop song that detailed being scared to fall in love following rejection. Featuring the star delivering some impressive vocal acrobatics, the hit track had already sparked a TikTok trend with fans trying to nail the high notes in the song. Now, with a new rock version released to celebrate the single’s 10th anniversary, it is trending on the app once again as fans splice together the original with the new remake.
Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
Often considered Bon Jovi’s signature song, the 1986 single “Livin’ On A Prayer” gave the band its second chart-topping single in the US upon its release. Its popularity has endured in the intervening decades, with the song’s music video surpassing 1 billion views on YouTube earlier this year. Its unifying power has also not waned, as evidenced in trending videos on TikTok, including one which captures a man beginning to sing the song in a busy park, only to soon be joined by everyone around him.
Nina Sky – Move Ya Body
In 2004, US duo Nina Sky teamed up with rapper Jabba for “Move Ya Body,” which would go on to hit the Top Five of the Billboard Hot 100. An infectious, summery track, part of the song’s addictive quality comes from its “Coolio Dance” rhythm, which drives the single forward. TikTok creators have now picked up on the track and made it the focus of a new dance trend on the app.
March 24
MIKA – Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
Released in 2007, “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)” formed part of MIKA’s colorful debut album Life In Cartoon Motion and gave the star his third Top 10 hit in the UK. Inspired by the Butterfly Lounge nightclub in Orange County, California – the first club in the area to be part of the Size Acceptance movement – the track celebrated body positivity. Now, it has become an empowering song on TikTok, as plus-size women share how it has boosted their confidence.
Lil Baby – Low Down
Featured on the deluxe edition of Lil Baby’s 2020 album My Turn, “Low Down” finds the rapper narrating: “She tryna leave me, I’m low down/I hang with savages, don’t bring your ho round.” Upon its release, the song entered the Billboard Hot 100 and, two years later, was certified platinum by the RIAA. It is trending on TikTok thanks to the Kansas State basketball team sharing its pre-game ritual, which sees the players keeping rhythm to the track together in the locker room.
Taylor Swift – Majorie / Tolerate It / Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince
On March 17, Taylor Swift kicked off her The Eras tour with a pair of shows in Glendale, Arizona. The massive 44-song setlist – which changes from show to show – features songs from across her back catalog, including some deep cuts. Since the tour kicked off, three songs have experienced a resurgence online, with live clips of 2020’s “Marjorie” and “Tolerate It” and 2019’s “Miss Americana And The Heartbreak Prince” all being shared on TiKTok.
March 17
Aerosmith – Dream On
Taken from Aerosmith’s 1973 self-titled album, “Dream On” gave the band its first major hit. The powerful song details “dreaming until your dreams come true,” according to frontman Steven Tyler, who poured determination and ambition into his vocals in the song. After a resurgence last year, thanks to a meme centred around the video game series God Of War, “Dream On” is trending again on TikTok. Users of the app are sharing videos in which they try to hit the highest notes in the song, with some impressive results.
Ace Hood – Bugatti
Floridian rapper Ace Hood shared his Future and Rick Ross collaboration “Bugatti” in 2013, scoring a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – his most successful single to date. Since its release, the track has also been certified platinum by the RIAA after selling over 1 million copies and is maintaining its relevancy as part of a new TikTok trend. Creators on the app are using the track to update an old trend that saw people share videos set to Lil Yachty’s “MICKEY,” in which someone would have their legs pulled out of the frame when the song hit a certain point. Participants are doing the same actions to “Bugatti,” being dragged out of view when Hood names the titular car.
Nicki Minaj – Only (ft. Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown)
Nicki Minaj recruited hip-hop royalty in Drake and Lil Wayne for her 2014 single “Only,” taken from her third album, The Pinkprint. The song became Minaj’s fourth No.1 track on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making her the first female rapper to achieve such a feat. “Only” also went on to be nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammys. Fans are celebrating the song on TikTok, sharing past performances of it from Minaj’s career.
Mariah Carey – Obsessed
In 2009, days before it was released, Mariah Carey called “Obsessed” “one of my favorite songs ever.” Upon its release, it struck a chord with numerous fans too, who propelled it into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, giving the pop icon her 27th Top 10 hit on the chart. Lyrically, the song examines rumors about Carey dating someone, even though she “don’t even know who you are.” “I was like, ‘Why are you so obsessed with me?’” she asks in the chorus. Now, fans are using a sped-up version of the song to soundtrack TikTok videos describing different situations in one which one party is upset with the other.
Katy Perry – Part Of Me
Sharing its name with a 2012 documentary about Katy Perry, “Part Of Me” finds the singer gaining strength after a breakup. “This is part of me/That you’re never gonna ever take away from me, no,” she sings in the chorus. TikTok users are taking a sped-up version of that bit of the song and setting videos sharing their own parts of them, like their love of concerts, on the app.
Corinne Bailey Rae – Put Your Records On
Released in 2006, “Put Your Records On” gave Corinne Bailey Rae a global hit single ahead of the release of her self-titled debut album. As well as topping the UK R&B Chart and landing at No.2 on the UK Singles Chart, it also earned the star two Grammy nominations for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year. Nearly two decades later, creators on TikTok are using it as an unlikely soundtrack to South Park edits.
March 10
Mariah Carey – We Belong Together
In 2005, Mariah Carey returned to record-breaking form with the now-classic single “We Belong Together.” After originally debuting at No.81 on the Billboard Hot 100, it quickly rocketed into the top spot, where it spent 14 consecutive weeks – making it one of the third longest-running songs at No.1. It also became the first song to simultaneously top nine Billboard charts, and earned five BBMAs and two Grammys. Its cultural dominance continues today, with a Jersey Club remix of the iconic song taking over TikTok. The trend sees creators perform a dance choreography to the new beat on the reimagined version.
Lil Wayne – 6 Foot 7 Foot
Taken from Tha Carter VI, single “6 Foot 7 Foot” saw Lil Wayne team up with Cory Gunz and “A Milli” producer Bangladesh to create an unlikely hip-hop track around a sample of Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The song is now at the center of a new dance trend on TikTok that sees users hopping and skipping through moves.
The Weeknd – The Morning
As featured on The Weeknd’s 2011 debut mixtape House Of Balloons, “The Morning” finds Abel Tesfaye reflecting on his life in the aftermath of the night before. Fans on TikTok have been celebrating the track recently by sharing their own covers of the song, live clips, and more.
March 3
Mama Cass Elliot – Make Your Own Kind Of Music
“But you gotta make your own kind of music/Sing your own special song,” Mama Cass Elliot instructed on “Make Your Own Kind Of Music.” “Make your own kind of music/Even if nobody else sings along.” Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, the track followed Elliot’s hit single “It’s Getting Better” but presented what the artist considered to be something with more social commentary. It was a hit with radio and in the charts, peaking in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, fans on TikTok are using the song as the soundtrack to a new trend that features an edit of Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal from The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, and users sharing their less-than-smart ideas.
Katy Perry – Wide Awake
Written for Katy Perry’s 2012 documentary concert film, Part Of Me, “Wide Awake” details a break-up situation and moving forward afterward. “You’ve been on cloud nine for so long, and it can’t always be so sweet, and sometimes you need to realize that, and you have to pick yourself up and move forward and face the facts of life and know that this is just a lesson you learn and you’re stronger because of it,” the pop icon explained in 2012. Creators on TikTok have been sharing videos centering around the lyrics and coming to understand the full extent of their meaning.
Meryl Streep – Money, Money, Money
In 2008, Hollywood superstar Meryl Streep starred in Mamma Mia! The Movie, which featured the songs of Swedish pop giants ABBA. Streep played Donna Sheridan-Carmichael, a hotel owner on the Greek island of Kalokairi who is preparing for her daughter Sophie’s wedding. Throughout the movie, ABBA’s songs are performed by various cast members, including “Money, Money, Money” by Streep. The track has seen a resurgence on TikTok recently, thanks to fan edits from the movie being shared.
The Cardigans – Step On Me
Taken from The Cardigans’ third album, 1996’s First Band On The Moon, “Step On Me” examines a codependent relationship. Frontwoman Nina Persson sings about being too attached to a partner, prepared to sacrifice anything in order to keep them in her life. A sped-up version of the track is now being used as a soundtrack to TikTok videos of retro video games and animated cartoon edits.
Jack Johnson – Traffic In The Sky
In 2003, Jack Johnson released his album On And On, featuring the track “Traffic In The Sky.” The song commented on society’s obsession with finding the next best thing and always moving on. “If you keep on adding stones/Soon the water will be lost in the well,” the musician warns in the chorus. TikTok users have been sharing videos of them covering the song on the platform, contributing to its resurgence.
Ellie Goulding – My Blood
Appearing on Ellie Goulding’s second album Halcyon, released in 2012, “My Blood” told the story of someone taking so much from you but never giving anything back. In the song, the result is the star being weakened. “And God knows, I’m not dying but I bleed now/And God knows, it’s the only way to heal now,” she sings. Fans are now sharing Harry Potter-related videos – from video game edits to exhibition recaps – on TikTok soundtracked by the song.
February 24
Glen Campbell – Southern Nights
Although originally written, performed, and released by Allen Toussaint, “Southern Nights” achieved its biggest success when Glen Campbell released it as the first single from his 1977 album of the same name. The track went on to reach No.1 on three different charts in the US, including the Billboard Hot 100, US Adult Contemporary, and US Hot Country Songs charts. Decades later, a new generation of music lovers is finding the song and using it as part of a new trend on TikTok. The song soundtracks a trend that finds users celebrating being born “in the right generation” and sharing their reasons for believing that to be true.
Shaggy – Hey Sexy Lady
Taken from Shaggy’s 2002 album Lucky Day, “Hey Sexy Lady” became a hit worldwide, soaring up the charts in the UK, Australia, Germany, France, and more. The reggae banger uses the Sexy Lady Explosion riddim to add to its infectious beat and is proving to have enduring appeal. TikTok users are now using the song as the foundation of their videos celebrating actor Pedro Pascal, in particular, his role in HBO’s The Last Of Us.
Lil Wayne – Gonorrhea/Love Me
“Gonorrhea” featured on Lil Wayne’s eighth studio album, 2010’s I Am Not A Human Being and boasted a cameo from Young Money cohort Drake. It only took two years for the track to be certified gold by the RIAA, moving more than 500,000 units. Three years after that song’s release, Weezy and Drizzy teamed up again on “Love Me” from I Am Not A Human Being II, furthering their success. Last year, the latter song was certified seven times platinum. Both tracks are now trending on TikTok, with “Gonorrhea” soundtracking fans’ attempts to get tickets to see Wayne live and a sped-up version of “Love Me” capturing fans’ imaginations.
The Weeknd – Reminder
In 2017, The Weeknd shared “Reminder,” the fourth single from his third album, Starboy. Although the original version was a Weeknd solo, the video that accompanied it was star-studded, with appearances from the likes of Drake, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Bryson Tiller, and more. Later, a remix featuring Rocky and Young Thug was also released. Nearly six years on from its release, fans are celebrating the song on TikTok, sharing videos highlighting its lyrics.
February 17
Rihanna
Rihanna was this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performer, and boy, did she deliver. Pouring select highlights from her incredible career into just 13 minutes, the singer reminded the world that she might have been absent from the stage lately, but she still has the star power, charisma, and sheer talent required of superstars. Since that performance, a number of her songs have been trending online, including “Diamonds,” “B___h Better Have My Money,” and “Umbrella.” Even songs that weren’t included in the setlist have seen an uptick in streams and chatter around them too, like “Stay,” proving the infectious, everlasting appeal of her catalog.
Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over
Released in 2008 as the second single from Florence + The Machine’s debut album Lungs, “Dog Days Are Over” was inspired by a piece of art by Ugo Rondinone. The artwork, which featured the titular phrase, was installed near London’s Waterloo Bridge and was passed by frontwoman Florence Welch every day. The track details finding happiness but not being ready to believe it’s real – a feeling that connected strongly at the time of release and helped bring the band to a wider audience. Users on TikTok are still connecting with the song today, most recently taking one of the lyrics from the track and using it in a trend where they empathize with others going through different phases of dating.
Post Malone – I Fall Apart
Taken from Post Malone’s debut studio album Stoney, “I Fall Apart” was never supposed to be a single. After a live performance of the track went viral, though, it received a wider push and eventually peaked at No.16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.19 on the Official UK Singles Chart. Its impact has also spread to TikTok, where users are recreating a moment on stage where the star performed the song on his knees.
The Drums – Money
The first single from US band The Drums’ second album Portamento, “Money,” saw the group lamenting not having enough cash to treat a loved one. “I want to buy you something,” frontman Jonny Pierce sang. “But I don’t have any money.” A sped-up version of the song is now trending on TikTok, with fans lip-syncing along to it.
Jackie Shane – Any Other Way / Comin’ Down
Jackie Shane emerged from Toronto’s soul and R&B scene in the 60s and went on to be considered a pioneering trans woman in the performing arts. She is best known for her single “Any Other Way,” which was released in 1962 and later scored her a modest hit in Canada in 1967 after it was reissued. In 1963, she shared “Comin’ Down” as the b-side to “In My Tenement,” later appearing on the album Any Other Way. Both tracks are now trending after they were featured in the new Peacock series Poker Face, which stars Natasha Lyonne as a woman on the run who happens to have the special ability to tell if people are lying.
February 10
Mariah Carey – It’s A Wrap
A deep cut from Mariah Carey’s 2009 album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, “It’s A Wrap” tells a cheating partner that a relationship is over and done for good. A remix of the song was also released five years after the original and featured Mary J. Blige. Nearly a decade later, another version of the song – this time a sped-up take – has now gone viral on TikTok, sparking a 1,000 percent rise in weekly on-demand streams of the track in the US alone. Users on the app are using the song to soundtrack videos about behavior they can’t tolerate, from people raising their voices at them or not liking their aesthetic. Carey and her daughter Monroe have also taken part in the trend, with the pair joking about Mariah always taking over when Monroe tries to practice her vocals.
Ne-Yo – She Knows
Taken from Ne-Yo’s sixth studio album, Non-Fiction, “She Knows” was released in 2015 and featured a guest verse from Juicy J. Now certified platinum in the US, it hit the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Dance/Mix Show Airplay, Mainstream Top 40, and Rhythmic charts. Its success is still enduring, with it now trending on TikTok as creators set it as the soundtrack to videos of them
