Radiohead’s 28-year-old track makes its debut on the Billboard charts

Radiohead’s groundbreaking album, OK Computer, has made a surprising return to the charts, courtesy of Gen Z’s fascination with TikTok. Despite being released 28 years ago, the band has managed to secure a spot on America’s renowned Billboard Hot 100 with their song “Let Down,” a track from their 1997 album that has captured the hearts of a newer, younger audience who is discovering Radiohead’s music for the first time.

The fact that Radiohead, known for their innovative and genre-defying sound, is back on the charts after 17 years is a testament to the timeless appeal of their music. It is worth noting that this entry into the Billboard Hot 100 marks a significant milestone for the band, especially considering their previous success with songs like “Nude” in 2008 and “Creep” in 1993, which Thom Yorke, the band’s lead singer, notoriously disliked despite its commercial success.

The resurgence of Radiohead’s music can be attributed to the phenomenon of TikTok, where users are gravitating towards older songs like “Let Down” to complement the emotional narratives in their videos. Whether it’s capturing moments of introspection in the dead of night or conveying a sense of longing through rain-streaked windows, TikTok users have embraced Radiohead’s melancholic masterpiece as the soundtrack to their digital stories, creating a resurgence of interest in the band.

For long-time Radiohead fans, this newfound popularity on TikTok may come as a surprise, given the band’s aversion to mainstream commercialism and pop culture. However, the irony of Radiohead’s reemergence on the charts through TikTok reflects the ever-evolving landscape of music consumption and the power of social media platforms in shaping the trajectory of music trends.

The success of Radiohead’s music from OK Computer, which challenged the norms of Britpop and introduced a new sonic palette of unease and disillusionment, speaks to the lasting impact of the album. Released in 1997, OK Computer remains a seminal work that continues to resonate with audiences almost three decades later, finding relevance and resonance among a new generation of listeners.

Despite not releasing a new studio album since 2016, Radiohead’s recent surprise release of live recordings from their 2003-2009 performances serves as a reminder of the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to captivate audiences with their music. The fact that “Let Down” has become a chart-topping hit once more reaffirms Radiohead’s influence and the timelessness of their music, proving that their impact transcends generations and musical trends.