Stranger Things Star Joe Keery's Song 'End of Beginning' Tops UK Charts: How the Show's Soundtrack Revives 1980s Hits
Stranger Things actor Joe Keery, also known as Djo, has achieved the number one spot on the UK charts with his song "End of Beginning." The track, originally released in 2022, gained popularity after being featured in the show's finale. Additionally, iconic 1980s songs like Prince's "Purple Rain," Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," and The Police's "Every Breath You Take" have re-entered the top 20 due to their inclusion in the show's soundtrack. Despite not being part of the official soundtrack, Djo's song went viral on TikTok, garnering 5.4 million streams in the UK and over 55 million plays globally on Spotify.
The success of "End of Beginning" on the charts coincided with the release of the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix. The show's impact on music extends beyond Djo's track, as other songs featured in the series have also seen a resurgence in popularity. The combination of exposure on the show and TikTok has led to a revival of older songs, appealing to both nostalgic older audiences and younger listeners discovering these tracks for the first time.
The influence of Stranger Things on music trends is evident in the resurgence of classic songs like The Police's "Every Breath You Take," which reached number eight on Spotify's global chart with over 25 million streams. The show's ability to reintroduce older tracks to new audiences has contributed to the broader trend of vintage songs making a comeback on social media and streaming platforms. Similarly, Zara Larsson's "Lush Life" has climbed the UK singles chart once again due to a popular TikTok dance trend, showcasing the impact of social media on music consumption.
In conclusion, the success of Joe Keery's "End of Beginning" and the resurgence of 1980s hits on the charts highlight the enduring influence of Stranger Things on music culture. The show's ability to revive classic songs and introduce them to a new generation of listeners underscores the power of nostalgia and social media in shaping music trends. As older tracks continue to find new life through platforms like TikTok, the intersection of pop culture and music remains a dynamic force in the industry.