Radiohead’s 1997 Song 'Let Down' Enters Billboard Hot 100 After TikTok Surge

Radiohead's 1997 song "Let Down" from their critically acclaimed album OK Computer has recently debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 91, marking only the band's fourth song to ever chart in the US and their first in nearly two decades. This resurgence is primarily driven by viral popularity on TikTok, where Gen Z users have used the track to soundtrack emotional and melancholic videos, highlighting the song's blend of sorrow and hope. Streaming activity surged, with the song earning 5.2 million US streams during the tracking week, aided by placements in media such as the season 1 finale of The Bear. Unlike other viral older songs that serve mainly as background music, "Let Down" resonates deeply with users for its emotional complexity, making it a cultural touchstone for younger generations. Radiohead, known more as an album band with several records selling over a million units in the US, have not released a new studio album since 2016 but recently issued a live album, continuing to maintain cultural relevance. This phenomenon underscores the enduring impact of OK Computer and Radiohead's ability to connect across decades and generations through new digital platforms.