Kate Bush’s 1985 synth-pop classic that experienced a viral resurgence in May 2022 after being featured prominently in “Stranger Things” Season 4. The 37-year-old song reached #1 on streaming charts worldwide, introducing Gen Z to Kate Bush’s artistry and becoming the oldest song ever to top the UK Singles Chart.
Stranger Things Effect
In “Stranger Things” Season 4, the song saves Max from Vecna’s curse, becoming her lifeline. The emotional scene went viral on TikTok, driving millions to discover Kate Bush. Younger audiences embraced the song’s haunting synths and Kate’s distinctive vocals, while older fans celebrated the revival.
Chart Renaissance
“Running Up That Hill” reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100—its first time charting in the US since 1985. It hit #1 in the UK, breaking records as the longest gap between release and chart-topping. Spotify streams jumped from 500K daily to over 8 million. Kate Bush earned more from streaming in one month than decades of catalog sales.
Kate Bush’s Reaction
Kate Bush, notoriously private, released a rare statement thanking “Stranger Things” and expressing amazement at young fans discovering her music. She appreciated the song’s narrative integration rather than just background use. The resurgence introduced her entire catalog to new audiences.
Cultural Impact
The revival sparked conversations about how modern media can resurrect legacy music. Gen Z embraced 1980s synth-pop aesthetics, influencing contemporary artists. The phenomenon proved streaming era audiences valued authentic artistry over algorithm-optimized production.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Running_Up_That_Hill https://www.billboard.com/ https://www.theguardian.com/