Classic Hits Find New Audiences in Online Videos

It’s been five years since TikToker Nathan Apodaca became famous for posting a video of himself riding his skateboard and drinking cranberry juice to Fleetwood Mac’s hit “Dreams.” Millions of users — many of whom weren’t born when the song was released in 1977 — were seduced by the video’s vibes. It was the picture- and pitch-perfect representation of chilling on a sunny day.

That helped set off a trend of classic pop songs serving as the soundtracks to user-generated social-media videos. As new trends emerge, many songs from the past are coming back to life on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and other platforms. A musical guide:

“Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand)” by The Shangri-Las (1964)

Used for: Videos of “fails,” such as a toddler drawing on a white wall, a pet attempting a stunt or people falling down while dancing.

Why: Because of the song’s iconic “Oh no” line.

“Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” by Edison Lighthouse (1970)

Used for: Photo montages of selfies that show the user’s clothes and personality.

Why: Fits nicely with the opening lines: “She ain’t got no money / Her clothes are kinda funny / Her hair is kinda wild and free / Oh, but love grows where my Rosemary goes.”

“Vienna” by Billy Joel (1977)

Used for: Videos made by 20-something women to remind their overachieving selves to be patient and enjoy life. “No one understands a woman in her 20s the way Billy Joel did when he wrote Vienna,” one online poster writes.

Why: The lyrics: “Slow down, you’re doin’ fine / You can’t be everything you wanna be before your time.”

“Blue Monday” by Above & Beyond (2020; original version by New Order, 1983)

Used for: Videos in which people engage in playful fights over humorous arguments, such as asking their parents if they can go out, or picking a restaurant. Each player counters their opponents’ arguments by trying their best moves.

Why: The song’s intro has a Nintendo Game Boy-like sound, making it seem as if the “fighters” are in a video game.

“Copacabana” by Barry Manilow (1978)

Used for: Dance videos. It’s Gen Z’s time to shine.

Why: The song’s infectious rhythm. As if you’re in a hotspot Cuban nightclub.

“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra (1977)

Used for: While running across their homes, people humorously act out real-life or fictional — and often chaotic — experiences. In these videos, users imagine how their loved ones would react to various scenarios as a way to humorously depict their personalities. Some show how their parents would run after them for slamming the door, while their siblings would follow to enjoy the show.

Why: The song’s upbeat tone and lyrics: “Running down the avenue / See how the sun shines brightly in the city.”

“Let’s Groove” by Earth Wind & Fire (1981)

Used for: Dance videos using disco moves.

Why: It’s hard to resist dancing to such a jam — even for those who weren’t born when it was released.