Radiohead’s “Let Down,” a track originally released in 1997, has unexpectedly become a global hit in 2025. The song debuted at No. 190 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, marking the band’s second career entry on the worldwide tally.
The resurgence of “Let Down” can be attributed to its viral popularity on TikTok, where users have been creating “edits” featuring the song as background music. This sudden surge in TikTok clips has driven both new listeners and longtime fans to streaming platforms, propelling the song up the charts. In the United States, “Let Down” has made significant strides, jumping to No.
15 on the Hot Alternative Songs chart and No. 18 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ranking. However, it experienced a slight decline on the Hot Rock Songs list, moving from No.
14 to No. 15.
Global impact via TikTok trends
This is not the first time a Radiohead song has found success on the charts years after its initial release. In May 2023, “Creep” debuted on the Billboard Global 200, climbing to a peak of No. 51.
This week, “Creep” slipped two spaces to No. 53 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, demonstrating its staying power.
The viral nature of social media, particularly TikTok, has proven to be a powerful tool for both old and new songs, making them relevant to contemporary audiences. As “Let Down” begins its journey on global charts, it has yet to appear on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., though this could change soon.
Radiohead’s enduring appeal and the timeless nature of their music continue to captivate listeners around the world, even decades after the initial release of their songs. The success of “Let Down” and “Creep” on the charts serves as a testament to the band’s lasting impact and the ability of social media to breathe new life into classic tracks.
