12 Classic Songs TikTok Brought Back
Simple Plan, Jack Johnson, and Fleetwood Mac are all trending again thanks to TikTok. Here are some of the bangers of yesteryear now trending amongst Gen Z.
“I’m Just a Kid” – Simple Plan (2002)
Simple Plan’s angsty Millennial anthem went viral once again when it became a TikTok challenge, which involved people recreating their childhood photos.
“Cars that Go Boom” – L’Trimm (1988)
This fun ‘80s dance staple came back into vogue when it became a TikTok dance trend. Tigra calls the whole thing “surreal.”
“Walk4Me” – Robbie Tronco (1998)
We doubt many know the ballroom scene origins of this song, but the TikTokers who bought it back have as much attitude as any of the original vogueing dancers.
“Smile” – Lily Allen (2006)
Lily Allen might be the queen of schadenfreude, so no wonder her music is popular online again.
“Upside Down” – Jack Johnson (2006)
TikTok star h1t1 bought a TV for $25 that he says only plays an Arby’s menu. Jack Johnson’s 2006 song plays over it and became a viral hit on the platform, and a bunch of teens made videos about other screens only playing Arby’s menus. Also, the whole thing led to a new Arby’s food item.
“Where Is the Love?” – Black Eyed Peas (2003)
Want to do a silly shuffling hop and go do something you shouldn’t? If you film it and put it on TikTok, you want to underscore it with the Black Eyed Peas.
“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani (2004)
TikTok is home to many high-energy dance trends, but few are as high energy as the one set to “Hollaback Girl.”
“Bodies” – Drowning Pool (2001)
One of the more forgettable nu-metal bands, Drowning Pool is having a bit of a resurgence thanks to the trend of putting the hook from “Bodies” in videos where things go a bit chaotic at the end.
“Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira (2005)
It’s never been out of rotation in the clubs, so naturally this dance hit is back on TikTok.
“Rasputin” – Boney M (1977)
Another perennial dance hit, “Rasputin” is back whenever TikTokers want to flex their muscles.
“All Star” – Smash Mouth (1999)
We contend that “All Star” has never gone out of style. But it does make an unusual number of appearances in jokes on Twitter. But anyway. It came back on TikTok when sea shanties became a trend.
“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Maybe the biggest hit brought back by TikTok, “Dreams” came back when people started lip-syncing to “Dreams” and drinking cranberry juice. Then the song hit number 2 on the Rolling Stone Top 100 chart again. Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks each did their own tiktoks. Not together, obviously. TikTok’s powers are only so limited.
