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Gotye – “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
When Gotye released “Somebody That I Used to Know,” no one could have guessed it would become such a global juggernaut. The track topped charts in over 20 countries and earned the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2013. Its haunting duet with Kimbra and the unforgettable body-paint music video helped the song rack up more than 1.5 billion views on YouTube by 2025. Listeners everywhere found the blend of indie, pop, and artful melancholy impossible to resist. Strikingly, Gotye turned away from mainstream fame after this, declining major follow-ups and focusing on experimental projects instead. The song’s viral status was cemented by countless covers, remixes, and even parodies that flooded social media. Even a decade later, “Somebody That I Used to Know” stands as a testament to the power of a single, perfectly-timed hit.
Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks” (2010)
Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” is the kind of song that spreads like wildfire. Released in 2010, its upbeat, sun-drenched melody masked dark, thought-provoking lyrics about troubled youth, sparking both fascination and controversy. The track peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multi-platinum, selling over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. Social media and streaming services played a huge role in its rapid ascent, with users sharing and discussing the song’s meaning across platforms. The band’s sudden leap from Los Angeles clubs to international stardom was shocking. “Pumped Up Kicks” quickly became a staple at festivals and on radio, but Foster the People never matched the massive scale of its success again, proving how elusive viral magic can be. The song remains a touchstone in pop culture, still frequently streamed and covered.
fun. – “We Are Young” (2011)
Few songs capture a moment like fun.’s “We Are Young.” The single exploded after its use in a Chevrolet Super Bowl commercial and a cover on the TV show Glee, propelling it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. With over 8 million downloads in the U.S. and massive international airplay, the track became an anthem for a generation. Its emotionally charged chorus and themes of youth, recklessness, and hope resonated deeply. The band leveraged this momentum to win two Grammy Awards in 2013, but no subsequent single reached the same dizzying heights. “We Are Young” is still heard everywhere from high school proms to wedding receptions, its impact undiminished by time. The song’s success is a prime example of how the right exposure at the right time can turn a tune into a cultural phenomenon.
Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance” (2014)
Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” is pure, unfiltered joy. Released in 2014, the track spent over 50 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number four and eventually achieving 7x Platinum status in the U.S. Its irresistibly catchy chorus and dancefloor-ready beat made it a favorite at both parties and weddings. The song’s music video, filled with playful, retro-inspired energy, helped fuel its viral spread. Walk the Moon’s energetic performances at festivals and on television further boosted the track’s popularity. Though the band enjoyed moderate success with later releases, nothing matched the sheer ubiquity of “Shut Up and Dance.” Its ongoing presence in commercials and media cements its legacy as a modern pop classic.
BASTILLE – “Pompeii” (2013)
“Pompeii” by BASTILLE is the kind of song that instantly sticks in your head. Released in 2013, it climbed to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and went multi-platinum in the U.S., UK, and beyond. The track’s booming chorus, tribal beats, and reflective lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Before “Pompeii,” BASTILLE was a modest indie act, but the song’s viral spread on radio and streaming platforms changed everything. The band found themselves headlining festivals and selling out arenas soon after. The music video, with its apocalyptic imagery, only added to the song’s mystique. While BASTILLE continued to release successful music, “Pompeii” remains their defining hit, a track that brought alt-pop into the mainstream spotlight.
Magic! – “Rude” (2013)
Magic!’s breakout single “Rude” turned a simple love story into a chart-topping hit. Released in 2013, the reggae-pop track soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and hung around the charts for nearly a year. The song’s cheeky, singalong chorus and relatable narrative of asking a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage resonated with millions. “Rude” was played in commercials, TV shows, and even became a popular wedding request. Magic! rode the wave of their viral success with follow-up singles, but none matched the unstoppable momentum of their debut. The band’s unique sound and lighthearted approach made “Rude” a summertime staple that’s still fondly remembered years later.
Portugal. The Man – “Feel It Still” (2017)
Portugal. The Man had spent years as underground favorites before “Feel It Still” turned everything upside down. Released in 2017, the song’s infectious groove and retro-soul energy powered it to number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number four on the Hot 100. It spent a record 20 weeks at number one on the Alternative chart and won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The track’s clever use in commercials, movies, and sports events helped it reach new audiences. Streaming numbers soared, with the song surpassing 1 billion plays on Spotify. “Feel It Still” transformed Portugal. The Man from indie stalwarts to mainstream stars almost overnight.
Gnarls Barkley – “Crazy” (2006)
Gnarls Barkley’s debut single “Crazy” was nothing short of a cultural explosion. Released in 2006, it topped the charts in over 15 countries and made history as the first song to go number one in the UK solely on digital downloads. The blend of CeeLo Green’s soulful vocals and Danger Mouse’s inventive production was utterly fresh. The song spent seven weeks atop the UK charts and won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Its unforgettable music video, full of Rorschach inkblot imagery, became iconic. Despite critical acclaim for their album, Gnarls Barkley was never able to recapture the same level of mass appeal with later singles. “Crazy” remains a defining moment of the 2000s, still widely covered and referenced in pop culture.
The Verve – “Bitter Sweet Symphony” (1997)
The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is a song that’s as famous for its sweeping orchestral sound as for the legal drama that followed. Released in 1997, it reached number two in the UK and number 12 in the U.S., and has been streamed over 800 million times on Spotify. The unforgettable string loop, sampled from an Andrew Oldham Orchestra version of the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” led to a lengthy legal battle that cost the band most of the royalties for years. Despite this, “Bitter Sweet Symphony” became a generational anthem, frequently used in movies, commercials, and major sporting events. The Verve’s subsequent work never matched the song’s impact, making it both a blessing and a curse for the band.
Eagle-Eye Cherry – “Save Tonight” (1997)
Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” is a song that seems to never fade from memory. Released in 1997, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Platinum in multiple countries. Its heartfelt lyrics about love and parting touched listeners across the globe. The song became a staple on radio and in TV shows, instantly recognizable from its opening guitar riff. Eagle-Eye Cherry released more music, but nothing captured the public’s imagination quite like “Save Tonight.” The track’s enduring popularity is clear from its continued presence on nostalgic playlists and regular inclusion in movies and commercials. Even today, it’s a go-to singalong for crowds of all ages.
American Authors – “Best Day of My Life” (2013)
American Authors’ “Best Day of My Life” is one of those songs that just makes you feel good. Released in 2013, it climbed to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified triple Platinum in the U.S. The song’s hopeful lyrics and uplifting melody made it a favorite for commercials, movie trailers, and sports events. Its infectious chorus was irresistible, leading to wide use in everything from Disney films to car ads. American Authors found their music licensed more than 100 times, turning the song into a marketing goldmine. Despite releasing more music, the band never quite recaptured the same level of broad appeal, but “Best Day of My Life” remains their signature feel-good anthem.
Chumbawamba – “Tubthumping” (1997)
Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” is the ultimate underdog story. The band, known for their anarchist politics and punk roots, shocked everyone when their rowdy anthem became a worldwide smash. Released in 1997, “Tubthumping” reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK, selling over 3 million copies globally. Its simple message of resilience—“I get knocked down, but I get up again”—became a rallying cry. The song was everywhere: sporting events, commercials, movies, and bars. Despite a long career before and after, Chumbawamba never matched the mainstream success of “Tubthumping,” but the track’s infectious spirit continues to inspire.
Tracy Chapman – “Fast Car” (1988)
Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is a quiet masterpiece that made a thunderous impact. Released in 1988, the song earned Chapman a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Its storytelling lyrics about hope, escape, and struggle resonated with listeners of all backgrounds. Over the years, “Fast Car” has been covered by dozens of artists and featured in countless soundtracks. The song experienced a resurgence in 2023 when country singer Luke Combs’ cover brought it back to the top of the charts, making Chapman the first Black woman to win Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards. The enduring relevance of “Fast Car” proves the timeless power of a well-told story.
Jet – “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” (2003)
Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” burst onto the scene in 2003, reviving garage rock for a new generation. The song’s raw energy, driving beat, and catchy chorus drove it up the charts, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 2 million copies. Its popularity was boosted by prominent placements in commercials, video games, and movies, notably Apple’s first iPod commercial. Jet’s debut album went multi-platinum, but the band struggled to maintain their momentum. Although they released more albums, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” remains their defining song, still instantly recognizable at parties and sporting events.
AWOLNATION – “Sail” (2010)
AWOLNATION’s “Sail” is the definition of a sleeper hit. Released in 2010, the song initially charted modestly, but over the next few years, it gained viral traction through TV placements and a massive wave of YouTube fan videos. By 2014, “Sail” had reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified six times Platinum in the U.S. Its dark, electronic vibe and simple, haunting lyrics connected with fans of all ages. The track became a favorite in extreme sports videos and even inspired countless internet memes. AWOLNATION released more music, but “Sail” remains their most recognizable and beloved work.
Smash Mouth – “All Star” (1999)
Smash Mouth’s “All Star” started as a modest radio hit but soon became a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1999, it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified triple Platinum. The track’s quirky lyrics and upbeat sound were catchy enough, but its real viral moment came from its inclusion in the animated film Shrek. Since then, “All Star” has been featured in countless memes, parodies, and even TikTok trends, giving it a second—and third—life online. The song’s enduring popularity has turned it into an internet legend, transcending its 90s origins and introducing Smash Mouth to new generations.
The Proclaimers – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” (1988)
The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” took an unexpected path to global fame. Released in 1988, it was initially popular in the UK but only became a U.S. hit years later after being featured in the 1993 movie Benny & Joon. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been streamed over 400 million times on Spotify. Its infectious chorus and distinctive Scottish vocals made it a staple at weddings, sports events, and road trips. The Proclaimers continued to release music, but nothing matched the iconic status of “500 Miles,” which is now synonymous with joyful, singalong moments.
OK Go – “Here It Goes Again” (2006)
OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again” is proof that a clever video can change everything. The song itself, a punchy piece of indie rock, gained some attention, but it was the treadmill-choreographed music video that truly went viral. Released in 2006, the video became one of the earliest YouTube sensations, garnering over 100 million views and earning the band a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. “Here It Goes Again” climbed into the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced OK Go to a global audience. The band became known for their creative videos, but “Here It Goes Again” remains their most iconic moment.
4 Non Blondes – “What’s Up?” (1992)
4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” is a song that defined an era and captured the angst of the early 90s. Released in 1992, it reached number one in several European countries and number 14 on the U.S. charts. The track’s raw vocals and unforgettable chorus—“What’s going on?”—became a rallying cry for a generation. Despite the massive success of “What’s Up?,” the band disbanded shortly after, and lead singer Linda Perry went on to have a successful songwriting career. Decades later, the song is still widely used in television, movies, and viral internet memes, proving its lasting power.
Blind Melon – “No Rain” (1992)
Blind Melon’s “No Rain” owes much of its fame to the unforgettable “Bee Girl” music video, which became a symbol of 90s alternative culture. Released in 1992, the song reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its laid-back sound and message of feeling out of place resonated with listeners everywhere. The video’s quirky narrative helped the song go viral long before the days of social media. Although Blind Melon released more music, nothing matched the impact of “No Rain,” which remains a staple on nostalgic playlists and alternative radio.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
