The 2010s Lost Classics That Became Sleeper Hits a Decade On
In the ever-evolving landscape of music, some of the most beloved tracks of the past decade didn’t explode onto the charts upon release. Instead, they simmered in the background—only to resurface years later as unexpected cultural touchstones. These “sleeper hits” from the 2010s owe their resurgence to TikTok virality, streaming algorithms, and a generation rediscovering the magic of overlooked gems. Here’s a look at the decade’s most resilient underdogs.
com.spotify.music1. The Night We Met - Lord Huron (2015)
Original Chart Position: #77 UK (2015)
2024 Revival: #60 UK, #24 Spotify Global Year-End Chart
This haunting folk-rock ballad from LA band Lord Huron first gained traction after appearing on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack in 2018. Its melancholic lyrics about heartbreak struck a chord with listeners, especially on TikTok, where it became a staple for breakup montages and even popped up in Molly-Mae Hague’s pregnancy announcement video (despite its somber tone). Cosmopolitan dubbed it the ultimate “sad song to blast when you’re feeling hella moody.”
2. Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood (2012)
Original Chart Position: Peaked at #11 US Alternative, missed UK Top 40
2024 Status: #7 All-Time Most Streamed on Spotify
This introspective track about autumnal longing unexpectedly became a TikTok sensation, with users embracing its cozy vibe for cozy fall-themed videos. The California band credits its longevity to its “accidental seasonal hit” status, and it’s now a queer anthem for many. Fun fact: It’s spent over three years in Spotify’s global daily top 50.
com.spotify.music3. Champagne Coast - Blood Orange (2011)
Original Chart Position: Flopped commercially
2024 Milestone: #6 Billboard TikTok Year-End Chart, #20 UK Singles Chart
Dev Hynes’ sultry R&B track languished in obscurity until Euphoria featured it in 2019. Then, TikTok users weaponized its sultry “come to my bedroom” hook for romance-themed videos, propelling it to viral fame. By July 2024, it finally cracked the UK Top 20.
4. Evergreen - Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners (2017)
Original Chart Position: Never charted
2024 Feat: Spent 35 weeks in UK Top 60
This 87-second indie-pop gem became the soundtrack for TikTok’s “hopecore” movement, with users pairing its uplifting lyrics with clips of sunrises and motivational quotes. Its simplicity and positivity struck a nerve, landing it in the UK’s year-end top 100.
com.spotify.music5. Lovely - Billie Eilish (2018)
Original Chart Position: Missed US/UK Top 40
2024 Stats: Most-Streamed Billie Eilish Song on Spotify, #14 All-Time
This fragile duet with Khalid, originally recorded for 13 Reasons Why, found new life as a lullaby-like anthem for late-night scrolling and study sessions. Its stripped-down intimacy resonated with listeners seeking solace in a chaotic world.
6. I Wanna Be Yours - Arctic Monkeys (2013)
Original Chart Position: #99 UK Singles Chart
2024 Milestone: Most-Streamed Decade-Old Song on Spotify
Alex Turner’s over-the-top love poem from the AM album gained traction on TikTok, where users paired its dramatic chorus with romantic confession videos. Decades later, its cheesy-yet-charming lyrics proved timeless.
com.spotify.music7. The Sound of Silence - Disturbed (2015)
Original Chart Position: #15 US Mainstream Rock
2024 Comeback: #8 UK Singles Chart (2024)
This haunting cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic exploded in 2024 thanks to a viral TikTok dance trend and a remix that transformed it into an anthem for quiet contemplation. Disturbed’s heavier take on the folk standard struck a surprising balance between brooding and danceable.
8. See You Again - Tyler, the Creator (2017)
Original Chart Position: Flopped
2024 Popularity: #21 UK Singles Chart, #19 Spotify US Year-End
This soulful collaboration with Kali Uchis flew under the radar until TikTok users turned it into a personality quiz: Do you sing along with Tyler’s “OK OK OK OK” or Kali’s “La la la la”? Its emotional depth and catchy hooks eventually earned it a spot on 2024’s most-streamed lists.
com.spotify.musicWhy Now? The Science of Sleeper Hits
According to experts, these revivals boil down to three factors:
TikTok’s Algorithm: Short, emotionally charged clips turn songs into viral memes overnight.
Nostalgia Marketing: Older Gen Zers (now in their 20s) are curating playlists that bridge their teenage years with younger generations.
Counter-Cultural Charm: Unlike polished pop hits, these tracks feel “authentic” and unburdened by radio-friendly formulas.
As Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer (2019) proved—debuted as a non-single, it topped charts in 2023—sometimes, brilliance just needs time to find its audience.
So, the next time you hear a song from the 2010s that feels eerily relevant today, remember: It might just be the universe’s way of saying, “We needed this all along.”
