“Running Up That Hill” is number one around the world, thanks to Stranger Things

“Running Up That Hill” has had a wild ride over the past few weeks. The song, originally released on British singer Kate Bush’s 1985 album Hounds of Love, did well back in the day, but never became a phenomenon. It didn’t claim the number one spot on the charts in the UK, and is known today mostly by niche music fans and people who were there at the time.

And then the fourth season of Stranger Things dropped. “Running Up That Hill” plays a key role in the story; it’s the favorite song of the depressed Max (Sadie Sink), and the sound of it draws her back to life after she’s cornered by the malevolent Vecna. Stranger Things is so huge and the scene was such a hit that it led people to seek out the original song, which is now at the top of the charts in seven countries, including the UK. It’s number four on the US charts, where Bush had never before had a top 10 hit. Per the BBC, it’s currently the most-streamed song in the world, with more than 57 million global plays last week. Even Kate Bush tribute acts have seen higher ticket sales.

“I’ve never experienced anything quite like this before!” Bush wrote on her official website on Thursday. “It’s all so exciting.” She elaborated in a statement, saying she was “overwhelmed by the scale of affection” for the song. “It’s all happening really fast, as if it’s being driven along by a kind of elemental force. I have to admit I feel really moved by it all…Thank you so much again to the Duffer Brothers – because of their latest, extraordinary series of Stranger Things, the track is being discovered by a whole new audience.”

“Running Up That Hill” sets music industry record

BBC 6 Music’s Matt Everitt talked a bit about the the life of the song. “When it came out all those years ago it sounded brand new,” he said, “and all these years later, it still sounds like nothing that anybody else has ever done. I think that’s why she’s able to resonate with so many people who are hearing it for the first time.”

Kate Bush last had a number one hit in the UK with her 1978 debut single “Wuthering Heights.” The 44-year-long gap between number one hits is the longest in history.

The final two episodes of Stranger Things season 4 premiere on July 1. Apparently, “Running Up That Hill” will again play a role, so who knows how much longer its renewed popularity will last?

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels