Jeff Buckley Achieves First US Top 100 Hit Posthumously, Thanks to TikTok Virality
Jeff Buckley has made a significant impact on the music charts, achieving his first entry on the US Hot 100. This milestone comes 29 years after his passing, with his single “Lover, You Should Have Come Over” debuting at No. 97. The viral success of this track can be attributed to its popularity on TikTok, where new audiences are discovering Buckley’s emotive songwriting.
Impact of TikTok on Musical Recognition
Although TikTok videos do not directly contribute to official chart rankings, they play a crucial role in driving listeners to streaming platforms. As a result, Buckley’s heartfelt ballad has gained renewed interest among a younger demographic.
About the Song
- Title: Lover, You Should Have Come Over
- Album: Grace
- Release Year: 1994
- Chart Position: No. 97 on the US Hot 100
The song reflects themes of longing and regret, with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. Lines such as, “All my blood for the sweetness of her laughter,” capture the essence of Buckley’s emotional delivery. Despite its initial lack of commercial success, reaching only No. 82 on the US album charts, “Grace” became an influential album among college students and romantics, ultimately achieving platinum status.
Jeff Buckley’s Legacy
Tragically, Buckley’s life was cut short in 1997 when he drowned in the Mississippi River. He was working on new material for a follow-up album at the time. In 1998, a collection of his unfinished songs was released as “Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk.” In 2016, another compilation titled “You and I” was released, featuring cover versions he recorded in 1993, including tracks by Bob Dylan, The Smiths, and Led Zeppelin.
Other Artists Benefiting from TikTok
Jeff Buckley is not alone in experiencing a resurgence due to TikTok. Other alternative artists from the 1990s, such as Radiohead, have also found renewed chart success. Notably, Radiohead’s song “Let Down” charted for the first time in 2025.
In a report released in December, TikTok indicated that a considerable number of successful singles had gained recognition through the platform. Eight out of ten US No. 1 singles in 2025 had previously gone viral on TikTok. Furthermore, all thirteen UK No. 1 singles of that year had undergone a similar viral trend.
As TikTok continues to shape the music industry, it is clear that the platform can create pathways for both established and emerging artists to connect with listeners worldwide.
