There is no denying that music is one of the most effective entertainment mediums. What we overlooked was that it had the power to spark a revolution and alter the course of history. One such modern example is Kate Bush’s song, Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) from the 1980s. Well, this iconic song has amassed 1 billion Spotify streams, making it the first song from the 1980s by a female artist.
It is impossible to overestimate how important this achievement is because it represents an important turning point for female musicians and exemplifies Bush’s lasting influence. It is entirely possible that the 64-year-old legendary singer-songwriter is now more recognized internationally than she has ever been, especially in the United States.
The use of Kate Bush’s timeless 1985 single Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) in the fourth season of Stranger Things has sparked a massive surge in new interest.
And recent data from Spotify show the impact of the Netflix series on the service’s overall streaming numbers.
Also Read: Did Stranger Things Success Force Marvel Studios To Push Kate Bush Out of MCU?
Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush Soars in Streams
The song is a timeless masterpiece in and of itself. Even though it was not a huge commercial hit when it was released in 1985, it has since become a cult favorite that defines the period. The struggle for relationship balance, themes of gender roles, and power dynamics are all addressed in the lyrics.
When writing Running Up That Hill for her historic fifth album, Kate Bush said in a 1985 newsletter that she was thinking about “some fundamental differences between men and women.” Audiences were moved by this honesty and vulnerability back then, and they still are.
One proof of Running Up That Hill’s enduring appeal is the fact that it has now received 1 billion streams on Spotify. It is a song that connects with listeners of all ages and has established itself in popular culture.
Its accomplishment is all the more noteworthy because it is the first song from the 1980s by a female artist to accomplish this feat. The influence that female musicians have had over the years in the music industry is powerfully demonstrated by this.
In her own right, This Woman’s Work singer is a pioneer who broke down barriers with her music and paved the way for later generations of female musicians. Her distinctive voice, skill as a storyteller, and charisma on stage have all contributed to her legendary status in the industry.
How Stranger Things Boosted Streams For Kate Bush’s 1980s Song?
The song is particularly associated with the character Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink. She first hears the song on her Walkman as she struggles with the death of a family member in the first episode of Stranger Things. The song continues throughout the rest of her journey in the production.
According to Billboard, Spotify data from the day before the release of Stranger Things season four on Netflix shows “an 8,700% increase in global streams compared to its total on Thursday (May 26, 2022).” The song’s number of streams in the United States reportedly increased by 9,900% during that time. In addition, it holds the top spot among the 50 most-played songs in the US.
Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s global head of music, spoke with Billboard about the appeal of older music to younger listeners:
“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) is one of those ‘perfect storm’ examples. It is amazing to watch iconic songs get rediscovered and have global moments with new listeners. It’s a classic song that has been introduced to a wide fandom and has now taken on a whole new meaning.”
The Spotify milestone that Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) has attained is evidence of both the song’s enduring appeal and the influence that female artists have had on the music business.
Thus, it is time to acknowledge and honor Kate Bush’s and other musicians’ long-standing contributions. As we move forward, we must strive to continue pushing boundaries and amplifying the voices of women in all aspects of the industry.
All seasons of Stranger Things are currently streaming on Netflix.
