In the height of TikTok’s possible ban within the U.S, it is important to reminisce on the effect the app has had on our pop culture. Music, specifically, has gone viral in a whole new way. Here is a review of songs that went viral on the platform this year and helped new artists rise to fame faster than ever before.
Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
“Beautiful Things” dropped in Jan. and was an immediate hit both for Boone’s fans and new listeners. The song is at 6 million and rising streams on Spotify and was used on 1.7 million videos on TikTok. With a rich voice for vocals Boone’s music was similar to that of David Kushner, another artist who went viral on TikTok this year.
While the lyrics are not noteworthy themselves, the simplicity of it helps reach a broader audience and the delivery more than makes up for this. However, some may argue that the lyrics were too plain and repetitive, telling a story many have already heard; of loving someone and not wanting to lose them.
Despite this criticism, the song and Boone himself have risen in popularity across many platforms but especially TikTok.
Overall rating: 8/10
Too Sweet by Hozier
Hozier has become a household name for many, even before the rise of TikTok. It was no surprise when fans—old and new—took to his new album like moths to a flame. The song that became the most recognized was “Too Sweet,” teens and adults on TikTok using the sound to edit their favorite celebrities.
The most popular trend with this song, based around the lyrics “I take my whiskey neat” in which users would often compare pictures of their celebrity crushes or significant other in an “unattractive” or “undesirable” look to one they consider more attractive
Hozier’s song would have likely gone viral without TikTok considering his already existing popularity and talent. His work continues to bring in new fans and keep older listeners happy, a feat for any artist.
While Too Sweet has become a favorite among many, I do not believe it is Hozier’s best work from his career or the album.
Overall rating: 9/10
Austin by Dasha
This new song by the relatively new musician quickly rose to popularity on TikTok, especially among those who enjoy country. Videos of women dancing to the song in cowboy boots led to the song going viral.
Dahsa’s voice itself is a pleasant sound. She sticks to what she can do and does not force herself to hit high notes like most artists do today. Her lyrics, while simple, also tell a story, not to mention they hold a catchy tune that is easy to remember.
Her song, in my opinion, is a mix of Miley Cyrcs in her “Party in the U.S.A” era and Carrie Underwood’s overall sound. Dasha has quickly gained attraction to her music, with 21.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Overall rating: 8/10
End of Beginning by Djo
Djo, or to other fans, Joe Keery, has once again shaken his fanbase. The musician and actor has successfully kept his different careers separate, so much so that a large part of his fans were unaware that he was a musician.
The song had gone viral for these stand out lyrics, “You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man” which many TikTok users utilized for edits and videos. “End of Beginning” continued to gain listeners as users started to realize Djo’s second profession. Comments under videos using the sound usually said “Steve Harrington?” or “Is that the guy from Stranger Things?”
Contrary to what many first thought, Djo has existed since 2019 with his first single, “Roddy” and already had a fanbase for his music. This somewhat new discovery opens the question on what others should expect from the multi talented man, a new album or a role on the screen? There have already been disputes among fans on what they believe he should stick with, some believing his music is nothing of note and others who think the opposite.
Overall rating: 7/10
There were many more songs that went viral on TikTok this year, and more songs continue to as well. Users should continue to listen to these songs, both on tiktok and off, you can stream popular TikTok songs on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, and Youtube.
While this may be the end of TikTok, no one can ignore the huge effect the platform has had on the music industry.
