Radiohead's Streaming Resurgence: How Two Decades-Old Hits Reclaim Chart Territory Simultaneously

Radiohead continues to defy expectations in 2025, delivering remarkable chart performance despite remaining dormant in the studio. The legendary British rock outfit saw both “Let Down” and “Creep” achieve unprecedented rankings across Billboard’s U.S. and international tallies this week, powered entirely by organic streaming momentum and fan-driven engagement.

A Viral Moment Transforms Into Sustained Chart Momentum

The catalyst for this week’s surge traces back to “Let Down’s” unexpected viral breakthrough months ago. Global audiences rediscovered the track, turning a 28-year-old deep cut into an active streaming force. The phenomenon demonstrates how digital platforms can resurrect older catalog material when audiences reconnect with it authentically.

Stateside, “Let Down” registers two significant chart advancements this frame. On Billboard’s Alternative Streaming Songs ranking, the track climbs from position 22 to 16. Its trajectory proves even more impressive on the Hot Rock Songs chart—which incorporates streaming data alongside sales and radio metrics—where it advances one spot to number 11, narrowly missing the top 10.

International Expansion: “Let Down” Goes Global

The streaming surge extends far beyond American borders. On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Let Down” leaps from 147 to 133, while simultaneously climbing on the Billboard Global 200 (which includes U.S. figures) from 112 to 103. Both placements represent the song’s strongest-ever showings on these international rosters, indicating Radiohead’s streaming influence spans multiple continents.

“Creep” Capitalizes On The Momentum Wave

Radiohead’s most commercially successful single continues gaining traction alongside its sister track’s resurgence. “Creep” has maintained a presence across worldwide charts for over two years (105 consecutive weeks on global rankings), yet this week alone brings three new career peaks:

The track establishes its best-ever position on the Billboard Global 200 at number 32, while simultaneously reaching number 46 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S.—both all-time personal records. On the all-genre Streaming Songs chart, “Creep” hits number 48, marking not only its own highest placement but also the strongest performance any Radiohead composition has ever achieved on this particular Billboard metric.

What This Week Signals

Four simultaneous chart advancements across two Radiohead classics in a single tracking period underscores a fundamental shift in how legacy artists maintain relevance. Without new releases, studio announcements, or traditional promotional campaigns, the band’s catalog continues commanding audience attention through pure streaming demand. The performance validates how devoted fanbases and algorithmic discovery can collectively elevate older material to competitive chart positions alongside contemporary releases.