From Heated Rivalry to Stranger Things, shows have a way of bringing back songs that have been forgotten, infusing them with new meaning for a new generation of fans. David Ho looks at some tunes that have made their way back on playlists and the charts through the screen

All The Things She Said

This insanely catchy hit from 2002 recently found new life through BL series Heated Rivalry. The English version best known to the world was first released by faux lesbian duo Tatu in Russian as “Ya Soshla s Uma” (translated to “I’ve Lost My Mind”). Songwriter Elena Kiper was inspired after having a dream of kissing another woman during a dental procedure and woke up gasping “I’ve lost my mind!”.

While most queer anthems tend to sway towards camp, “All The Things She Said” perfectly captured the angst of a generation of gay millennials figuring themselves out. With whispered verses and an urgent chorus, it featured a grungier rock sound over the electro sound of its original Russian original. The gritty music video featured Tatu’s Lena Katina and Julia Volkova in Catholic schoolgirl uniforms making out while drenched. It upped the ante for teen provocateurs with a penchant for uniforms in a way not seen since Britney Spears’ debut. Even as a remixed cover, it perfectly underscored the sizzling tension and forbidden attraction between the Heated Rivalry leads in a way that melted brains and drenched panties.   

Running Up That Hill

Kate Bush’s 1985 hit was featured on Netflix’s Stranger Things. Credit goes to Winona Ryder, who pushed for the song to be included. Luckily, Bush happened to be fan of the series and agreed to it, despite rarely allowing such licensing. The resurgence in 2022 led it to top the UK charts and reach #3 on the Billboard charts. It also become a viral hit on TikTok for Gen Z. Bush has described the resurgence as “just extraordinary” and “quite shocking”. She found the resurgence to be rather “touching” though.

This is however, not the only time “Running Up That Hill” has been featured on a show. Ryan Murphy’s Pose made use of it for an early episode.

Never Knew Love Like This Before

Speaking of Pose, the series about New York’s underground ballroom culture had a fantastic soundtrack. One of the songs it brought to the minds of contemporary audiences is Stephanie Mills’ “Never Knew Love Like This Before”. Used to highlight a trans character’s tragic passing, it’s a touching yet joyous reminder we need to show love to those who don’t get enough of it. Celebrate those who deserve it, especially those from marginalised communities.   

Murder on the Dancefloor

The 2023 movie Saltburn provided a peep look at the excess, obsession, and social dynamics within the British upper class. The dark comedy come with so much pomp and drama, so it deserves a great song to seal it. And Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” is exactly that. The exuberant slice of dance-pop is made perfect for the film with Ellis-Bextor’s trademark vocals with her crisp English accent. Barry Keoghan’s naked romp to the song will go down as one of the most iconic scenes of 2020s cinema.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The 2018 biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody helped refresh interest in the timeless music of Queen and its frontman, Freddie Mercury. The scene of the movie’s titular song at the 1985 Live Aid concert was a reminder of how and why Queen is one of rock music’s greatest of all time.

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