Keep Running Up That Chart

     Recently, a certain song has been climbing up the music charts, a song from the 1980s.  I'm talking about "Running up That Hill (A Plan with God)" by Kate Bush.  The song's surge in popularity stems from its continued inclusion in the Netflix program Stranger Things.  Not only is the song appropriate to the setting of the show, but it is also seems to be an important plot point on multiple levels.  Now, I don't do most streaming, so I am not entirely familiar with the details of the show.  I know enough to know I might not like it, but I can't be positive. This surge has led the song to return to the charts, even entering the top five.  During the song's original run, it barely cracked the top forty.  I have even heard it a few times on my favorite radio station.  Maybe.  The reception and interference from various sources makes listening to that particular station troublesome.  I have mentioned this numerous times.  I have heard at least part of it just a few days ago on my way into work.  Considering this station frequently plays older songs, it is not that big of stretch to think that it wouldn't play "Running" as well.  I have actually heard the song, or at least a few seconds of it, much more frequently on SongPop lately.  It is a frequent clip on my "Anagrammed Artists" category, where she is listed as 'Skate Hub.'  I always think I'm listening to "Big Love" by Fleetwood Mac.  The two songs came out around the same time and share a similar percussion line.  I'm guessing that one of the reasons for this newfound popularity is that the song doesn't sound dated.  For example, a while back,  a video on TikTok of "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac (again) led the song to get back onto the charts, for about a week or two and only in the mid-teens.  "Dreams" was released in the 70s and sounds like it comes from that time.  "Running" was made int the 80s, but it sounds more contemporary.  It fits right into the current trends for pop/rock.  Whether this is due to many artists taking Kate Bush as an inspiration or to artists wanting a retro feel to the decade in general, I can't be sure.  Many artists have mentioned taking inspiration from the era, some to a greater success than others.  Just look at last year's top song "Levitating" by Dua Lipa.  The song, and the entire album it was on, was influenced by the late years of disco.  I admit, I bought the deluxe version of the album.  I like disco, at times.  Dance music in general.  I'm getting a similar vibe from "About Damn Time" from Lizzo. This song just knocked "Running" down a spot in the charts, and it may have a good chance of reaching number one.  Or at least it did until Drake dropped this year's album last week.  It will probably have a bunch of songs debut in the top ten, just like last year.  And just like last year, most will not have the staying power or crossover radio appeal to make a lasting dent in the yearly charts.   I won't go into my usual tirade about how the charts need to change their metrics in gauging this, but at least this has led to an old song making a comeback.  Now, how to get one of my favorite, older songs back on the charts to higher levels of popularity?