The TikTok Time Machine: How Social Media Is Reviving Forgotten Songs

In the age of TikTok, a song’s expiration date is officially a myth. What was once a nostalgic tune from the past can now surge back into popularity with a single slow-motion transition, dance challenge, or viral sound clip. On a recent episode of the Jams 'N' Cocktails podcast, host Brad Brock and co-host Jordyn Taylor dove headfirst into this fascinating phenomenon, exploring how TikTok has become an unexpected hit-making machine—redefining the lifespan of a song and reshaping the music industry itself.

Dubbed the TikTok Time Machine, the episode was a blend of music commentary, cocktail culture, laughs, and live performances. With Brad’s signature charm and Jordyn’s dry wit, the duo walked listeners through a playlist of tracks that were either overlooked at release or experienced delayed fame years—and even decades—later. The common thread? Viral TikTok moments that breathed new life into these tunes.

📲 When Gen Z Meets Classic Hits

From Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” to Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” the episode spotlighted songs that skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their inclusion in viral TikToks or streaming series. Who could forget Nathan Apodaca—the man on a skateboard sipping cranberry juice—casually bringing “Dreams” back to the Billboard charts in 2020?

Brad and Jordyn also touched on Kate Bush’s atmospheric track, which found new life in Stranger Things before becoming a TikTok staple. Even sugary-sweet tracks like Edison Lighthouse’s “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” and Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” found surprising second acts decades after release.

“It’s like the algorithm just woke up one day and said, ‘You know what slaps? That Kate Bush song from 1985,’” Brad joked.

🕺 New Anthems from Old B-Sides

The conversation turned to songs that weren’t just old hits, but tracks that never quite had their moment in the spotlight—until now. Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary,” an album track from 2011, exploded after TikTok users paired it with Wednesday Addams’ dance from Netflix’s Wednesday—despite the original scene featuring a different song.

And then there’s Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” a glitter-soaked queer anthem that had quietly existed for years before TikTok—and a high-profile Grammy moment—pushed it to the top of the charts. As Brad pointed out, the track recently hit No. 1, five years after its release.

Jordyn, proudly wearing a Pink Pony Club shirt during the episode, beamed as she and Brad toasted the song with a custom cocktail they dubbed the “Pink Pony Pop.”

🎮 Games, Giggles, and AI Action Figures

But this episode wasn’t just music deep dives. True to the show’s cocktail-party-meets-late-night-talk-show vibe, Brad and Jordyn also had fun with a hilarious AI challenge. Listener Jaybird created action figure mockups of the JNC crew using AI-generated packaging, complete with miniature accessories (some questionably safe for work). The result? Pure comedy gold—and a new segment fans couldn’t get enough of.

And in true JNC fashion, the show also featured live music clips from a recent Tipsy Tiki performance, an entertaining round of Name That Tune: Comeback Edition, and a heartfelt Midweek Motivation encouraging creators to keep showing up even when success doesn’t come overnight.

“Just because you don’t see results right away doesn’t mean the work isn’t working,” Brad shared. “Sometimes the world just isn’t ready for your greatness yet.”

🌍 From Indie Tracks to Internet Fame

What became clear throughout the episode is that TikTok isn’t just resurrecting radio classics—it’s amplifying indie artists, deep cuts, and even lo-fi YouTube uploads. Songs like Tash Sultana’s “Jungle” and Alvvays’ “Archie, Marry Me” found their second wind thanks to aesthetic edits, slowed-down versions, and POV content that made them feel fresh again.

And TikTok doesn’t discriminate by decade either. Whether it’s The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” (revived by Shrek) or Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” (immortalized by Say Anything), the app has made it clear: no song is ever too old to go viral again.

💬 Final Thoughts: The Power of the Algorithm

Brad and Jordyn ended the show with an invitation for listeners to share other comeback songs they’ve discovered on TikTok. As Brad summed it up best:

“Sometimes the best songs just take the scenic route to success. All they need is a little more time—and a Wi-Fi connection.”

Whether you're a musician wondering if your track might be the next viral hit, or a nostalgic soul scrolling through TikTok playlists, Jams 'N' Cocktails reminds us all that music is timeless—and the internet never forgets a good groove.

🎧 Want to hear the full episode? Listen to The TikTok Time Machine now on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or watch on YouTube. Don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show!

🧃 See what we’re sipping next week: Visit JNCPodcast.com for our Cocktail of the Week, games, show recaps, and more!

📲 Share your own TikTok time machine discoveries: Text the show at 321-345-6658 or tag @JNCPodcast on social media!

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