Millennials Celebrate The Songs In Netflix’s ‘Beef’

The resurgence of nostalgic music can, in part, be attributed to a handful of really popular TV shows that have recently been trending across streaming services. Much like the explosion of Kate Bush’s 1986 hit “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” used in ‘Stranger Things’ in mid-2022, the Netflix series ‘Beef’ (April, 2023) has generated a spike in some iconic rock songs from the 90s and early 2000s. 

“Drive” by Incubus

Album: Make Yourself

In a stand-out scene from the millennial-friendly show, Steven Yeun's character, Danny Cho, covered Incubus' "Drive" acoustically with a church band. It became so popular that he actually released it! 

“Lonely Day” by System of a Down

Album: Hypnotize

System of a Down's “Lonely Day” saw a massive boost after featuring in 'Beef' on April 6th. Shazam counts increased by 5,200 in a day and remained high for a month, with over 6.7 million new YouTube views and 23 million streams from April 6th to June 3rd. (Source: Songtradr)

“Mayonnaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins

Album: Siamese Dream

30-year-old track “Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins saw a surge in Spotify streams, hitting 4 million out of 55 million total after its 'Beef' feature. YouTube views spiked 10 days after the show aired. (Source: Songtradr)

“Self Esteem” by The Offspring 

Album: Smash

The Offspring's "Self Esteem" soared after 'Beef,' gathering 15.6 million streams (3.5% of all-time) on Spotify. It ranked No.4 on Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart. (Source: Songtradr)

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins

Album: Siamese Dream

The Smashing Pumpkins' “Today” gained popularity from 'Beef' with over 3.1 million new streams (5.7% of all-time) and 1.1 million post-show YouTube views (2.1% of all-time). (Source: Songtradr)

Here is the full list of songs from 'Beef' on Netflix

Episode 1: “The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech In Pain”

• “Liquid Dreams” by O-Town
• “The Reason” by Hoobastank

Episode 2: “The Rapture of Being Alive”

• “Shine” by Collective Soul
• “Same Squad” by P-Lo
• “Cornflake Girl” by Tori Amos

Episode 3: “I Am Inhabited By a Cry”

• “O Come to the Altar” by Steven Yeun (Original song by Elevation Worship)
• “Drive” by Incubus

Episode 4: “Just Not All At the Same Time”

• “Fly” by Sugar Ray
• “Nookie” by Limp Bizkit
• “Cure For Pain” by Morphine
• “Self Esteem” by The Offspring 

Episode 5: “Such Inward Secret Creatures”

• “Natural One” by Shearwater
• “Lonely Day” by System of a Down

Episode 6: “We Draw a Magic Circle”

• “Raise A Hallelujah” by Steven Yeun and cast (original song by Bethel Music)
• “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole
• “Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
• “Machinehead” by Bush

Episode 7: “I Am a Cage”

• “Amazing Grace” by Steven Yeun and cast
• “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

Episode 8: “The Drama of Original Choice”

• “Mockingbirds” by Grant Lee Buffalo

Episode 9: “The Great Fabricator”

• “Jinx” by Tad
• “All is Full of Love” by Björk

Episode 10: “Figures of Light”

“Mayonaise” by The Smashing Pumpkins

(Photo credit: Netflix)