The Unlikely Resurrection of a Forgotten Tune: How TikTok Revived Chris Rainbow’s Legacy
There’s something profoundly moving about a song finding its audience decades after its creation, long after the artist has left the stage. Chris Rainbow’s ‘Be Like a Woman,’ a deep cut from his 1979 album White Trails, has done just that—debuting at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100 nearly 50 years after its release. What makes this particularly fascinating is not just the song’s belated chart success, but the why and how behind it. TikTok, the platform that has become a graveyard-turned-playground for forgotten tunes, is the unlikely catalyst.
A Song Out of Time, Finding Its Moment
Chris Rainbow, a Scottish prog-pop artist best known for his work with the Alan Parsons Project, never achieved solo success during his lifetime. His music, though rich and innovative, didn’t resonate with the mainstream in the late ’70s. But here’s the irony: what felt out of place then sounds perfectly at home now. The song’s retro chillwave vibe, with its dreamy synths and laid-back groove, has become the soundtrack for a new generation’s nostalgia—even if they’re too young to remember the ’70s.
What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just a random viral moment. It’s part of a broader trend where TikTok’s algorithm unearths forgotten gems and gives them new life. ‘Be Like a Woman’ became a go-to backdrop for users posting photos of used glasses or candles, each paired with whimsical phrases about their favorite indulgences. It’s a perfect example of how music, once confined to its era, can transcend time when paired with the right visual context.
The Power of Algorithmic Resurrection
The song’s journey to the Hot 100 is a masterclass in the unpredictability of modern music consumption. From 18,000 streams in November to 2.5 million in February—a 13,538% increase—it’s a story of exponential growth fueled by digital word-of-mouth. Personally, I think this speaks to the democratizing power of platforms like TikTok. They give artists, even those long gone, a second chance to connect with listeners.
But here’s the deeper question: does this kind of viral success cheapen the art? Some might argue that reducing a song to a backdrop for trendy videos diminishes its original intent. From my perspective, though, it’s the opposite. It’s a testament to the song’s versatility and timelessness. Rainbow’s music, once overlooked, is now reaching ears it was never meant to—and that’s a win, no matter how you slice it.
A Legacy Redefined
Chris Rainbow’s posthumous chart debut is more than just a quirky footnote in music history. It’s a reminder of how art can outlive its creator, evolving in ways they could never have imagined. Alan Parsons called Rainbow the ‘One Man Beach Boys,’ and while he never achieved that level of fame, his work is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this story challenges our notions of success in the music industry. Rainbow’s career was defined by his contributions to other artists, not his solo work. Yet, here we are, celebrating a song that’s become a cultural touchstone decades later. What this really suggests is that legacy isn’t about chart positions or sales—it’s about the impact you leave behind, even if it takes half a century to materialize.
The Future of Forgotten Music
If you take a step back and think about it, ‘Be Like a Woman’ is just the tip of the iceberg. TikTok and other platforms are becoming graveyards for forgotten music, but they’re also resurrection grounds. Songs like Neil Sedaka’s ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ have seen similar revivals, proving that the right algorithm can breathe new life into old tracks.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this trend is reshaping the music industry. Labels are now scouring their catalogs for forgotten gems, hoping to replicate this kind of viral success. It’s a gold rush, but instead of digging for new talent, they’re mining the past.
Final Thoughts
Chris Rainbow’s story is a bittersweet reminder of the unpredictability of art and fame. His music, once overlooked, is now a cultural phenomenon. In my opinion, this isn’t just about a song going viral—it’s about the enduring power of creativity to connect across generations.
What this really suggests is that we’re living in an era where the past and present are constantly colliding, thanks to technology. And while Rainbow isn’t here to see his moment in the spotlight, his music is. That, to me, is the most beautiful part of this story. It’s not just about charts or streams—it’s about a legacy that refuses to be forgotten.
