Cliff Richard Classic Becomes Unlikely Gen Z Hit After GTA VI Trailer Reveal
Discover how a 1976 Cliff Richard hit is surging in popularity among Gen Z listeners after being featured in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI soundtrack.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — A 1976 classic track by Cliff Richard is experiencing a massive surge in popularity among younger music enthusiasts after being showcased in the soundtrack for the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI.
The iconic tune Devil Woman appears in the upcoming gaming sequel alongside other standout 1970s and 1980s records, including But I Think it is a Dream by Captain and Tennille, Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung, and Let Your Love Flow by the Bellamy Brothers.
Following the public announcement of the video game sequel’s music lineup, featured tracks have witnessed an extraordinary spike in digital listening figures. Spotify streaming data from last month revealed that plays for Devil Woman alone jumped by 325 per cent.
Originally released on Richard’s 18th studio album, I’m Nearly Famous, the song famously helped reintroduce the performer as a hitmaker capable of breaking new ground. At the time of its release, the single showcased a much edgier persona for the musician, ultimately peaking at No. 9 in the UK and climbing to No. 6 in the US as his first top-ten American hit.
The track previously found a renewed audience through its inclusion in the 2017 biographical film I, Tonya, which featured Hollywood actress Margot Robbie portraying figure skater Tonya Harding. Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z, have now embraced the song enthusiastically after hearing it prominently featured in an extended promotional look at the game.
Social media platforms have been flooded with commentary from younger fans captivated by the inclusion. One listener shared on X this month that it was the finest track from the extended preview and noted they had been hooked on it since August, while another 21-year-old fan proudly explained that she tracked down a vinyl copy of the record after discovering it through the trailer.
Other fans expressed surprise mixed with amusement at seeing the veteran artist on the tracklist, with one writing on social media that a Cliff Richard song in GTA VI completely blew their mind while still praising the selection as a certified banger. Another joked about experiencing a sudden surprise appearance by the singer in the promotional footage.
Modern video games, television series aimed at younger viewers, and social media platforms like TikTok have frequently served as powerful catalysts for introducing heritage artists to new generations. A prominent example occurred in 2020, when a viral TikTok video of a man skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice to Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams propelled both the track and the Rumours album back onto the charts.
Similarly, Kate Bush experienced a massive career resurgence when her 1985 hit Running Up That Hill soared to the top of the UK Official Singles Chart in 2022 following its pivotal placement in the Netflix science fiction series Stranger Things. While some might view older acts as outdated, younger listeners appear refreshingly indifferent to traditional cool factors and are simply enjoying fresh musical discoveries.
Beyond retro classics, the diverse GTA VI soundtrack will incorporate 34 fresh tracks, featuring collaborations such as Yung Lean alongside Future and Metro Boomin on that is It, Travis Scott performing Rhyno with production by Daft Punk member Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, and a joint effort from CA7RIEL, Paco Amoroso, PinkPantheress, Fred again.., and Étienne de Crécy on Sexy Magic.
Additional confirmed musical contributions include Morgan Wallen performing The Last Thing You Need, Rauw Alejandro with Macacoa 2000, and Keith Richards delivering Bright Lights, Big City. Furthermore, the game’s virtual radio stations will feature hosted broadcasts by Bad Bunny, Lana Del Rey, and Robyn, alongside Slayer members Kerry King and Tom Araya serving as hosts.
Rounding out the audio experience for the sprawling virtual crime universe, French electronic music duo Justice were confirmed last week as the official original score composers for the game.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
