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Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s disco-pop anthem, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” has staged a remarkable comeback, reclaiming its place in the music charts with newfound vigor. The catalyst for this revival is the inclusion of the 2001 hit in a pivotal scene from the Amazon Prime film “Saltburn,” starring Golden Globe nominee Barry Keoghan. The unexpected surge in popularity has propelled the song back into the limelight, creating a buzz on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to Billboard, between the end of December and early January, the song witnessed a 131% increase in U.S. streams, accompanied by a 92% spike in downloads. Impressively, the 23-year-old track made an astonishing debut at No. 98 on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 chart. Simultaneously, it surged into the top 10 on the U.K. Singles Chart, marking a triumphant return for the timeless anthem.
The resurgence of “Murder on the Dancefloor” can be attributed to its captivating presence in the climactic scene of “Saltburn,” where Barry Keoghan’s character dances in the nude, reveling in the takeover of a grand British manor. The visually striking sequence has not only left a lasting impact on the film’s viewers but has also prompted a viral trend on TikTok. Countless users have taken to the platform to recreate the iconic dance scene, with the song appearing in nearly 200,000 TikTok videos.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor herself has embraced the resurgence, sharing a TikTok video where she dons antlers reminiscent of those worn by Keoghan in a crucial scene at a “Midsummer Night’s Dream”-themed party in the movie. The caption, “Heading into 2024 like…Happy Saltburn New Year!” reflects her enthusiasm for the unexpected revival.
The decision to feature “Murder on the Dancefloor” in the film was driven by director Emerald Fennell’s vision, with Ellis-Bextor expressing her intrigue and quirky sense of humor. Fennell, in an interview with Variety, emphasized that the song was the “only song” that felt fitting for the movie’s conclusion, particularly the unforgettable naked dance scene.
Originally released in 2001, “Murder on the Dancefloor” had achieved notable success, reaching No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart in 2002 and No. 26 on the Dance Club Songs chart in the U.S. Now, two decades later, the song’s return to the charts echoes the sensation of other classic hits, like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which experienced a resurgence following its feature in Season Four of the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”
In response to the unexpected revival, Ellis-Bextor expressed her joy, calling it “magical” and acknowledging the beauty of the song creating new memories for a fresh audience. The story of “Murder on the Dancefloor” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and captivate new generations.