**The Growing Popularity of ‘The Night We Met’: A Testament to Unlikely Success**
In the vast realm of music, some songs manage to transcend the fleeting nature of trends, capturing the hearts of listeners long after their initial release. Such is the case with “The Night We Met,” the closing track from the Los Angeles-based band Lord Huron’s second album, *Strange Trails*. Originally released in 2015, this heartfelt ballad flew under the radar but has since blossomed into a phenomenon that has eclipsed even the most celebrated contemporary hits, including those by superstars like Taylor Swift.
As of 2024, “The Night We Met” has achieved an astonishing milestone: it has garnered over three billion streams on Spotify. This remarkable feat places it in an exclusive category of songs that have reached such dizzying heights, a club that even Taylor Swift has not yet entered. Furthermore, the song’s resonance in today’s culture is evident, with videos featuring it racking up an additional three billion views on TikTok—an impressive feat that speaks to its continued relevance and appeal.
Initially, when “The Night We Met” was released as part of *Strange Trails*, it was largely overlooked; although well-received by fans and critics alike, it failed to make a significant commercial impact on music charts. The album contained a series of poignant narratives, showcasing frontman Ben Schneider’s ability to weave stories through his lyrics. Despite this, Schneider reflects that the track was created as “a wistful reflection of a relationship,” infused with a sense of longing and nostalgia, but it didn’t immediately connect with a broader audience.
The turning point for this soulful ballad came in 2017 when it was included in the soundtrack for the popular Netflix series *13 Reasons Why*. Initially hesitant, Schneider was ultimately persuaded by his wife to allow the song’s inclusion in the show. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable resurgence. Upon returning from a trip to France, Schneider learned from his manager that listeners were suddenly gravitating toward the song. Rather than fading away after the initial spike, its popularity continued to swell, showcasing a unique trajectory rarely observed in the music industry.
Following its feature on *13 Reasons Why*, “The Night We Met” experienced a renaissance, exemplified by its duet version with indie artist Phoebe Bridgers, which further reignited interest in the track. Its themes of heartache and longing resonated with a wide audience, and the song began to weave itself into the fabric of countless social media posts, often featured in TikTok memes and emotional moments shared online.
The song encapsulates a yearning and a relatable narrative about lost love that many people can identify with. This emotional depth has allowed it to be used for various occasions—from conveying heartbreak to expressing joy in new milestones, as seen when influencer Molly-Mae Hague used it to announce her pregnancy.
Schneider attributes much of the song’s ongoing success to its broad emotional resonance. He believes that listeners can relate their own experiences to the song’s lyrics, making it a vessel for personal narratives. As Lord Huron continues to evolve as a band, Schneider emphasizes the importance of maintaining their artistic identity rather than becoming solely defined by a single song, despite “The Night We Met” dwarfing other tracks in terms of streaming numbers.
The band, which began as Schneider’s solo project in 2010, has expanded into a full ensemble producing rich, evocative Americana music. Their forthcoming record, *The Cosmic Selector*, demonstrates their growth as artists. The album revolves around a metaphorical jukebox transporting characters through different life paths based on errant choices—symbolizing the randomness of life and choices we make along the way.
In conclusion, as Lord Huron embraces this unexpected success, they remain hopeful that their popularity will lead to greater appreciation of their broader discography, allowing them to continue exploring new sounds and narratives while keeping the essence of what made “The Night We Met” resonate with listeners in the first place.
