Actor Joe Keery’s song “End of Beginning” from the Djo music project has reached an impressive milestone, topping Spotify’s global daily chart. This remarkable achievement ended Taylor Swift’s long reign, whose song “The Fate of Ophelia” held the number one spot for 78 consecutive days. The dramatic surge in copies directly coincides with the aftermath of the final episode of the popular series “Stranger Things,” in which Keery played the character Steve Harrington.

First released in 2022 as part of the album “Decision,” the song recorded an extraordinary number of streams, surpassing 6.5 million copies globally in just one day. This momentum not only secured Djo’s top spot worldwide but also propelled him to an unprecedented number one position on the US charts, solidifying the song’s success in key markets within the recording industry.

The song’s central theme, addressing feelings of nostalgia and reflection on returning to one’s roots, resonated strongly with audiences following the outcome of the “Stranger Things” storyline. The emotional connection between the lyrics and the end of a cycle in the series was a key factor in its virality and thus led to its surge on streaming platforms.

Djo’s Musical Trajectory

Before achieving worldwide fame as an actor, Joe Keery had a solid career on the independent music scene. He was a founding member of the Chicago-based psychedelic rock band Post Animal, where he served as guitarist and vocalist, contributing to the band’s early work. His departure from the band allowed him to dedicate himself more fully to his burgeoning career in Hollywood, but his passion for music remains a fundamental side project in his artistic life.

In 2019, Keery began his solo journey under the pseudonym Djo, releasing his debut album “Twenty Twenty,” which was warmly received by critics. The project evolved significantly with the release of “Decision” in 2022, a work that solidified its sonic identity, blending synth-pop with indie rock. The artist has always maintained a differentiating approach to his career, seeking to have his music appreciated for its own merits without relying solely on the fame gained from “Stranger Things.”

The phenomenon of the end of the beginning

The rise of “End of Beginning” is a prime example of how a song can reach multiple peaks of popularity at different times. The song achieved considerable success in 2024, going viral on TikTok and propelling it onto major charts like the Billboard Hot 100. At the time, the song’s appeal centered on its catchy sound and introspective lyrics, speaking of life changes and memories of their old Chicago. The production, praised for its reflective atmosphere and use of synthesizers, garnered organic traction on social media. However, it was the context of “Stranger Things” closing in early 2026 that triggered a second, even more overwhelming, wave of popularity. This cultural event acted as a catalyst, connecting millions of fans of the series to Keery’s album and turning the 2022 song into one of the biggest global hits to date, demonstrating the synergy between different forms of entertainment.

The Impact of Stranger Things’ Ending

The episode marking the end of the Netflix series created an immediate cultural effect, with millions of viewers searching for content related to the cast. This wave of interest was directly reflected on streaming music platforms.

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This behavior wasn’t unprecedented for the production, which in previous seasons had been responsible for reviving classics like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” demonstrating its ability to influence music consumption.

Djo’s song was a major beneficiary, attracting record listen counts in a short period of time and topping viral playlists, helping to expand reach to new listeners who weren’t necessarily following the series.