The world of streaming has added a whole new challenge to determining what songs to play on the radio. Stations that play new music must account for what tracks are being streamed and determine whether to add them to their playlist.
But for Classic stations, other than maybe the groundswell around Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” streaming hasn’t really impacted what gets played. But that may be changing according to a new article on Screen Rant written by Sarah Polonsky. She points out that seven Classic Rock songs are secretly dominating streaming in 2026.
With listeners likely exposed to these songs online we at least need to be conscious of these trends and really look at whether any of them warrant increased airplay. It’s not an easy equation. Each station’s unique competitive situation only muddies the water but here are the seven songs Polonsky outlines with related thought starters about potential airplay.
Blue Oyster Cult “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and Rush “Tom Sawyer”
According to Polonsky, Blue Oyster Cult’s track is being used as the soundtrack to millions of book vlogs and “late-night study streams.” Meanwhile Tom Sawyer has been prominent in a popular video game soundtrack and an air-drumming challenge. Add in the new tour and you have a recipe for streaming success.
Airplay Outlook: These songs are already the 67th and 19th most played songs at Classic Rock so far this year. They earn reasonable attention at Classic and Adult Hits as well. There’s no real decision to be made here.
David Bowie “Starman”
Even though the song isn’t in the movie, the success of Project Hail Mary is leading to a landslide of fan driven content about uplifting science fiction that often uses this song as the soundtrack. That exposure is serving as a gateway to the rest of Bowie’s music. He’s the second most searched Classic Rock artist of the year so far.
Airplay Outlook: The online exposure plus the fact that the song is likely somewhat familiar might make it worthy of secondary or tertiary airplay. More importantly it might warrant a fresh look at Bowie’s bigger hits with consideration to giving them more spins.
Fleetwood Mac “Silver Springs”
This song has overtaken “Dreams” as the most shared Classic Rock track on social media. Much of that is due to a trend known as the “Unresolved Cannon Event.” Strangely, that has led to the song being pushed into Gothic Folk playlists online as well. Despite all that it currently is receiving no notable airplay outside a few AAA spins.
Airplay Outlook: The growth of this song so far is being fueled by a trend that will surely end soon. There are so many big hits to play from this band, that this feels like it can be left online.
Credence Clearwater Revival “Who’ll Stop the Rain”
This song has become the theme of the “slow living” movement; people leaving city life for more rural options. On the strength of that trend this title is approaching half a billion streams. As far as radio, the song is currently receiving virtually no airplay while the artist is in the top 75 for both Classic Rock and Hits.
Outlook: The streaming profile on this band continues to be huge. This track is on Chronicle, their greatest hits package meaning everyone who has rediscovered this band has heard the song. It’s probably worth a few plays.
The Beatles “Yesterday”
Streaming for this song picked up around the announcement of the upcoming Beatles cinematic event. That led to it being featured on many playlists as well. On the radio the song is getting no airplay. The band though still plays a role at all three Classic Formats.
Airplay Outlook: This depends on what flavor of station you are. Hard Rocking Classic stations don’t have any call to go here. But Classic Hits stations and others than lean in that direction could do worse than giving this timeless classic a few spins.
Bonnie Tyler “Holding Out for a Hero”
Interest in this song is driven by a slow remix that has appeared in several superhero movies and shows. That has led to inclusion in other online trends. On Classic Hits stations this song gets a little play. However, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” receives airplay on both Classic and Adult Hits stations.
Airplay Outlook: Despite being a novelty from the Footloose soundtrack, the song might be relevant today. Classic and Adult Hits stations certainly play worse novelty songs to get “oh wow” reactions. It may be the moment for this one.
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Mike Stern is a Classic Rock columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. He has been with Jacobs Media consulting stations in the Classic Rock, Rock, Alternative and AAA world for more than a decade. Prior to that he programmed stations in Chicago, Detroit, Denver Las Vegas and other markets. He also worked as News/Talk Editor for Radio and Records, wrote about Top 40 Radio for Billboard Magazine and had his own radio talent coaching business called Talent Mechanic.
