Djo’s 'End of Beginning' Rockets Up the Billboard Hot 100 With a Massive US Surge

Credits: getty
Credits: getty
If any song dared challenge the legendary status of Kate Bush’s 'Running Up The Hill', it would be Djo’s 'End of Beginning'. Joey Kerry, who masquerades as Steve Harrington, vetoed its inclusion in Stranger Things in favor of David Bowie’s 'Heroes'. Yet, the public remains undeterred, propelling the single to a commanding position atop the Billboard Hot 100.
Djo’s 'End of Beginning' is aiming for a new peak of #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the chart week ending January 17, 2026. The track has already experienced a massive surge in U.S. activity, reflecting increased streaming and digital sales. Early reports indicate a 114 to 150 percent growth in listener engagement, while digital song sales spiked by 430 percent.
The resurgence is largely driven by the series finale of Stranger Things, which aired on New Year’s Day 2026. Additionally, the song benefits from post-holiday chart dynamics, as Christmas music has exited the top positions.
This seasonal clearing allows established hits like 'End of Beginning' to re-enter the Billboard Hot 100 at high rankings. The track's durability on the charts demonstrates the track’s enduring popularity and strategic timing.
Meanwhile, another Djo single quietly waits in the wings, offering Stranger Things fans a hidden gem to obsess over.
The Djo single Stranger Things fans should not miss out on
Another Djo track that Stranger Things fans are likely to adore is 'Charlie’s Garden', a psychedelic pop song from his 2025 album The Crux. The song is a direct homage to Joey Kerry’s co-star and close friend Charlie Heaton, who portrays Jonathan Byers in the series.
The inspiration for 'Charlie’s Garden' stems from the time Kerry and Heaton spent living in Atlanta while filming Stranger Things. Their backyards were adjacent, and Kerry often observed Heaton tending to his garden or performing chores during downtime, which became the heart of the track’s narrative.
Charlie Heaton even contributes a spoken-word cameo, appearing as a cheeky voicemail in an American accent discussing an audition reschedule. The song not only reflects Kerry’s camaraderie with Heaton but also immortalizes his time with Nataliya Dyer and Maya Hawke in Heaton’s garden, as shared in Coup de Main.
Musically, 'Charlie’s Garden' evokes a bright, 1960s British invasion feel, blending staccato piano with whimsical psychedelic textures. Released near the series finale, the track, along with others on The Crux, serves as an unofficial soundtrack for fans bidding farewell to Hawkins, combining nostalgia, artistry, and insider lore.
Is 'End of Beginning' still your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Written by

Iffat Siddiqui
Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui