Fifty-four years ago, '70s rock band Big Star created "In the Street," a song that would go from a commercial flop to a cultural phenomenon after being featured in a hit 2000s sitcom.
Released in August 1972 as the third track on the band's debut album, #1 Record, "In the Street" was initially a major commercial miss. The song failed to chart, as it was not an A-side single, and the album itself suffered greatly from a lack of marketing and a severe lack of radio play. The track's poor distribution resulted in only about 10,000 sales globally, despite earning raving critic reviews.
It was not until 26 years later that the song finally gained mainstream traction when it was commissioned as the theme song for one of the era's biggest television shows: That '70s Show. The song was originally covered by Todd Griffin for the first season, but it would reach its full cultural potential during the second season when it was rerecorded by the rock band Cheap Trick.
Chris Bell, Jody Stephens, Andy Hummel and Alex Chilton of the influential alternative rock band Big Star pose for a portrait circa 1972.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Image
Cheap Trick's version of the track was ultimately the final push that launched the song into the mainstream success. Although it was not the original version that had the initial big break, the alternative rendition showcased the song in a new light, appealing to a larger audience and exposing a new generation of listeners to Big Star. The opportunity managed to transform the band from an underground group into a foundational pillar of alternative rock.
Big Star's newfound popularity eventually led to widespread critical recognition, and in 2025, #1 Record was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame—a major feat for an album that could barely hold its own at the time of its release. Since then, the band has been commonly cited as a massive influence in the alternative rock space, with many foundational bands like R.E.M., The Replacements and Teenage Fanclub coming forward about Big Star's profound impact on their own music.
Today, "In the Street" remains one of Big Star's most enduring songs. Its cultural influence is undeniable, shaping the alternative rock genre with its lyrical themes and unique power-pop soundscapes. On Spotify, the original track holds a stream count of 6.7 million, while the iconic Cheap Trick cover version has racked up over 77.9 million plays.
Related: 1973 Power Ballad Became a Soft Rock Classic and Breakthrough Radio Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1
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