In a remarkable turn of events, “Steve’s Lava Chicken,” a track from “A Minecraft Movie,” has etched its name into Billboard Hot 100 history as the shortest song ever to chart, clocking in at a mere 34 seconds. The song made its debut at No. 78 for the week ending May 3, featuring the unmistakable voice of Jack Black as Steve, who whimsically sings about the art of cooking chicken with lava.
The buzz surrounding the movie has been palpable, particularly due to the infamous “chicken jockey” scene that has ignited a flurry of social media activity. Moviegoers have taken to sharing videos of their theatrical experiences, which include enthusiastic screams, popcorn tosses, and even the unconventional act of bringing live chickens into cinemas.
Streaming stats don’t lie
Data from Luminate reveals that “Steve’s Lava Chicken” garnered an impressive 7.4 million official streams in the U.S. during the week of April 18 to April 24. This surge in popularity was sufficient to secure its place on the charts, standing shoulder to shoulder with full-length tracks from some of the industry’s biggest names.
Despite its brief duration, the song also made waves on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, where it soared into the Top 10. Jack Black, known for his musical contributions to film, previously achieved chart success with “Peaches” from “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which reached No. 56 on the Hot 100 in April 2023. While “Steve’s Lava Chicken” may be shorter in length, its cultural impact is undeniably significant.
Big box office energy
The triumph of the song coincides with the impressive box office performance of “A Minecraft Movie.” Since its release on April 4, the film has amassed over 5 million globally, positioning it as one of the year’s top earners. The combination of a catchy, albeit brief, musical number and a blockbuster film has created a phenomenon that continues to capture the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike.
