Jack Black’s 34-Second ‘Lava Chicken’ Song Makes History on UK Chart – Here’s How It Took Over Social Media
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In the world of viral moments, A Minecraft Movie has delivered an unexpected hit with “Lava Chicken,” a 34-second song performed by Jack Black. Despite its brevity, the song has captured the hearts of moviegoers and fans alike, becoming the shortest song ever to debut on the UK’s Official Chart at No. 21.
The scene, which comes halfway through the film, features Black’s character, Steve, singing about a chicken being cooked by falling lava as Jason Momoa and the rest of the cast look on. While the moment is fleeting, it’s packed with humor and charm, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by audiences. The song’s infectious nature led it to quickly gain traction on social media, with fans sharing clips and embracing the absurdity of the short yet memorable tune.
“Lava Chicken” isn’t just a viral moment; it’s now a chart-topping one, said ERA, the UK’s digital entertainment and retail association. “Streaming + virality are reshaping hits,” they added, noting the influence of platforms like TikTok and streaming services in shaping the music landscape. With social media amplifying content in unprecedented ways, even the shortest tracks can now make waves in the music industry.
Jack Black is no stranger to viral success in the video game movie realm. His previous hit, “Peaches,” a 95-second love song from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, not only went viral but also made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100, marking Black’s first solo entry on the prestigious chart. He had previously charted with his band Tenacious D in 2006, debuting at No. 78 with the song “The Pick of Destiny.”
The rise of Lava Chicken is part of a growing trend of short songs making their mark on the charts. Songs like “Spider Pig” from The Simpsons Movie (64 seconds) and Liam Lynch’s “United States of Whatever” (86 seconds) have also found success despite their brief runtimes, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to memorable moments in music.
But Lava Chicken isn’t the only viral sensation from A Minecraft Movie. Fans have taken to TikTok and other platforms to share their excitement about the film, with clips of overly enthusiastic cinemagoers becoming a viral phenomenon in their own right. Some fans even brought live chickens to screenings, further fueling the movie’s cultural buzz.
And the impact of A Minecraft Movie doesn’t stop at viral songs and online buzz. With the film now surpassing $700 million at the worldwide box office, it is on track to become the highest-grossing video game movie of all time. This milestone is a testament to the movie’s broad appeal, with both its heartwarming story and moments like Lava Chicken resonating with audiences globally.
In a world where the digital landscape continues to evolve, A Minecraft Movie has found its place at the intersection of viral music, pop culture, and cinematic success. And as Lava Chicken proves, sometimes all it takes is a 34-second song to make a lasting impact.
