Jeff Buckley, the celebrated rock singer known for his haunting vocals, is experiencing a remarkable revival in popularity 30 years after his untimely death. His 1994 track “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week, securing a spot at No. 97. This song originally featured on Buckley’s iconic album, “Grace,” released shortly before his tragic passing in May 1997.
The resurgence of interest in “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” arises from its impressive streaming numbers, which totaled 3.8 million within the United States for the week of January 16-22. Much of this surge in streams can be attributed to its growing presence on TikTok, where users have been incorporating the song into heartfelt and contemplative videos.
Although the track was never officially released as a single, it began to gain recognition in 2025 following the release of the documentary “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley.” This film, directed by Amy Berg, chronicles Buckley’s life and has contributed to a broader appreciation for his music. The song briefly climbed onto the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in April before making a return in July and consistently staying in the rankings, peaking at No. 12.
This renewed interest in the song has also breathed new life into the “Grace” album, which recently re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 82 in December and currently sits at No. 156. “Grace,” featuring the beloved title track co-written by Syracuse native Gary Lucas, as well as Buckley’s legendary cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” originally peaked at No. 149 in 1995. The album has been recognized as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone in both 2021 and an updated version released in 2024.
Gary Lucas reminisced about his collaboration with Buckley, noting, “We had a kind of magical year where we were really in sync.” He emphasized that while he valued the music itself, many fans gravitate towards the lyrical content which often resonates on a universal level. Lucas and Buckley first crossed paths in 1991 at a tribute concert for Tim Buckley, Jeff’s father.
The documentary “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, had a limited theatrical release in August, and became available for streaming on HBO Max in December. The film has played a pivotal role in reigniting interest in Buckley’s artistry, allowing a new generation to discover the depth and emotion behind his work.