If you've recently enjoyed the cinematic experience of A Minecraft Movie, you'll likely recall Jack Black's brief yet memorable performance of "Lava Chicken" about halfway through the film. In his role as Steve, Black sings this catchy tune as characters portrayed by Jason Momoa and others witness a chicken being cooked by falling lava. Despite its mere 34-second duration, "Lava Chicken" has captured the internet's attention, going viral on social media platforms.
Remarkably, "Lava Chicken" has made its mark on the UK's official chart, debuting at No. 21 and claiming the title of the shortest song ever to chart. According to the UK's digital entertainment and retail association, ERA, "Streaming + virality are reshaping hits," highlighting the influence of digital platforms on music success.
Jack Black is no newcomer to viral video game songs. His previous hit, "Peaches," a 95-second romantic ballad to Princess Peach from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, not only became a sensation but also marked Black's first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Before that, he charted at No. 78 with "The Pick of Destiny" in 2006 as part of Tenacious D.
Other brief chart-toppers include the 64-second "Spider Pig" from the 2007 Simpsons Movie and Liam Lynch's 2002 punk hit "United States of Whatever," which clocks in at 86 seconds.
The viral phenomenon extends beyond "Lava Chicken" in A Minecraft Movie. Enthusiastic fans have taken to platforms like TikTok, sharing clips of their lively reactions, with some even bringing live chickens to screenings, adding to the film's buzz.
For those interested in more about A Minecraft Movie, the film's creators had their own private server for playing Minecraft. The movie has already grossed over $700 million worldwide and is on track to become the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever.
