One Of The Biggest Hits Of The 1980s Finally Just Went Platinum

Forbes

23-03-2025

It's common these days for hit songs to go gold or even platinum within months of their release. Now that streaming is factored into the equation, tracks that rack up millions of plays are quickly rewarded by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). But not every popular tune has had the benefit of Spotify and Apple Music pushing it toward success.
For decades-old cuts, certifications can take years — sometimes even decades — to arrive. That's exactly what has just happened to one of the most iconic tracks from the 1980s, as it finally receives the recognition many assumed it had already earned long ago.
Alphaville's 'Forever Young' has officially been named a double platinum hit by the RIAA. That certification means the synth-pop smash has moved at least two million equivalent units in the United States.
This week marks the first time the single has been honored by the organization. While many of the band's biggest fans may have assumed it picked up its first plaque sometime in the last four decades, this marks the track's debut recognition.
That delayed honor makes sense, though. 'Forever Young' was released well before streaming existed, and while it became a generational anthem, it didn't rack up the kind of sales some might expect during its original chart run. But fans haven't let it go — and in recent years, they've been streaming it in large numbers, finally pushing it to a new peak, at least in terms of certifications.
The RIAA awards a gold certification to songs and albums that reach 500,000 equivalent units in the U.S. market. Platinum is achieved at one million units, while multi-platinum can begin at two million and continues in million-unit increments.
The term 'equivalent units' now reflects more than just sales. Streaming data, as well as individual track downloads are factored into the total, which helps older hits like 'Forever Young' slowly rack up enough activity to qualify for awards.
Released in 1984, 'Forever Young' may not have been a top 10 hit on the Hot 100 — it peaked at No. 65 — but that didn't stop it from becoming a worldwide sensation. The track has been featured in countless TV shows, movies, and commercials, helping it remain culturally relevant throughout the years.
Most recently, David Guetta and Ava Max breathed new life into the beloved track with their collaborative single, also titled 'Forever Young.' The song heavily samples the unforgettable chorus from Alphaville's original, and the pair were sure to credit the German band on their release as featured artists. That most recent version has thus far peaked at No. 90 on the Hot 100.