End of Beginning

Joe Keery released "End of Beginning" as the opening track on his second studio album Decide, dropping it through AWAL on September 16, 2022. The synth-pop and indie pop song started as a deep cut but found its audience years later when TikTok users paired the wistful melody with travel montages and nostalgic clips in early 2024. This viral moment prompted a standalone single release on March 1, 2024, turning a personal reflection into a global anthem.

The track surged to #1 on the Billboard Global 200 in January 2026 after the series finale of Stranger Things aired on New Year's Eve 2025. Fans connected the lyrics about leaving home and embracing change to Steve Harrington's journey, pushing the song to the top of charts in the UK, Italy, Sweden, and over 25 other markets including the US and Australia. Keery wrote and produced the entire piece himself, blending baroque pop elements with intimate production to create a sound that feels both expansive and personal. [edit]