There is nothing that can establish a time and place better than music. So, if you’re making a period piece, the first thing you need to round out is the soundtrack. Few productions have done this as well as Stranger Things. Every season is jam-packed with ’80s soundtrack moments that range from generational hits to hidden gems. With the final season approaching, revisit four of the best ’80s needle drops in Stranger Things below.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Running Up That Hill” (Kate Bush)
Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way…We couldn’t make this list without mentioning Kate Bush‘s decades-in-the-making hit, “Running Up That Hill.” The creators, Duffer Brothers, have a lot to thank Bush for–and vice versa. Season four of the hit Netflix show used this atmospheric Bush song as a central plot device. In return, Bush earned an entirely new generation of fans. The Stranger Things world wouldn’t be complete without this needle drop, and so, it deserves to be our first mention.
[RELATED: 3 Kate Bush Songs That Were Inspired by Niche Movies]
“Time After Time” (Cyndi Lauper)
Nothing screams ’80s romance better than Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” This needle drop ranks as one of the most endearing moments in the history of Stranger Things. After battling supernatural forces, the titular kids get to enjoy a human moment, slow dancing at the middle school “Snow Ball.” The viewer lets out a sigh of relief right alongside the characters, as Lauper helps them put their fears to bed–at least until the next season…
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” (The Clash)
What “Running Up That Hill” was to season four of Stranger Things, The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is to season one. Will Byers keeps the faith while being trapped in “The Upside Down” by repeatedly singing this punk classic. It’s both tender and heartbreaking, as he learned it from his older brother, Jonathan. It’s an excellent use of a needle drop, functioning as both an era-defining motif and a connective string between two of our beloved characters.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” (Journey)
At some point in every season of Stranger Things, the characters are separated from one another, each group focused on their particular piece of the puzzle. It’s the push and pull that keeps us coming back episode after episode. The needle drop of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” in the fourth season is a finite manifestation of this recurring plot point. Moreover, it’s an instantly recognizable ’80s anthem, carrying with it oodles of nostalgia.
Photo by NETFLIX/Moviestore/Shutterstock
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