The popular show Stranger Things has been one of the biggest hit series for Netflix since it launched in the summer of 2016. Someone should give whoever has been selecting the music for the show a huge raise. Season after season, the soundtrack has been setting the mood. Here are 13 different songs to revisit (and where to find them) if you’ve been following along.
13. The Bangles “Hazy Shade Of Winter”
Written and performed by Simon & Garfunkel, the song was originally released in the fall of 1966. The Bangles recorded a cover for the Less Than Zero soundtrack which was released in 1987. Their version peaked at #2 on the Billboard Chart.
Watch: Season 1, Episode 2
12. Dead or Alive “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)”
The song appeared on Dead or Alive’s second album Youthquake released in May of 1985. “You Spin Me Round” was released as a single in November of 1984 and peaked at #11 on the chart.
Watch: Season 4, Episode 2
11. Pat Benetar “Love Is A Battlefield”
“Love Is A Battlefield” is widely considered one of the best songs of the 1980s. It originally appeared on Pat Benetar’s 1983 album Live From Earth.
Watch: Season 2, Episode 9
10. The Romantics “Talking In Your Sleep”
Included on the Romantics’ 1983 release In Heat. “Taking In Your Sleep” was their biggest chart success. Yep, we thought it was “What I Like About You” too. Guitarist Mike Skill recently released a cover of “In The Midnight Hour.”
Watch: Season 2, Episode 1
9. Devo “Whip It”
The classic song “Whip It” is considered a major influence on the new wave scene of the early 1980s. The track appears on Devo’s third studio album Freedom of Choice.
Watch: Season 2, Episode 1
8. Limahl “The Never Ending Story”
Originally the theme song to the 1984 classic film The Never Ending Story. Interest in the song and movie increased dramatically after it appeared on the show. It was sung by Dustin and Suzie in the season finale of season 3 back in 2019. But, we’re over here still mourning Artax so let’s move on.
Watch: Season 3, Episode 8
7. The Clash “This Is Radio Clash”
“This Is Radio Clash” doesn’t appear on any of The Clash’s studio LPs. It was released as a single in 1981 and is included in several of their compilations.
Watch: Season 2, Episode 4
6. Cyndi Lauper “Time After Time”
“Time After Time” was a big hit for Cyndi Lauper in 1984. It was her first #1 hit and was one of the final songs recorded for her debut album.
Watch: Season 2, Episode 9
5. REO Speedwagon “Can’t Fight This Feeling”
When it comes to power ballads, it doesn’t get much better than “Can’t Fight This Feeling” from REO Speedwagon. The song appears on their 1984 release Wheels Are Turnin’ and was their second #1 song on the Billboard Chart.
Watch: Season 3, Episode 1
4. Madonna “Material Girl”
Another classic from 1984, “Material Girl” appears on Madonna’s Like A Virgin album. The song would make it to number two on the chart. Ironically held at bay by REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
Watch: Season 3, Episode 2
3. Toto “Africa”
Released as a single in October of 1982, the Toto classic hit #1 on the Billboard Chart. Weezer brought the song back to life as a single in the spring of 2018.
Watch: Season 1, Episode 1
2. The Police “Every Breath You Take”
Included on 1983s Synchronicity album, “Every Breath You Take” topped the Billboard Chart for 8 weeks.
Watch: Season 2, Episode 9
1. Kate Bush “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”
Running Up That Hill was featured on Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love album. Released in August of 1985, the song originally peaked at #3 in the UK and #30 in the US. As a result of the placement in Stranger Things, the song has returned to the chart in a big way recently topping the iTunes chart. Meg Myers released a popular cover version in 2019.
Watch: Season 4, Episode 1
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