The Best ’80s Tunes in Stranger Things

The Internet has been buzzing after the latest volume of Stranger Things dropped recently, and rightly so. Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, it has the right blend of thrill, tragedy and fun. What’s better is that even though the show features inter-dimensional monsters, the ’80s references, including the music, is apt to the hilt. In fact, David Harbour (who plays officer Jim Hopper) mentioned in a recent interview that Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers in the series) gives feedback to creators Matt and Ross Duffer to maintain the accuracy of the show’s 1980s portrayal. 

Here’s a look at the top five ’80s tunes from the four seasons of the show.

5. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica 

The character of Eddie Munson gave us the “most metal concert” on top of his trailer at the Upside Down with Metallica’s 1986 hit, “Master of Puppets,” in season four. Eddie plays it to draw main villain Vecna’s bloodthirsty bats away from the Creel House so that Robin, Nancy and Steve can enter the lair. Armed with a black electric guitar and rocking a bandana, he undoubtedly dominated one of the most iconic scenes from the series. 

4. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper 

A slow dance classic released almost four decades ago, Cyndi Lauper’s melodious voice, full of yearning, is evident in this song. At the end of season two, the song plays over the Stranger Things kids attending the Snow Ball at their school with Eleven. Although Max and Lucas, and Mike and Eleven make for stunning pairs, the highlight remains Nancy hitting the dance floor with Dustin.

3. “Material Girl” by Madonna

The ’80s is incomplete without Madonna, and Stranger Things does not lose out. After the last season, aren’t we all grateful that Max was added to the show? Although she and El get off to a rocky start, a trip to the shopping mall with “Material Girl” playing in the background is one of the foundational moments of their eventual strong bond. It is a playful and fun moment from season three, with things starting to get darker after that.

2. “The Neverending Story” by Limahl

Towards the end of season three, Dustin radios his long-distance girlfriend Suzie to help save the world. However, Suzie is not one to forgive his week-long silence so easily, leading to her and Dustin performing a beautiful rendition of this ’80s hit, much to the chagrin of others who are relying on their radio communication. The performance was not only perfect, but was also followed by world-saving solutions. 

1. “Running Up The Hill” by Kate Bush

This song from Hounds of Love, English singer-songwriter Kate Bush’s fifth studio album, is an integral part of season four. It has fast taken over the Internet and revived the song to its super-hit status. It not only saves Max from Vecna’s curse, but its pertinent lyrics also encompass her regret over her brother Billie’s death (from season three).