Stranger Things has turned the music world upside down, reviving ’80s hits like never before. It’s a masterclass in how a show can reignite the cultural flame of classic tracks.
Since its launch, Netflix’s Stranger Things has made an indelible mark on music discovery, breathing new life into a trove of ’80s pop and rock songs. The series, with its nostalgic blend of supernatural thrills, has not only used music to anchor its emotional weight but also to revitalize interest in songs that had long faded from the mainstream spotlight.
The standout example is Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God).” Featured poignantly in Season 4 as a pivotal moment for character Max, this track saw a phenomenal resurgence. Originally released in 1985, it propelled to No. 1 on the UK charts and climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing Bush’s haunting masterpiece to a fresh audience. By the end of 2023, the song had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Similarly, Metallica’s iconic “Master of Puppets” experienced a revival after being featured in a memorable scene with Eddie Munson, showcasing the power of music in visual storytelling. This thrash metal anthem not only re-entered global music charts but also gained immense traction on platforms like TikTok. Its re-emergence into popular culture, coupled with its induction into Spotify’s Billion Streams Club, illustrates how even heavy metal can resonate widely when effectively integrated into a compelling narrative.
In a lighter vein, the series also resurrected the theme from “The NeverEnding Story,” originally performed by Limahl, during a whimsical duet between Dustin and Suzie in Season 3. This playful moment led to an impressive 800 percent increase in both streams and video views, showcasing how nostalgia can drive virality and engage audiences across social media.
Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” also saw a rejuvenation thanks to its strategic remix in Season 4. This breathed new life into the band’s catalog, reminding listeners of their arena-rock legacy and further proving the show’s efficacy in revitalizing classic tracks for today’s audiences. However, not all ’80s songs featured in the series experienced the same surge; tracks like The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” remained integral to the storyline but didn’t witness a comparable revival.
