Prince’s music is experiencing an explosive revival, thanks to the finale of ‘Stranger Things.’
In a remarkable turn of events, streaming numbers for Prince’s music have surged following the finale of Netflix’s hit series, “Stranger Things.” According to reports from Variety, the late artist’s iconic tracks have seen unprecedented increases in global streaming, highlighting the ongoing impact of his music across generations.
The centerpiece of this surge is Prince’s timeless anthem, “Purple Rain,” which experienced a staggering 243% rise in global streams on Spotify. The younger audience, particularly Gen Z listeners, contributed massively to this surge, with their streaming of the song skyrocketing by an astonishing 577%. Another classic, “When Doves Cry,” also saw a significant boost, with global streams increasing by 200% and a 128% rise specifically among Gen Z listeners. Overall, his entire catalog has seen a worldwide increase of 190%, a testament to the enduring legacy of Prince’s music nearly a decade after his passing.
Both tracks featured prominently in the emotional finale of “Stranger Things,” which premiered on New Year’s Eve. These pivotal moments in the series helped reintroduce his music to both long-time fans and new listeners alike. The integration of Prince’s songs into the narrative was not a simple task; the estate has historically been cautious about licensing his tracks outside of the original context of the 1984 film, “Purple Rain.” Matt Duffer, co-creator of “Stranger Things,” revealed to Netflix’s Tudum that negotiating for the rights was challenging, labeling it as a “real long shot.” His brother and fellow co-creator, Ross Duffer, noted that the discussions around song choices were some of the most intense they ever had.
As they sought the perfect soundtrack, the Duffer brothers knew they needed something exceptional. “I think there’s nothing really more epic than Prince,” Ross remarked, emphasizing the necessity of an impactful musical moment for the show’s closing scenes. This success comes on the heels of Netflix’s decision to cancel a planned documentary on Prince by filmmaker Ezra Edelman last February, highlighting the complexities surrounding the licensing of his work.
In the end, the revival of Prince’s music through “Stranger Things” serves as a powerful reminder of his lasting influence in today’s music industry, reigniting interest in his timeless classics.
