With its 80s-inspired supernatural themes, witty dialogue, and lovable characters, the iconic Netflix series Stranger Things has been adored by millions throughout its nine-year run. However, an aspect of the show which largely contributed to the adored 80s aesthetic was the perfect music choices. It can’t be denied that hearing “Purple Rain” followed by “Landslide” was a gut-wrenching part of the finale, which will stick with fans forever. So, in respect to these incredible choices, here are some classic hits that would have been incredible in Season 5.
Welcome to the jungle – Guns n Roses
Guns N’ Roses skyrocketed to fame during the 80s, around the same time as this season, and with their raspy rockstar sound, there is no doubt that “Stranger Things” would do this anthem justice. The title of this song itself refers to entering a world of chaos and danger, which the band make complete with raw vocals and musical intensity. With this in mind, the hard rock tune would flawlessly fit into a sequence where the main characters enter The Upside Down, like Steve driving through the portal, or where the gang are preparing for one last brutal battle and walking through the darkness of the Upside Down during the last episode.
Mad World – Tears For Fears
With its unique synth and edgy instrumentals in between the bleak lyrics, this Tears For Fears hit would be an extremely suitable addition to the Stranger Things 5 soundtrack. However, the title could be a symbol for Vecna’s odd alternate reality that the younger children find themselves stuck in after Mike and the gang fail to save them. If this song were played in the scene where the kids go into Henry’s house, and he begins lying to them, it would heighten the unease and creepy tension of this atmosphere he has them trapped in, while also keeping the 80s feel of the show.
Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
When thinking of this song, it’s difficult not to picture the famous Steve Harrington edits fans have made. However, the song is so action-packed that it could honestly be associated with any main character of the series. A moment that this song would make even better is the infamous moment where Will discovers he has powers and uses them to save his best friends. If the chorus linked up with the brutal killing of the Demogorgons, it would bring even more cinematic excitement to this compelling part of Season 5.
With or Without You – U2
The heartbreaking themes of this ballad make it so useful for film and TV shows. However, a moment of this season where the lyrics would be very relevant is the Nancy and Jonathan breakup scene. Lyrics like “Through the storm, we reach the shore” could represent the power couple surviving this death trap. The line “You give it all but I want more” could relate to them both wanting different things and more out of the relationship.. A fan favourite couple like this certainly deserves an equally as powerful song to play during this devastating scene.
The Final Countdown – Europe
It’s pretty obvious which part of the series this anthem would be used for. So, without an over-explanation, as an 80s rock hit, it would without a doubt, be phenomenal to be played throughout the final brutal battle sequence of the series, with everyone working together to take down Venca, fighting together for one last time.
Video Killed The Radio Star – The Buggles
Again, the title of the song can pretty much spell out which character this song would represent. Thankfully, the well-loved radio star of this series, Robin, was not killed; however, this song’s popularity would make it fitting to hear during Robin’s radio segment in the first episode, seeing Hawkins’ new military scope along with it.
Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat
Stranger Things can always be recognised for its pop synthesisers in the theme song and background music, much like this tune, making it immensely fitting for one of the many action scenes in season 5. However, some parts that come to mind would be Eleven’s training sequence or the crew working together fighting the Demogorgon in the Turnbow house, as this Bronski Beat tune features fast-paced beats, which make for exciting background music that captures the 80s aesthetics effectively.
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship
Feel-good songs like this one are often used at the end of romantic comedies, when the guy gets the girl, and everyone is happy; however, a way this could be used in Stranger Things is to not exactly represent peace, but instead hope for the much-shipped couple, Mileven, in the very last episode. This song playing in the background of Mike’s theory and El approaching the 3 waterfalls would be the cherry on top of this very pivotal moment of the finale, with the lyrics representing their love for each other and how it will never stop regardless of the fact that they will never see each other again.
Forever Young – Alphaville
This wholesome hit came out in 1984, becoming an instant classic for its hopeful yet dispirited lyrics about the cold war. In light of this, a scene during the epilogue would allow this song to speak volumes, specifically the scene where Jonathan, Nancy, Steve, and Robin are on the “Squawk” rooftop reminiscing on their pasts and futures, while raising a glass to Hawkins. This beautiful moment deserves this song to reflect the character’s feelings, and the bitter end to all of the internal and external battles they all fought through together.
One Way Or Another – Blondie
It is honestly surprising that the Duffer brothers have never included Blondie or this song in the previous seasons, as Debbie’s instantly recognisable voice, and the dreamy lyrics featured in most songs tend to put listeners in mind of Blondie’s popularity in the 80s. With Harry’s raspy voice, this song just screams Stranger Things, and lyrics like “I’m gonna get ya” make it so perfect for the hospital chasing sequence with soldiers, Lucas, Max, Robin, and Vicki running from the Demodogs. Who wouldn’t want this iconic band playing as Karen Wheeler saves the day?
Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
While this is the second Tears For Fears song in this list, it is one of the most well-remembered classics from the 80s, so I couldn’t resist. With its nostalgic sound and timelessly relatable lyrics, this tune would suit the beautiful sequence where all the characters are getting ready for their graduation, or the very last scene where the audience gets to see what all the characters get up to after they finish high school, and again, Mike’s hopeful theory. Given the song’s thematic relevance and end-of-credits feel, it would be perfect for these pivotal moments in the finale.
The Winner Takes It All – ABBA
As much as “Purple Rain” beautifully introduced the Mileven montage and Eleven’s heartbreaking sacrifice in the finale of season 5, this poignant ballad from ABBA would also have gone hand in hand with the heartbreaking scene in the best way. After all, the lyrics are about the painful end of a relationship, and the imagery in lyrics like “The gods may throw the dice” and “The game is on again” would cleverly be used as references to Dungeons and Dragons and El’s sacrifice as the “Mage”.
Featured Image Credit: Netflix via Wikimedia.