Stranger Things has proven to be one of Netflix's biggest hits, and its success can be chalked up to numerous things. It reminds viewers of some of Spielberg's best movies, it features a likable cast (many of whom have since become household names), and it contains an alluring production design that transports viewers to the 1980s.
Of course, one of the most undeniably charming aspects of the '80s was its music. And the producers of Stranger Things must have gone all out on the music licensing budget because the show contains a staggering list of some of the decade's greatest songs.
"Should I Stay Or Should I Go" - The Clash
The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" will never be heard the same after Stranger Things. The song was originally released in 1982, having served as the third single from their fifth studio album, Combat Rock.
The song is first heard in a flashback, as Jonathan tries using the song to distract Will from their parents' fight. It later plays on the stereo while Joyce's house is being bombarded with supernatural events. The show manages to utilize the classic punk song in numerous disparate ways, its results being both touching and incredibly creepy.
"Hazy Shade Of Winter" - The Bangles
Stranger Things certainly knows how to end an episode, and their thrilling cliffhanger endings are typically paired with a classic '80s song. One of the best endings comes in season one's "The Weirdo on Maple Street," which ends with The Bangles' cover version of "Hazy Shade of Winter." This song is a little anachronistic, as it came out in 1987 on the Less Than Zero soundtrack.
It's a great song choice for the episode with its driving rock guitars pairing perfectly with the shocking turn of events that ended the episode, and it certainly made viewers want to keep watching.
"I Melt With You" - Modern English
"The Weirdo on Maple Street" features an exceptional soundtrack, and that includes Modern English's "I Melt with You." Released in 1982, the song can be found on the band's second studio album, After the Snow. In the episode, it can be heard during Steve's late-night pool party.
It begins in the background, as if the characters themselves are listening to the song. But it begins in earnest after Tommy pushes Carol into the pool, and the song serves as a wonderfully fun and fluffy accompaniment to the cute events on screen.
"Girls On Film" - Duran Duran
Duran Duran was one of the biggest bands of the '80s, so it makes sense that they would eventually pop up in a Stranger Things episode. Released in the summer of 1981, "Girls on Film" proved one of their most successful singles in the United Kingdom, peaking at #5.
The famous song makes an appearance in the second season episode, "Trick or Treat, Freak," playing during the party that Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan all attend. It's a fun song for a fun party, and it's successful in setting the scene's rambunctious tone.
"Time After Time" - Cyndi Lauper
Mike and Eleven make for one of the best couples on the show, and their relationship is capped to the beautiful sounds of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time." Perhaps one of the most famous singles from the '80s, "Time After Time" was released in the winter of 1984 and has remained a slow dance staple ever since.
It's perfectly utilized throughout the school dance seen at the end of season two, playing over the lovely sights of dancing and Nancy approaching the lonely Dustin. It's an emotional '80s ballad, and it fits right at home in the final moments of the season.
"Whip It" - Devo
There was no better way to start season two than with Devo's iconic 1980 hit, "Whip It." A new wave classic, "Whip It" can be heard throughout the opening minutes of season two as the boys arrive at the arcade. Hype was undeniably high for the show's second season, as its first was such a resounding success.
The filmmakers knew the level they were required to reach, so they imbued the opening minutes of the season with this fun, fast, and infectiously enjoyable song to elevate energy levels and get fans excited for what was to come. It certainly worked.
"Never Surrender" - Corey Hart
Season three also opens in great fashion with Corey Hart's "Never Surrender." Released on his album Boy in the Box, the song achieved success on the North American charts, peaking at #1 in Canada and #3 in the United States.
The song plays while Mike and Eleven are making out in Eleven's room, but Mike interrupts the proceedings by loudly singing along with the song. It's a fun little detail, further establishing Mike's goofy character and the setting of the third season -- that being after the album was released in June of 1985.
"Material Girl" - Madonna
Max is one of the greatest additions to the show thanks to some of her best quotes and the incredible chemistry she shares with the core group. Her relationship with Eleven begins rocky, but eventually blossoms into a friendship once they go shopping at the big mall.
The cute scene plays over Madonna's iconic 1985 hit, "Material Girl," and it matches the sequence both in its lyrics and enjoyable tone. Seeing the two have fun inside the mall was a nice breath of fresh air before all the violence and dying started.
"My Bologna" - Weird Al Yankovic
Joyce's obsession with the magnets may have been one of the show's most hated storylines, but it provided a great moment in Mr. Clarke listening to "My Bologna." The song was originally released on Christmas Day of 1979, but the version everyone knows was re-released in the spring of 1983 for Weird Al Yankovic's eponymous debut album.
It's the perfect song to help establish Mr. Clarke's character: goofy, amusing, jolly, and just a little bit ridiculous. Of course, he would be listening to this while fiddling around in his garage.
"The NeverEnding Story" - Limahl
Season three ends in bizarre fashion with Limahl's "The NeverEnding Story." The song served as the title track for the 1984 movie of the same name and found success in its own right, reaching the top spot on the Norweigan, Spanish, and Swedish charts (not to mention #4 in the UK).
The song definitely breaks up the tension of the climax, but it's certainly playful and lends well to the third season's more outlandish and comedic tone. There are worse songs to end a season on.