Since its inception in 2016, Stranger Issues has turn out to be a treasure trove for traditional ‘80s songs. From bringing again the evocative sound of Kate Bush’s “Working Up That Hill” to turning folks into Metallica followers due to “Grasp of Puppets,” the showrunners have turn out to be adept at creating the proper soundtrack for the present’s sci-fi horror environment. Whereas the sequence has already been streaming for 4 seasons, there are nonetheless loads of ‘80s classics to undergo. With the subsequent season on the horizon, there are greater than a handful of songs that need to soundtrack what’s positive to be the massive payoff to the gang’s darkish journey in Hawkins, Indiana. Right here we’ve compiled 15 songs that ought to be featured within the ultimate season of Stranger Issues.
Learn extra: Why Stranger Issues’ Eddie Munson was the unsung hero of 2022
“I Nonetheless Haven’t Discovered What I’m Wanting For” – U2
As our heroes finish their ultimate journey by way of the Upside Down, they’ll want one thing to resume their spirits, and nothing fairly has that impact like early U2. “I Nonetheless Haven’t Discovered What I’m Wanting For” may not be essentially the most optimistic quantity, however it does embody the concept of forging forward and going through the whole lot that lies earlier than you. The gang has their work lower out for them after the results of Vecna final season, however that is the form of monitor that may very well be the pure comedown when Hawkins is lastly at peace.
“I Wanna Dance With Any person” – Whitney Houston
Outdoors of attempting to avoid wasting Hawkins from what’s positive to be the brink of destruction, the youngsters nonetheless have to fret about ending highschool as nicely. The Snow Ball tied issues up properly in season 2, so hopefully there shall be one other dance/promenade as the youngsters lastly develop out of highschool. When it comes to the story, this Whitney Houston traditional may very well be both a comedown from the entire motion or only a method to break up the fear occurring round them. The children want some enjoyable of their lives, and that is undoubtedly an uplifting traditional to do exactly that.
“Head Like a Gap” – 9 Inch Nails
There have been undoubtedly some metallic tendencies within the final season like Eddie Munson’s iconic efficiency of Metallica’s “Grasp of Puppets,” however it’s time for Trent Reznor so as to add his industrial slant to the whole lot. 9 Inch Nails’ debut did come out in 1989, so the discharge might line up with the youngsters getting in contact with one thing somewhat extra angsty earlier than shit begins to hit the fan. If Eddie is certainly nonetheless alive, you’d higher consider that he’d come again listening to music like this.
“Simply Like Heaven” – The Treatment
For the entire demons and adventures embedded throughout the present, there’s a romantic facet to it, too, and the Treatment are perfect for soundtracking any love montage that may occur. The Treatment have all the time had a little bit of melancholy of their music, however “Simply Like Heaven” is about as poppy as they arrive, with lyrics about how a lot of a whirlwind love may be. The previous few seasons have dwelled on Mike and El’s bond, and their troubled relationship is what Robert Smith’s songs have been made for.
“Private Jesus” – Depeche Mode
Because the opening theme of this present is centered round chilly keyboards, why not carry within the band answerable for these darkish sounds within the first place? Although “Private Jesus” is a later lower from Depeche Mode, it’s nonetheless shut sufficient to suit into the present (suppose what they did with the ominous model of “Separate Methods (Worlds Aside)” by Journey final season). Stranger Issues has all the time thrived on horror, and that is the form of ominous music that was made for the present.
“The place Is My Thoughts?” – Pixies
So we left off final season with the gang witnessing the demonic Upside Down lastly coming into actuality. Sure, that feels like a mindfuck, and this Pixies track encapsulates that feeling to a tee. The minute that these blistering guitars enter and Kim Deal’s falsetto takes off, you instantly really feel such as you’re caught between each side of actuality, similar to the youngsters are at present. Whereas the usage of this track was rather more dire in Struggle Membership, Stranger Issues might reclaim it as its personal.
“Quick Automotive” – Tracy Chapman
There’s a sure stage of heartache that comes with watching Stranger Issues, and Tracy Chapman is aware of that form of ache all too nicely. The Chapman traditional has all the time been about utilizing that automobile as a method to escape your issues again dwelling to search out your self, and that may very well be the best companion piece to El and Mike calling it quits or Jonathan and Nancy slowly drifting aside. If anybody deserves a sonic send-off like this although, it’s Hopper, making that ultimate determination of whether or not to sacrifice himself for the city he labored to guard.
“Paradise Metropolis” – Weapons N’ Roses
A part of the fantastic thing about the best soundtrack track is making a very good first impression, and that is the form of kickoff you’d kill for. Identical to the opening of season 4 began with Kate Bush, Weapons N’ Roses is the form of aggressive transfer to skyrocket us into the subsequent section of Stranger Issues, as everybody prepares to tackle what Vecna unleashed. The children are in all probability too younger to hook up with “Paradise Metropolis,” however that is the form of monitor that Steve Harrington has been ready for.
“Convey the Noise” – Public Enemy
For the previous few years, now we have heard little to no hip-hop in Stranger Issues, and that must be corrected shortly. Regardless that the golden age of Run-DMC and Beastie Boys would not have labored within the context of the present, this Public Enemy lower might unfold the phrase about what’s happening in Hawkins. The gang already has their backs towards the wall with the city turning towards them, so it’s time for them to make some noise and go into battle with Chuck D within the background.
“Kickstart My Coronary heart” – Mötley Crüe
“Grasp of Puppets” already made for a reasonably badass scene final season, and we’re sure to get some extra metallic to capitalize off of that second. Mötley Crüe have already got Netflix royalties from The Dust, so why not maintain ‘em coming with Stranger Issues? “Kickstart My Coronary heart” can be a superb soundtrack for the gang storming the Upside Down and taking over the Shadow Monster. Because the complete underworld is full of demonic creatures, metallic is certainly the very best transfer right here.
“Father Determine” – George Michael
There have been rumblings that Will had romantic emotions for Mike this previous season, and there’s positive to be a storyline that contextualizes that additional. Seeing how George Michael was closeted for many of his profession, this may very well be a hanging decide ought to Willprofess his emotions to Mike. Perhaps Mike’s relationship with El will get difficult, however this one is for the Will/Mike ship.
“It’s the Finish of the World As We Know It (And I Really feel Positive)” – R.E.M.
The ultimate scene from Season 4 already ended on a grim observe with an apocalyptic have a look at Hawkins, and this R.E.M. lower is right to choose up the place we left off. The breach between the Upside Down and the remainder of the world has already been cracked, so some apocalyptic songs are undoubtedly wanted in a time like this. Perhaps Stranger issues will go for black comedy with the track taking part in because the digicam pans over Hawkins being annihilated.
“Like a Prayer” – Madonna
How has Stranger Issues gone by way of many of the ‘80s and barely touched on the Materials Woman’s discography? Whereas a handful of Madonna cuts have been featured in Season 3, this track might probably work the identical magic that “Working Up That Hill” did — however solely in the best context. “Like a Prayer” might simply be one other montage-style track, however it has potential for a grand fade out as we see Hawkins for the final time.
“She Bangs the Drums” – The Stone Roses
Now “She Bangs the Drums” is a little bit of a deep lower, extra from the choice facet of the spectrum. However that is about as near a real love track as the Stone Roses bought, and its psychedelic really feel is right for a trippy sequence within the Upside Down or because the soundtrack for one of many highschool scenes. It’s value mentioning that Robin can also be recognized to be essentially the most eccentric out of the gang, so this could additionally match nice on her playlist.
“Batdance” – Prince
Stranger Issues has all the time been nostalgic for ‘80s youngsters, so why not add a cinematic layer to it with one thing from the Batman soundtrack? This funky Prince lower can be a fantastic scene-setter for an icebreaker at the highschool or when the gang is hanging out again dwelling. The ability of nerds was a definitive a part of that period anyway, so let’s simply get the superhero worship in as nicely.
