Since its release on July 15, Netflix’s latest original series Stranger Things has bewitched the masses thanks to its incredible storytelling and sense of nostalgia. Set in the 1980s, Stranger Things takes place in a small town that appears to be invaded by supernatural forces. Coinciding with these eerie events is the arrival of a young girl named Elven, whose remarkable abilities make her the target of a secret government organization. Aside from references to everything from Stephen King and Star Wars, Stranger Things also features an incredible soundtrack filled with classic tunes. Below are our picks of the best songs to be featured on the show.
5) “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane
As the use of psychedelics is a running theme throughout Stranger Things, it was no surprise that Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” made an appearance on the show. Written by singer-songwriter Grace Slick, “White Rabbit” was originally performed with Slick’s first band The Great Society before appearing on Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. A pillar of psychedelic rock, “White Rabbit” blends in perfectly with the trippy atmosphere conveyed throughout the series.
4) “I Melt With You” – Modern English
Although Stranger Things is plagued by various monsters, both human and not, the show also has its fair share of tender moments as well. One such moment comes near the end of the second episode to the sound of Modern English’s “I Melt With You.” Appearing on Modern English’s sophomore album After the Snow, “I Melt With You” was a gem of the early ‘80s new wave movement. Bursting with love and joy, “I Melt With You” perfectly highlights the innocence of the show’s protagonists before it’s ripped from out under them.
3) “Raise A Little Hell” – Trooper
“If your world is all screwed up, rearrange it,” sings Ra McGuire on the 1978 track “Raise A Little Hell.” Off of Trooper’s fourth album Thick as Thieves, an album that was produced by no other than Randy Bachman, “Raise A Little Hell” is probably the most appropriate song to appear on this list. Whether it’s the show’s monster picking off locals one-by-one, or Eleven fighting back against her captors, a lot of hell is certainly raised during the duration of Stranger Things.
2) “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – the Clash
For those unfamiliar, Stranger Things begins with the disappearance of a young boy named Will Byers, whose favourite song just so happens to be the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Introduced to him by his older brother, Will ultimately uses the track to communicate with his loved ones. Off of the Clash’s classic 1982 album Combat Rock, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is the most infectious track to appear in the series.
1) “Heroes” – David Bowie
Throughout the course of his career, David Bowie always stood for the outsider. An artist who continually put his creativity at the forefront, Bowie was the ultimate outcast. However, just as with the characters in Stranger Things, Bowie was an outcast you couldn’t help but love. Released in 1977, “Heroes” has been covered by a wide variety of artists, including Peter Gabriel whose version appears in the show. An iconic song as timeless as its creator, “Heroes” wonderfully sums up the show’s protagonists’ mission to save the ones they love.