WARNING! This List contains spoilers for Stranger Things season 4.
It’s not rare for the internet to hit the ground running with the latest Stranger Things memes and references on social media, especially upon the recent release of season 4, volume 2. However, another aspect of the show that takes the world by storm every time is the classic ’80s songs that resurface every season.
Although many of these songs and bands have already been popular for some time now, like Journey and Metallica, the show does a great job of introducing these classics to a new generation and integrating them into the show so perfectly. Even though it’s quite hard to determine just how many songs saw an increase in streams after the season four premiere, it’s safe to say that a lot of these classics will remain popular for quite some time, thanks to this recent resurgence.
10 “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) – Bryce Miller/Alloy Tracks Remix” By Journey And Steve Perry
12.7 Million
Though it may seem like this song is one of the least streamed on the popular track list, the number is from this unique remix rather than the original Journey song, which currently has over 163 million listens. This means that this show-specific remix came solely from the second volume of Stranger Things and has already amassed over 12 million listens within the past week.
The way it was used in the show even stuck with fans, as the dramatic rendition of the rock song stressed how high the stakes were for the gang as they prepared to fight Vecna. Considering how much the streams have increased within less than a week, it’s likely that the number will only go up, and rightfully so.
9 “Travelin’ Man” By Ricky Nelson
30 Million
This 1961 tune can be heard in the series while Yuri is flying Murray and Joyce on his plane, so it’s very fitting. The happy tone of the song is also quite perfect, as it coincides with the non-serious vibe of the scene thanks to Yuri’s goofiness.
For an older song, the modern streaming numbers are quite impressive, and Stranger Things fans can expect it to only go up from here. Though it didn’t play very long as the scene’s exit song, it was catchy enough to catch the attention of viewers everywhere.
8 “Pass The Dutchie” By Musical Youth
100 Million
This song was an unexpected fan favorite, but it perfectly represents the lighthearted side of Stranger Things. The timing offered excellent comedic relief, as it perfectly represented Argyle as a character and what he would realistically play in the car while delivering pizzas.
As the designated chill stoner of the season, Argyle was a funny addition to the show that fans weren’t expecting to love. Between his funny one-liners and his music taste, there are many moments fans find themselves thanking him for, and they hope to learn more about him in season 5.
7 “Detroit Rock City” By Kiss
154 Million
The show is well for its use of ’80s rock music in the soundtrack, and this fun tune is no exception. The upbeat anthem was a perfect choice for the scene, as it flashed back and forth between the Dungeons and Dragons game and the high school basketball game.
Not only was the scene fun and exhilarating, but it serves as the perfect example of the soundtrack making a difference in the overall vibe of the scene. Fans everywhere were stoked to hear some Kiss blasting through their speakers, as it’s also a well-known song within the Kiss discography already, as demonstrated by the high number of streams.
6 “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” By Louis Armstrong And Ella Fitzgerald
220 Million
During Victor’s retelling of the story of their “haunted” house, he details the “voice of an angel” he heard while experiencing some quite disturbing visions. That angel was in fact Ella Fitzgerald, as this extremely popular song was playing on the radio at the time of the tragedies.
Though the song wasn’t enough to save Victor Creel’s family from Vecna’s curse, it did help Victor himself snap out of the horrible images Henry was making him see. Thanks to this minor detail, the kids were able to discover the power of music when escaping Vecna’s grasp, and fans definitely agree with the “angel” part.
5 “Fire And Rain” By James Taylor
239 Million
As it turns out, James Taylor’s dreamy, buttery voice provided the perfect opportunity for Steve and Nancy to finally have a much-needed heart-to-heart. The song is playing in the car in the background, however, it perfectly reflects the two’s lighthearted and easy chemistry, not to mention it is perfect road trip music.
Although the crew had just stolen a trailer and were on their way to arm up against Vecna, the scene served as necessary comedic relief and heartfelt moments that fans loved to hear. The gentle 70s singer provides an unexpectedly soft vibe to the series, as viewers are used to hearing more pop ’80s music than anything.
4 “You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)” By Dead Or Alive
262 Million
A fun, yet necessary, musical addition was the Dead Or Alive hit during the roller rink scene. A perfect depiction of the ’80s, the atmosphere was a whole vibe, between the colorful disco lights, the funky outfits, and of course, the stereotypical ’80s pop sound of “You Spin Me Round” blasting through the speakers.
However, the song’s use was almost misleading, as it did not foreshadow the most fun of events. From Eleven being taunted in the middle of the roller skating rink to Angela taking a skate to the head, the fun didn’t last very long, although the rink’s playlist was superb.
3 “Psycho Killer” By Talking Heads
279 Million
The popular Talking Heads tune was a perfectly fitting song for the motivational Jason sequence with his friends. Though he has several moments throughout the season where he tries to act like a knowledgable hero, the song plays in the background while Jason recruits his jock buddies to hunt down Eddie, who they presumed killed Chrissy.
Although it was a little too on the nose for Jason to assume Eddie was the “psycho killer” that killed Chrissy, the song choice is quite ironic. After all, anybody that has such a “kill the beast” mentality and acts akin to a cult leader himself is quite obviously the main villain instead.
2 “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” By Kate Bush
365 Million
Though this wasn’t the first time a Kate Bush song has been used in a TV show, Stranger Things‘ popularity most definitely contributed to her recent success surrounding one particular song. As of late May, “Running Up That Hill” had already skyrocketed on the charts 153% after the “Dear Billy” episode premiere (per The Line of Best Fit), and it’s no doubt risen even more since.
The song was a perfect symbol of Max’s depression at the time and viewers will never forget watching the graveyard scene for the first time. Thanks to the power of Kate Bush’s lyricism, Max found her escape from Vecna and was able to return to her friends.
1 “Master Of Puppets” By Metallica
433 Million
Considering Metallica is one of the most popular metal bands of all time, it’s no secret this track would be at the top of the list. Its tie to the show is even better, as it delivered one of the best Stranger Things needle drop moments, with Eddie shredding the song on guitar to distract the Demobats.
As soon as fans saw a clip of Eddie playing guitar in the Upside Down, fans immediately predicted that it was a Metallica song simply by the way it was played. Needless to say, it was the perfect choice for both Eddie and the show as a whole, and even Metallic themselves agree (per Facebook).
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