Stranger Things revives classic 80s hits: why the songs are blasting back into the zeitgeist

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• Kate Bush’s comeback: how “Running Up That Hill” became a cultural moment
  • Why the song mattered in the story
  • Streaming and chart impact
• Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”: Eddie Munson’s high-stakes guitar moment
  • Scene setup and fan reaction
  • Real-world results
• David Bowie’s “Heroes” returns as a closing anthem for the series
  • Creative choices behind the music
  • Numbers and cultural resonance
• Prince’s Purple Rain era: how the estate and the soundtrack shaped the finale
  • Which songs featured and why they matter
  • Listening trends after the show

Stranger Things’ final chapters have done more than close a story. They reignited a love for 1980s music, sending classic tracks back into playlists and charts worldwide. From haunting ballads to full-throttle metal, the show’s soundtrack helped older songs find new audiences and record-breaking streaming numbers.

Kate Bush’s comeback: how “Running Up That Hill” became a cultural moment

When season four used Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” the song moved beyond soundtrack status. It became a plot pivot and a lifeline for a key character.

Why the song mattered in the story

• The track plays a central role during a tense, supernatural confrontation.
• It’s linked to a character’s emotional survival in a trance-like state.

Streaming and chart impact

• Originally released in 1985 on Hounds of Love.
• After the episode aired, the song climbed to No. 1 on several charts, including the Billboard Global 200.
• It later exceeded one billion Spotify streams.

Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”: Eddie Munson’s high-stakes guitar moment

A fierce scene in season four reintroduced Metallica’s 1986 anthem to a new generation. The sequence paired action with music in a way that felt earned and cinematic.

Scene setup and fan reaction

• The character performs the song to hold back a swarm of creatures.
• The scene quickly became one of the season’s most memorable moments.

Real-world results

• The track re-entered charts for the first time since its original release year.
• Metallica called the inclusion an incredible honor.
• Fun detail: the episode is set on March 27, 1986, shortly after the album’s March 2 release.
• The performer reportedly learned the song in roughly three weeks.

David Bowie’s “Heroes” returns as a closing anthem for the series

The finale reached back to Bowie to close out the show on an emotional note. Using the original recording added weight to the ending.

Creative choices behind the music

• Season one referenced the song via a cover. The finale used Bowie’s original.
• One cast member suggested the switch, and the creators agreed it fit the show’s end.

Numbers and cultural resonance

• After the episode, streams of “Heroes” jumped by about 500% on Spotify.
• Directors described the song as an anthem that matched the series’ spirit.

Prince’s Purple Rain era: how the estate and the soundtrack shaped the finale

Producers fought to secure Prince’s music for the final hour. Once they landed permission, the tracks amplified the scene’s drama.

Which songs featured and why they matter

• Multiple cuts from Purple Rain were used in the climax.
• “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” underscored emotional beats.

Listening trends after the show

• The title track saw a 243% increase in streams in the weeks after airing.
• A notable share of that spike came from younger listeners on Spotify.
• Getting approval from Prince’s estate was described as a long shot before it happened.

Photo credit: Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via Getty Images