On New Year’s Day, Netflix’s supernatural smash hit series Stranger Things reached its climactic conclusion, with the release of its finale episode titled “The Rightside Up”. As a show set in the 1980s, it is safe to say that it has been an influential phenomenon, both introducing Gen-Z to the music of the 1980s as well as reminding Gen X and Millennial viewers of the music they grew up on.
However, just because the show has reached its end definitely does not mean that its legacy and impact must end with it. Stranger Things fans across the world have grown to love the show’s protagonists, as well as the ‘80s hits that featured throughout the show’s run. From Kate Bush to The Police, the Netflix series incorporated classic songs from the era into its narrative, kickstarting the comeback of these songs into the modern music charts and mainstream music scene today.
So, the question is, which 1980s hit song should you listen to now that Stranger Things has been released in its entirety? This guide will help show you which ‘80s tunes you are sure to love based on your favourite character from the show.
Mike Wheeler
If Mike Wheeler is your favourite Stranger Things character, David Bowie’s tragically optimistic tune “Heroes” is the perfect opening track to your ‘80s playlist. Released in 1977, this song soundtracked the following decade with anthemic hopefulness. As the leader of the party, Mike has stayed optimistic throughout all of his traumas in order to protect the people around him and revive the sometimes dying morale of the group. He always shows bravery and leadership, even in the most uncertain times of battle. When up against the demonic ensemble of villains from The Upside Down, Mike prioritises protecting his friends and family. Therefore, it is safe to say he has earned his “hero” status.
”Heroes” perfectly encapsulates Mike’s character through lyrics such as
“I will be King, and you, you will be Queen”.
This can be viewed as a reflection of his love for Eleven, as well as the rest of his friend group. He is determined to get his happy ending. The song features in the finale episode of the show, representing how Mike Wheeler has grown up, and that he and his friends have truly become “heroes”.
Steve Harrington
The perfect ‘80s hit for fans of Steve Harrington has got to be George Michael’s “Father Figure”. Despite not being related by blood to any of the other main characters, Steve is protective of his friends as if they were family. This is particularly the case with Dustin. Steve most definitely plays the role of a ‘father figure’ when it comes to loving and protecting him. Although the same can be said for all of the people he cares for. Throughout the show’s run, he demonstrated a willingness to protect others before himself, proving how this George Michael hit is perfect for him.
Additionally, Steve’s character is a classic teenage heartthrob. Joe Keery (who portrays the character) is widely recognised similarly. As a perfect reflection of the infatuation around George Michael in the ‘80s, this fits the vibe of “Father Figure” since the song revolves around themes of affection and intimacy.
Will Byers
For Will Byers fans, the upbeat tune of resilience, strength, and survival, “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, is a great pick. In the very first episode of the show, Will’s character is traumatised and captured into the unknown. Despite being rescued by the rest of the Hawkins crew, Will never escaped the spell that Vecna had cursed him with. Throughout the seasons, we have watched his fate hanging in the balance, constantly plagued with new revelations about his connection to Vecna.
However, Will Byers conquers his fears as his character grows. He learns to utilise Vecna’s spell against his enemies, saving his friends from the monsters of The Upside Down. Therefore, despite being seemingly doomed from the get-go, he is “still standing” and ready to fight.
The lively, synthesised sounds of this Elton John hit provide perfect motivation and optimism for Will when channelling Vecna’s curse in crucial times. Overall, this ‘80s tune is a true Will Byers bop.
Dustin Henderson
If your most-loved Stranger Things character is Dustin Henderson, you need to listen to The Cure’s brightly bittersweet track, “Boys Don’t Cry”. Released in 1979, this song was hugely popular in the ‘80s. It explores the struggle of toxic masculinity and the stigma around emotional expression for men. Lyrics such as:
“Now I would do most anything to get you back by my side”
perfectly encapsulate the struggles Dustin has faced since losing one of his closest friends in the fourth season of the show. At the start of season 5, we see Dustin rebel against his bullies as a defence mechanism to channel his grief. Additionally, we see him push away best friend Steve Harrington for the same reasons until he ultimately finds the strength to confide in him. It is safe to say that Dustin would resonate well with this The Cure classic.
Nancy Wheeler
Nancy Wheeler is a fearless warrior. She is always willing to protect her family and friends. Nancy is never afraid to go to extreme lengths, as we have seen her fire guns and take on the various villains that have plagued her path. Therefore, “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks is the perfect pick for fans of hers. Written and performed by a female rock superstar, the song turns themes of grief and harsh realities into an intensely percussive, power-driven hit.
Nancy’s motivation for being such a strong fighter is her family. She desperately wants to protect and secure their safety. She is notoriously independent and a fierce force to be reckoned with. This links to the “white-winged dove” in the song, turning sorrow and fear into something strong and beautiful.
Robin Buckley
Introduced to the show in season 3, Robin quickly became a fan favourite. If she is your favourite character, “Have Fun (Again)” by Diana Ross is your ideal 1980s anthem. Robin has shown her fun, optimistic side throughout the seasons. This was even the case when she was close to death.
A song about letting loose and embracing the joys in life, this energetic Diana Ross track is perfect for fans of Robin. It represents her ability to protect her friends whilst also finding moments of light-hearted, comedic relief. Robin can always be trusted to “have fun again”, even when on death’s doorstep in the ultimate battle against Vecna.
The song also touches on the need to prioritise loving others above less important things like money. This reflects Robin’s omnipresent compassion and care towards those she loves, even when she can’t be there for them (like Vickie throughout the final season).
Lucas Sinclair
Lucas Sinclair fans are bound to love the ‘80s hit “Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies. Throughout the show, Lucas demonstrates incredible loyalty to his friends and sister Erica, driven by determination to stay safe and destroy The Upside Down. Despite a slight betrayal in the fourth season in the desire for popularity, Lucas soon comes to his senses. Ultimately, his loyalty is unmatched.
This is particularly the case with his girlfriend, Max. He remained by her side when the odds were against her, staying hopeful that she would wake up from Vecna’s curse.
”There is a wait so long”
He waited throughout the duration of Max’s coma, desperate to be “her man” again. Loyalty and love are the beating heart of this character, and “Here Comes Your Man” would be an appropriate song in the soundtrack of his life.
Jonathan Byers
Arguably, acting as Stranger Things’ most introverted hero, Jonathan has struggled to express himself throughout the seasons. Being open and honest with his girlfriend Nancy, proves difficult due to his withdrawn nature. However, he is a character driven by loyalty and determination to protect his family. His brother Will’s disappearance was the catalyst for everything else that followed, and Jonathan has proven to be a loyal member of the Hawkins crew against The Upside Down. Therefore, “Eyes Without A Face” by Billy Idol is the perfect song to sum him up.
This ‘80s hit reveals a vulnerable sense of emotional emptiness and confusion, perfectly outlining Jonathan’s inner turmoil. Additionally, the complexity of the song’s meaning reflects Jonathan’s conflicting personality traits. He is introverted and reserved, yet brave and determined when facing the monsters of The Upside Down.
Max Mayfield
Max has had a whirlwind of a journey on the show. Introduced in season 2, her character has had a turbulent time of loss, love, and constant fear. From the death of her brother to being struck and paralysed by Vecna’s curse, it is safe to say she has faced a fair few struggles. However, as captured by Kate Bush’s hit song “Cloudbusting”, her optimism and strength did not suffer, making this a great anthem for her that fans are sure to love.
”Every time it rains you’re here in my head like the sun coming out”
The importance of both platonic and romantic love are central to Max’s character. It is the memories she has with her friends that both build and maintain her strength and determination whilst she is under Vecna’s spell. These memories fuel her optimism and hope that “something good is gonna happen”.
We know that Max’s favourite song is the Kate Bush classic “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”. Nevertheless, “Cloudbusting” acts as a truer representation of her character and outlines the strength that the memories of her friends bring her.
Eleven
As the show’s primary protagonist, Eleven has shown fearless acts of sacrifice and bravery time and time again. Consequently, fans of Eleven are sure to love “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates. Her powers make her valuable to the enemies who wish to restart the programme that tortured her as a child. Her powers also give her strength against Vecna, The Mind Flayer, and everything else from The Upside Down and beyond.
”Oh here she comes. Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up”
A true force to be reckoned with, Eleven is not afraid to destroy anything that gets in the way of protecting her friends and killing Vecna. Her relentless determination to be the best version of herself and utilise her powers to their maximum capacity makes this song the perfect start to her soundtrack.
What’s next?
It is safe to say that Stranger Things had an incredible run. It re-shaped genres to create a unique fusion of sci-fi and horror. Combined with their excellent direction and storytelling, The Duffer Brothers truly made something that television has never seen before, engrossing millions of fans worldwide.
All episodes of Stranger Things are available to watch now on Netflix. Even though the show’s run has come to an end, its legacy is sure to live on for years to come, and it has been a great introduction to the music of the 1980s for Gen-Z viewers.
