At the very heart of Stranger Things lies a synth-driven score that feels alive, almost as if Hawkins itself hums to the beat of a neon-lit 80s dreamscape. Composers Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon of the band Survive were handpicked by the Duffer Brothers after their atmospheric work in the 2014 film The Guest caught their attention. “The Duffer Brothers contacted us around July 2015 to see if we were still doing music,” recalls Dixon, marking the beginning of a sonic journey that would become inseparable from the series’ identity.
From the opening bars of the now-iconic theme, the score establishes tension, nostalgia, and wonder. The duo drew inspiration from 1980s luminaries like Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and John Carpenter, seamlessly weaving their influences into a modern sound that both honors and reimagines the era. The synthesizers do more than accentuate the visuals—they serve as emotional signposts, guiding audiences through suspenseful encounters, tender friendships, and the eerie expanse of the Upside Down. Each note feels deliberate, each pulse measured, turning the soundtrack into an indispensable narrative force rather than mere accompaniment.
While the original synth compositions set the tone, licensed tracks from the 1980s inject life, humour, and heartbreak into the narrative. The series’ musical curation is strategic, not nostalgic filler. Joy Division, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, and The Clash appear at moments that amplify character arcs or underscore plot tension. The unforgettable use of Should I Stay or Should I Go in Season 1, for example, transforms a simple rock song into an emotional lifeline for Will Byers.
Perhaps no track demonstrates the power of music in Stranger Things like Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill in Season 4. The song becomes a haunting motif, capturing a character’s struggle and mirroring the emotional stakes of the storyline. Fans quickly propelled it back onto streaming charts, proving the series’ ability to revive forgotten or overlooked classics. Similarly, Metallica’s Master of Puppets found new life in a scene that married thrash metal intensity with character development, illustrating the careful balance between narrative and sonic texture. The revival of these songs underscores the cultural ripple effect Stranger Things generates, bringing the 1980s back into contemporary consciousness while enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Netflix’s commitment to music extended beyond episodes, with Lakeshore Records releasing physical albums that compile both original scores and licensed hits. These soundtracks serve as time capsules, allowing fans to relive their first encounters with Hawkins through both new compositions and retro classics. By curating music in this dual format, the series validates the artistry of Stein and Dixon while celebrating the broader musical landscape that defines the era.
Stranger Things demonstrates how sound can create continuity, evoke nostalgia, and heighten narrative stakes. The series’ musical approach shows that effective sound design is not a background consideration—it is a storytelling pillar. By the time audiences reach Season 5, the soundtrack will continue to bridge generational gaps, revive lost favourites, and guide viewers through the highs, lows, and terrifying mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana. The auditory experience of the show has become a cultural touchstone, proving that the right mix of synths and 1980s hits can redefine the role of music in television storytelling.
In essence, the sound of Stranger Things resonates far beyond its episodes. It taps into collective memory, evokes universal emotions, and ensures that Hawkins’ adventures are remembered not only visually but sonically, cementing the series’ status as a modern pop culture phenomenon.
