When it comes to Stranger Things 2, the sonic experience is as pivotal as the visual storytelling. Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, the electronic duo behind Survive, returned to sculpt a score that both complemented the evolving narrative and paid homage to the ’80s era that defines the show. Their digital release on October 20, 2017, through Lakeshore and Invada Records, showcased a careful blend of original compositions alongside period music that felt plucked straight from Hawkins’ streets and school corridors.
Dixon and Stein explained, “We've created new elements that are necessary to support the story, but still want to remain true to the sound of Season 1.” This duality of innovation and nostalgia is central to the show’s aural identity. The opening track, “Walkin' in Hawkins,” released a week earlier on October 12, sets the tone beautifully: haunting yet adventurous, eerie yet playful, perfectly encapsulating the series’ unique balance of supernatural tension and heartfelt character drama.
The soundtrack’s genius lies in its ability to act as both an emotional amplifier and a narrative compass. During moments of tension, the electronic pulses of Dixon and Stein heighten suspense; in quieter, character-driven scenes, melodic flourishes deepen emotional resonance. Music becomes an omnipresent entity, quietly guiding the viewer through the labyrinthine horrors of the Upside Down while reminding them of the warmth of friendship, courage, and small-town life in Hawkins.
The magic of Stranger Things 2 lies in its careful curation of period music. With over fifty tracks spanning from 1936 to the mid-1980s, the series constructs a rich tapestry that both complements the narrative and celebrates pop culture. These songs are not mere background noise; they act as temporal signposts, grounding the audience in a specific time and place while enriching the series’ aesthetic.
From the synth-heavy tracks that underscore the show’s suspenseful moments to carefully chosen pop songs that evoke laughter, longing, or nostalgia, each musical selection is deliberate. By weaving in well-known hits alongside obscure gems, Dixon and Stein create a layered auditory landscape that mirrors the complex interplay of Hawkins’ characters and the looming threat of the Upside Down.
Fans often remark on the way music in Stranger Things 2 transports them. A song might play during a tender scene between Mike and Eleven, or punctuate a climactic confrontation with a Demogorgon. The nostalgic resonance is tangible, triggering memories not only of the era but also of personal experiences, making the viewing deeply immersive. The show demonstrates that music in visual storytelling isn’t merely decorative—it’s essential. It informs mood, accentuates narrative beats, and, in many ways, becomes a character in its own right.
What sets Stranger Things 2 apart is the way the music functions narratively. Each piece is carefully aligned with story arcs and character development. For instance, tracks underscore Will Byers’ ongoing trauma from the first season, reflect Eleven’s struggle with identity and power, or highlight the camaraderie and mischief among Hawkins’ children. These sonic choices are crucial in conveying emotional subtext that dialogue or visuals alone cannot achieve.
Dixon and Stein’s original compositions, with their hypnotic synth layers and rhythmic tension, amplify suspense without overwhelming the scene, ensuring that viewers remain emotionally invested. When juxtaposed with iconic 1980s tracks, the effect is multilayered: audiences simultaneously experience the cultural touchstones of the era while following the intricacies of the show’s supernatural plot. It’s a dual engagement—nostalgia on one hand, narrative immersion on the other.
Moreover, the soundtrack reinforces character identity. Each character’s journey is punctuated by musical motifs that mirror their growth or inner turmoil. For example, the haunting tones accompanying Will Byers’ scenes communicate his lingering fear and alienation; playful, upbeat tracks accompany the children’s adventures on bicycles, creating a dynamic emotional rollercoaster that reflects the highs and lows of adolescence in extraordinary circumstances.
The deliberate integration of over fifty tracks in one season demonstrates how critical music is to Stranger Things. It shapes pacing, builds tension, and accentuates emotional payoffs, proving that in Hawkins, the soundtrack is more than background—it’s a storytelling powerhouse.
Cultural Impact and Fan Engagement
Stranger Things 2’s soundtrack had an impact beyond the screen. Fans dissected each episode to identify every track, recreating playlists, sharing discoveries online, and debating the significance of song choices. This level of engagement highlights how music can deepen the connection between series and audience, transforming viewers into active participants in the narrative world.
The series’ music also reintroduced older songs to younger audiences, sparking renewed interest in the 1980s musical canon. Classic tracks experienced spikes in streaming and digital sales, demonstrating how television can influence contemporary cultural consumption. Dixon and Stein’s original pieces became iconic in their own right, recognised for their ability to evoke tension and nostalgia simultaneously.
This synergy between original and period music reinforces the show’s reputation as a cultural phenomenon. By embedding sound so thoroughly into its storytelling, Stranger Things 2 transcends traditional television scoring, offering a multisensory experience that invites fans to immerse themselves fully in Hawkins.
As anticipation builds for Stranger Things 5, fans can look forward to the continuation of the series’ musical excellence. The lessons from Season 2’s soundtrack—combining original compositions with period tracks, aligning music with emotional arcs, and using sound as a narrative device—set a high bar for future episodes.
It’s clear that the Duffer Brothers, along with Dixon and Stein, understand the power of auditory storytelling. Music in Hawkins isn’t ancillary; it’s central to how audiences experience tension, suspense, nostalgia, and character development. Each note, riff, and synth pulse is carefully chosen to guide viewers emotionally, ensuring that the world of the Upside Down feels real, immersive, and unforgettable.
Fans can expect future seasons to maintain this musical rigor, using sound to enhance character journeys, underscore the stakes of supernatural encounters, and reinforce the series’ distinctive 1980s-inspired identity. In a show where every visual cue and plot twist is meticulously crafted, the soundtrack continues to play an indispensable role, cementing Stranger Things as a masterclass in blending music with storytelling.
Stranger Things 2 exemplifies the profound interplay between music and narrative. The careful curation of over fifty musical pieces, alongside the haunting, original score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, transforms sound into a character of its own. Music guides viewers through Hawkins, shapes emotional resonance, and reinforces the nostalgic aesthetic that defines the series.
From the playful highs of childhood adventures to the eerie lows of Upside Down terror, each track in Season 2 amplifies the stakes and deepens audience engagement. As fans prepare for the final chapter in Hawkins, one thing is clear: the melodies, synths, and pop-cultural echoes of Stranger Things 2 linger long after the credits roll, reminding us that in Hawkins, music tells as much of the story as any character or monster ever could.
