Dissecting the Soundtrack of Stranger Things Season 4: How Coined Classics Embody the Soul of Hawkins

If you’re anything like me, you have been obsessed with the newest season of Stranger Things. My feed has become filled with fan edits of Jamie Campbell Bower along with the lush sounds of Kate Bush’s voice. In my opinion, this season provided us with a substantially different feeling than the others, creating a cohesive glimpse into the 80s, both musically and visually. Stranger Things has done something entirely unique within the film and music relationship, catalyzing songs released forty years ago to begin charting again in 2022. After season one, people were adding The Clash’s 1982 single “Should I Stay or Should I Go” to their playlists and now we hear Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” echoing from every corner. However, these songs were not necessarily unpopular during their initial release. But, it is as if this show gives these hits a second life, captured in the Duffer Brothers’ dystopian-retro landscape. 

Yes, these songs were mostly released in the 80s. But, there is an evident chemistry that goes beyond the time period. May it be the perfect fit for the scene or for the individual character, each song serves a unique purpose as a key part of the show. Stranger Things gifted us an outstanding soundtrack that is one of a kind. The music of this season transformed the characters and plot, deeming these tracks quintessential to the Stranger Things universe. Keep in mind before continuing; there may be spoilers ahead - so beware! 

In the first episode, we shift from Hawkin’s Lab to Eleven’s narration that is flooded by the tune of the Beach Boys’ “California Dreamin.”  It serves as a stark contrast between these two points of Eleven’s journey thus far. This song choice is extremely ironic as her ideal life in California, garnered by hope and anticipation, peels itself away quickly after this episode. The nostalgic and airy song provides a symbol of what Eleven cannot grasp - a practical teenage life that is nearly utopic to her. Eleven is in this sort of “dream state” outside of Hawkins, thinking of all of the people who are not near her such as Mike and Hopper. So in a way, she is dreaming about everything other than being in California. This song is a perfect representation of Eleven’s state of mind as she struggles with bullying and a long distance relationship, longing for a glimpse of her life back in Hawkins. It is a melancholic split between her desire to make new friends and her longing for her familiar faces. 

I was also ecstatic to hear “Object of My Desire” by Starpoint play as Steve and Robin drove up to Hawkins High School. This song has that full-blown 80s dance-groove feeling. It echoes the music that my mom blasts in the car in tribute to her teenage years. It makes you want to get up from your Netflix-binge position and dance. The soundtrack had a generous rock emphasis and this song encapsulated the youthful spirit these characters have while also honoring the pop and R&B blend coined by their time. The lyrics aligned perfectly with Steve and Robin’s personal desires and pursuits of relationships. They presented the confusion that comes with teenage romance, introduced by the hit fun-loving tune. 

With a “killer” on the loose, it seemed most appropriate that the Talking Heads’ song “Psycho Killer” would appear on the soundtrack. “Psycho Killer” is a classic in the experimental punk movements of the 80s and was the perfect fit for this scene. The song lyrically describes the scenes in which Eddie is being hunted after. It fits into the anti D&D narrative that drove the members of the basketball team to believe Eddie was a “psycho killer.” The song also poses the question “Qu'est-ce que c'est?” as translated to “what is it?” This correlates with the confusion that the citizens of Hawkins were experiencing in the midst of all the murders. There was a struggle to comprehend just exactly what was causing the murders. “Psycho Killer” provided the best beat for the anticipation of this scene as we were rooting for Eddie to escape the basketball player’s intentions. It truly transformed this scene into a coined chase, banking on our nerves. 

Now, it is no mistake that Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” has become the most prominent song from this soundtrack. This song has been on my playlist for some time now, including the other versions by The Chromatics and Placebo (both of which I highly recommend listening to). Bush released the song in 1985 as part of her album Hounds of Love and nearly forty years later it is climbing charts again. Max takes the face of this song, clad in her headphones and cassette player. This song became the symbol of Max coming face to face with the trauma in her life. When close to her death, she utilized music as an “escape,” something that most people can resonate with heavily. Max escaped into music in her daily life to come to terms with the death of her brother Billy. Her favorite song became the saving factor in her life against Vecna in episode four, titled “Dear Billy.” This final scene revealed how music can ground us, and not just in a fight to the death in the “upside-down,” but in day to day life. 

But, this leaves us with another important question – why this song? Well, the song deals with themes of perspective and understanding. We know from Max’s interactions with Lucas that she had withdrawn herself from society, hiding her emotions and avoiding communication. Kate Bush’s ethereal voice narrates and uplifts Max’s desire for the ability to communicate the fear, guilt, and love she has internalized. The bridge bids her on reading “come on, baby / come on, darling” in a climax at the end of the episode. Max returns from a state of near death and fear, finding solace in her friends, with music as her sole rescuer. Now, I feel that more and more people associate the hit 80s experimental song with Max’s character. It has prompted people to wonder what songs would save themselves from Vecna. With wavering notes and other-wordly highs and lows, the song fit perfectly in the Stranger Things world. I think we can all agree that our favorite songs have helped us escape reality at some points just like Max. 

Stranger Things has become one of my favorite shows for its science fiction storyline and flawless soundtrack. Season four outdid itself, crafting a remarkable experience through the relationship between the scenes and the soundtrack. I am excited to see what is in store for volume two. The show has taken throwbacks to a new level, creating an exciting view into the strange life of the Hawkins civilians.