11 Spooky 80s Songs That Should Have Been on ‘Stranger Things’
Who doesn’t love “Stranger Things”? It’s original, Spielberg-y, and has cute kids, monsters, Winona Ryder, and the perfect amount of 80’s nostalgia.
My only question about Stranger Things is where are all the upbeat tunes? Listen, I get that the show is a Sci-Fi drama about a group of kids trying to find their presumably dead friend. I get it. But that can kinda dampen the vibe at a ST-themed Halloween party.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean your Stranger Things Halloween party has to be filled with slow and reflective ballads (or The Clash).
Here are some bona fide bops that also have just the right amount of 80’s kitsch we crave.
1. Batdance, Prince (1989)
I figured the best way to start the list was with the most lit song. This track happens to be just one from a whole album produced by Prince for the 1989 Batman film. I honestly can’t think of anything more perfectly 80’s than a nerdy Batman themed track created by Prince.
2. In The Night, Pet Shop Boys (1986)
Pet Shop Boys are also hella lit. My go to is typically West End Girls, but In The Night is perfect for the playlist since it starts out with that classic 80’s droning, synth noise. There’s also a fun sort of fluttering beat so that the droning noise doesn’t remind you too much of the Upside-Down. I also love those little horns through the song.
3. Who’s That Girl?, Eurythmics (1983)
You could highkey add anything Eurythmics’ discography and it makes sense in this playlist. Who’s That Girl is such a smooth bop: it has a great balance of synth, 80’s drone, Annie Lennox, and rhythm. It’s a great track to shimmy your shoulders to.
4. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), Dead or Alive (1985)
Okay you can’t tell me that this song is not party material like…
5. Don’t Wanna Fall in Love, Jane Child (1989)
This track feels a lot more 90’s, buuuuttt totally relates to Nancy’s love life throughout the show. This song also slaps so like even if it doesn’t relate who cares.
6. Holding Out for a Hero, Bonnie Tyler (1984)
This song is iconic. Footloose, or for the younger half of us, Shrek. It’s just a great fucking song. Ironically, Bonnie Tyler sings about a man. Considering how kickass Eleven, Nancy, and Joyce are, I’d hope that someone use a great cover by a man to put on their playlist.
7. I Would Die 4 U, Prince (1984)
I Would Die 4 U from Hadyomama on Vimeo.
I couldn’t just let Prince’s legacy on this playlist be Batdance. This song is about love, dedication, and mortality; essentially what Stranger Things is about.
8. Don’t You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds (1985)
Will in the Upside-Down was probably like…
9. Rapture, Blondie (1980)
Haunting vocals plus a rap from Debbie Harry? Say no more…
I will say more, though. Debbie Harry is serving some serious vampy chick at a Halloween party looks. TBH, everyone is serving Halloween looks (though to be fair, when I think of 80’s looks I figure Halloween counts as everyday.)
10. Psycho Killer, Talking Heads (1977)
1977 is close enough to the 80’s. Anyway, totally Joyce’s theme song.
11. Thriller, Michael Jackson (1982)
It’d be a shitty Halloween playlist without Thriller. Sure, this song isn’t for everyone and maybe it is a little overplayed, but it’s October and Stranger Things is technically a thriller. Let her live.
