No other show has paid homage to the 80s as Stranger Things has. It has maintained the best retro vibe since its Netflix debut in 2016. The show follows a group of kids who take a heroic charge on the scary mysteries that are being discovered in their town. Often threatened with death, these kids go through a lot together and form tight bonds.

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For a show as intense as this, it needs a good soundtrack. Most people agree that the music in a TV show or in a film is what makes or breaks it. If the music is bad, the whole thing is ruined, no matter how good the acting is. Stranger Things has nailed its soundtrack, and no one is ever disappointed with how they score every pivotal scene. Keep scrolling to find out the best songs from Stranger Things and how they made the artists successful.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

8 Atmosphere - Joy Division

When Will's body is supposedly discovered in a lake in Hawkins, this Joy Division song plays. It really does help set the mood for the whole scene as it pans from character to character. We see Will's brother crying and his mom refusing to give up hope. All of the characters are torn by this revelation, and this song perfectly accompanies the turmoil. Like many songs featured in Stranger Things, this song was actually seeing a rise in popularity that it had not seen in a while due to it being in the show.

7 Material Girl - Madonna

When Hopper causes a fight between Mike and Eleven, she needs to let off some steam. So she meets up with Max, who is having similar relationship and romance problems, for a shopping spree. This is where Madonna's Material Girl perfectly scores the girls' trip to the mall. It is one of the 80s biggest hits, so it fits perfectly with the overall vibe of the show. It also helps set the scene in the mall which becomes the centerpiece of the third season. This song has always seen immense success, along with most of Madonna's songs, but its feature in Stranger Things exposed it to a new audience and helped gain it some younger fans.

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6 Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash

Should I Stay or Should I Go is one of the most important songs in the first season. It is the first symbol of how important music is to the characters. The initial connection is made between Will and his brother when his brother reassures him that there is no reason to be anyone he does not want to be. This connection is important and is represented many times throughout the first season and beyond. This song is highly unique because, despite its upbeat nature, it is often featured to set a sad and longing mood while Will is missing. Due to its repeated features in the show, it has seen popularity similar to that it had at the time of its release. This is a huge boost for the artists, the Clash.

5 Heroes - Peter Gabriel

This song was nothing short of a perfect choice for the show Stranger Things overall. Interestingly, the song was originally sung and performed by David Bowie, but the Stranger Things creatives went with the cover done by Peter Gabriel. While Peter Gabriel was already a successful artist and musician before the show, the show only added to his fan base. The fact that his version of the song was featured in the first season of Stranger Things was a big deal. This song was a perfect addition because it keeps the retro vibe of the show going, and it brings an intensity to one of the most pivotal episodes in the first season (episode three).

Related: Stranger Things Stars Who Are Also Musicians

4 Ghostbusters - Ray Parker

It is no shock as to why this song is a perfect fit for the Stranger Things series as a whole. It is honestly a surprise that it was not featured sooner. This song always rises in popularity around Halloween time, but its feature in Stranger Things only increased its seasonal success and popularity, which definitely helped out the artist. It is a perfect fit for the show because it has a youthful and energetic touch as well as aligns with some of the more harrowing events the show brings. It is featured at the beginning of season two and the heroes are all dressed as ghost busters, which is very fitting to say the least.

3 Every Breath You Take - The Police

This song was an essential to maintain the 80s vibes that Stranger Things basically pioneered. This song helps to bring season two to a close on a somewhat happy note. Our heroes are out on the dance floor for a school dance, and Mike, played by Finn Wolfhard, and Eleven even share a kiss. The genius thing about this song is that, despite its cheeriness, it hints at something more sinister. "Every move you make, I'll be watching you" is one of the lyrics that show this darker meaning. It helps end the second season on a suspenseful note. The key feature of this song at the season finale helped to bring it along with the artists more recognition.

2 White Christmas - Bing Crosby

The first season of Stranger Things ends on a happy note. Will is returned to his family and they get to celebrate the Christmas season together. Bing Crosby's White Christmas really helps to set the mood. It was a perfect choice because it did not overpower the subtle sweet moments in the final scenes. It also does not get in the way of the subtle dread that sets in as Hopper searches for a missing Eleven, Will is choking up slugs, and our heroes settle in for Christmas dinner not knowing what the future holds. Bing Crosby's White Christmas is nothing short of a Christmas classic. Everyone knows it. This helped this artist's success because it broadened the horizons to which his cheerful music can be applied.

1 Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon

Since the end of season two of Stranger Things, Mike and Eleven have officially begun their romance. This romance situation does end up causing problems with Eleven's adoptive father, Hopper, and with their entire friend group. This song sets the stage for a Mike and Eleven make out session, as well for the awkward conversation they will have with Hopper after. They, quite literally, could not fight their feelings anymore. I mean, they have been through a lot together. Who can blame them? This song has always been a hit, but the playful and youthful feature in Stranger Things only helped boost the song's popularity.

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