There’s one specific ’80s song thatStranger Thingsfans will never be able to hear without immediately thinking of the Netflix franchise. With the release of theStranger Thingsseason 5 trailer, there’s hope for a satisfying conclusion and a final chapter that lives up to the past seasons. Like so many sci-fi shows before, the fear of such an iconic series concluding with a lackluster finale is all too real.
Many sci-fi series have paled in comparison, asStranger Thingsdoesn’t just rely on the fear factor of its monsters or the complexity of its worldbuilding; it gives audiences likable, flawed, and memorable characters, which drive the story forward. However, one element in particular tookStranger Things’popularityto the next level: its soundtrack. Riddled with ’80s hits, the music isn’t only nostalgic, it’s series-defining.
Stranger Things Fans Will Always Associate “Running Up That Hill” With the Show
“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush was featured throughout the fourth season ofStranger Things.Struggling to keep Vecna at bay and remain out of the Upside Down, Max Mayfield used her favorite song to stay grounded. Themeaning behind Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill"became all too relatable as Max not only dealt with emotional turmoil but ultimately survived a near-death experience, thanks to Bush’s song.
In the same way “Master of Puppets” becameEddie Munson’s theme songfrom a singular episode,“Running Up That Hill” quickly emerged as a defining moment forStranger Things.The most powerful use of the song came during season 4, episode 4’s “Dear Billy” episode, during the emotional sequence that involved Lucas, Dustin, and Steve attempting to save Max with music.
Stranger Things’ Entire Soundtrack Is Great, But Kate Bush’s Song Is Its Most Iconic So Far
Thanks To Kate Bush, Stranger Things' Soundtrack Was Forever Changed
According tothe Duffer Brothers, the process of securing the song for their series was quite a lengthy one. They decided to task the show’s music supervisor, Nora Felder, with finding the perfect song that resonated well with Max’s emotional journey. After sifting through countless options,“Running Up That Hill” was the obvious choice.
Once the song was selected, Felder had to secure the rights, which was especially difficult considering the number of times it plays as part ofStranger Thingsseason 4’s soundtrack. Luckily, the legal side of things went a lot smoother after finding out that the singer was elated to have her song a part of the show, alongside other classic hits based on what she shared on theofficial Kate Bush website:
You might’ve heard that the first part of the fantastic, gripping new series of ‘Stranger Things’ has recently been released on Netflix. It features the song, ‘Running Up That Hill,’ which is being given a whole new lease of life by the young fans who love the show – I love it too! Because of this, Running Up That Hill is charting around the world and has entered the UK chart at No. 8. It’s all really exciting! Thanks very much to everyone who has supported the song.I wait with bated breath for the rest of the series in July.
Stranger Thingshas truly redefined the horror/sci-fi genres and set a new standard for TV series as a whole. While the brilliant writers and stellar cast deserve credit, the music choices for the series have pushed the show to new levels, amplifying the ambiance that the Duffer Brothers worked so hard to create. “Running Up That Hill,” while only a part of the most recent season, has come to define theStranger Thingsfranchise.
Stranger Things
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Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
