How Does the Soundtrack of 'Stranger Things' Work & Why Is It So Good?
In one simple answer: it saves lives.
You might be here for Kate Bush, and in a way we are too.
Stranger Things is one of the most popular Netflix original series, and with good reason. The tv show's soundtrack is absolutely incredible – from the upside down Hawkins lab theme to the Demogorgon sound effects, from the life saving Should I Stay Or Should I Go to Musical Youth's Pass The Dutchie, it sounds like something out of a movie. But how exactly does Stranger Things' music work? And why is it so good? Here's everything you need to know about the show's amazing soundtrack!
If you're a fan of Stranger Things, you know that the soundtrack is one of the show's major strengths. With its 80s-inspired synth tracks and powerful sound effects, the music helps to bring the scenes and characters to life, and literally back to life! In this article, we take a deeper look at the soundtrack of Stranger Things and explore its importance in bringing the tv show to its success.
How Does the Soundtrack of 'Stranger Things' Work?
The background music for Stranger Things is composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, who are known for their work on games such as Deus Ex and Fallout 4. The duo enlisted the help of a number of well-known composers to contribute tracks to the soundtrack, including David Choe (Gangnam Style), Bear McCreary (Game Of Thrones) and Jóhann Jóhannsson (Sicario). These artists bring together a unique blend of nostalgic synth sounds and powerful orchestrated parts.
Why Is the Soundtrack of 'Stranger Things' So Good?
There are a number of reasons why the music of Stranger Things is so well-received. First and foremost, Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein have done an excellent job of capturing the feel and excitement of 80s culture in their tracks. From funky synth beats to soaring brass sections, every track on the soundtrack feels appropriately nostalgic and throwback-worthy. Secondly, Kyle and Michael's choice to enlist a variety of well-known composers was a genius move - each artist brings their own unique style to the tv show's soundtrack, resulting in an eclectic and powerful mix. Finally, the music is paired perfectly with the on-screen action - from tense chase scenes to heart-tugging emotional moments, every track brings the story to life in a truly unforgettable way.
How the sound department worked on the orchestration of some of the songs of the new Stranger Things season is one of the most interesting aspects. They were massive hits in the 1980's and they managed to bring them to life again with added arrangements and string orchestrations allowing them to hike the top 10s once more. I've always been convinced that music saves lives. I've often felt this was one of the main reasons I became a musician myself, and watching a tv series that gives so much value to music and how it literally saves your life Rock Me Amadeus by Falco, Detroit Rock City by Kiss, Master Of Puppets by Metallica (the epic scene of Eddie playing the guitar on top of his trailer), Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by Kate Bush are just some examples. The latter was used at the end of Chapter 4: Dear Billy, in one of the strongest scenes of Vol. 1 of season 4, with Max (Sadie Sink) being saved by her friends Lucas, Dustin and Steve playing her favourite cassette of Kate Bush, culminating in a powerful, emotional, tear-jerking performance, and if you were like us, clicking the "watch credits" button to avoid skipping to the next episode and enjoying one of the most brilliantly composed re-arrangements of the whole series. Rob Simonsen (The Way Back - Soundtrack) seems to have actually orchestrated it, which adds so much value to the team working along side Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. That Running Up The Hill theme played on the piano and the strings and choir slowly creeping in. Simply marvellous.
Here's a YouTube link you can hear the piece of the unforgettable moment of Max and Co. escaping Vecna's realm
Chapter 8: Papa, is again a wonderful 80's experience with Journey's re-arranged Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) song that epically closes the second to last episode.
Hereyou go: Separate Ways
Great work also by the talented Nora Felder and her team, for always being able to choose the most appropriate songs, but never slipping into the cheesy slope. You guys have been really fantastic!
The use of nostalgia and throwback vibes is one of the many things that make Stranger Things such an amazing tv show. Ultimately this is the music we group up with. The songs we never failed to have on vinyl or on the cassette loaded in our walkman. From the music to the visuals, everything about it feels like a trip down memory lane. And while some scenes may seem redundant or old-fashioned, they're all executed so well that they quickly become numbing pleasures instead. But it's not only up to the wonderful works of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. This Netflix original series has just been nominated again for best sound editing, which it won just two years ago.
So if you're looking for an amazing show to watch with all the lights off, Stranger Things is definitely the one for you!
Don't forget to listen to the other songs that made this tv show so special, here's a playlist for you:
California Dreamin' (The Beach Boys)
You Spin Me Round (Dead Or Alive)
I Was A Teenage Werewolf (The Cramps)
Object Of My Desire (Starpoint)
Dream A Little Dream Of Me (Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald)
We wanted to leave you with a question that might trigger your creativity, helping you think outside the box and maybe inspire new ideas. Me and Maxi spend lots of time asking questions to each other as it initiates a conversation that always grows into something new and exciting. This is what we actually do before we start on a new project.
So here it goes:
What do you think would be the most challenging aspect of designing sound for Stranger Things-type shows?
Have a wonder July.
Alex.
