Released the day after the July 4th premiere of season three of the sci-fi/coming-of-age show,
Stranger Things: Music from the Netflix Original Series, Season 3 is a nostalgia-packed companion soundtrack that culls from an era of music that might have been heard in this fictional '80s setting. The track list features genre-spanning hits by
Madonna,
REO Speedwagon,
Teena Marie,
Weird Al,
Wham!, and many more, used to strategic effect throughout the eight episodes of the season.
Corey Hart's "Never Surrender" serves as the backdrop to a tender moment between two main characters (as
Foreigner's "Cold as Ice" compliments a less-affectionate climax), while a cleverly placed "Movin' in Stereo" by
the Cars not only references an '80s teen classic, but also that movie's star,
Phoebe Cates, who is alluded to throughout season three as a running inside joke. Other highlights include a very Stranger Things remix of
the Who's "Baba O'Riley," which adds atmospheric synth textures to give the '70s classic a neon, sci-fi spin; the recurring space-bop "Neutron Dance" by
the Pointer Sisters; and
Howard Jones' "Things Can Only Get Better," which sums up the overarching sentiment of the show with the line, "And do you feel scared, I do/But I won't stop and falter," a rallying cry for the young heroes of Stranger Things. The compilation closes with a humorous-yet-touching duet by "Dusty-bun"
Gaten Matarazzo and "Suzie-poo"
Gabriella Pizzolo, who take on the magical
Limahl theme "Never Ending Story," a fitting end that washes away the dread and anxiety brought upon by the Mind Flayer. Until the creepy-crawlies from the Upside Down return in season four, this collection of beloved tunes is a nostalgic comfort and great singalong fun.