Stranger Things has never been a mere science-fiction series; it has always behaved like a retro time capsule with a wicked sense of drama. Among its many signatures, the nostalgic soundtrack stands out as one of its most powerful tools. Kate Bush’s haunting ‘Running Up That Hill’ reshaped global playlists, while Musical Youth’s ‘Pass the Dutchie’ turned a chase scene into a rhythmic celebration. Even The Clash’s ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ became a kind of Byers family anthem.

Evidently, with the release of Season 5 Volume 1 this November, Stranger Things returned with more musical bangers begging for playlist adoption.

Stranger Things Season Five Volume One leans heavily into its signature musical mischief, curating a tracklist that feels both nostalgic and narratively sharp. Michael Jackson’s lively ‘Rockin’ Robin’ fuels Robin Buckley’s clandestine broadcast montage, while The Psychedelic Furs’ ‘Pretty in Pink’ settles the Hawkins children back into their familiar rhythm. ABBA’s ‘Fernando’ adds unsettling contrast during the Demogorgon assault, and Freddy Martin’s stately ‘To Each His Own’ turns a quiet Wheeler family breakfast into a study in tension.

Meanwhile, Episode Three embraces both chaos and charm through Tiffany’s energetic ‘I Think We Are Alone Now’ and Dustin Henderson’s triumphal discovery underscored by Yello’s iconic ‘Oh Yeah’. ‘Mr. Sandman’ by The Chordettes ends Episode Two with eerie elegance, revealing Henry Creel’s influence over Holly Wheeler. The Chords’ cheerful ‘Sh-Boom’ brings a momentary sweetness in Episode Four before the darkness resumes its grip.

'Stranger Things' Season 5 Cast Breakdown: Monster Return, New Faces & The Nerd Heroes

These tracks may anchor the official soundtrack, but several unlisted musical cameos have also seized the audience’s ears with suspicious efficiency.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 expands its musical palette with a string of needle drops that immediately ignited fan obsession. Diana Ross’s vibrant ‘Upside Down’ becomes Robin Buckley’s coded communiqué, cleverly signaling the gang during their Upside Down preparations. Elmer Bernstein’s ‘Premature Plans’ underscores a hilariously earnest escape blueprint, while Karl Swenson’s ‘Higitus Figitus’ turns the Wheeler living room into a charmingly chaotic intermission. Even Will Byers humming The Clash’s ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ adds grim emotional weight to his capture in the first five five minutes.

Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ returns like a benevolent specter, guiding Max Mayfield through Lucas Sinclair’s steadfast devotion and her own fractured memories. Its reappearance drags forth the question audiences refuse to silence: whether Max Mayfield will ever awaken from her coma. The season’s needle drops succeed with alarming ease, charming listeners while sharpening every emotional blow.

Is ‘Stranger Things’ Actually Based on a True Story? Here’s What You Need to Know

Which is your favorite song from Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1? Let us know in the comments!