Stranger Thingsseason 5 will continue to play off the series' beloved 1980s nostalgia with the same method that proved a huge success for season 4. Thenew trailer forStranger Thingsseason 5has now been released by Netflix, prompting a huge fan response and hinting at what’s to come in the final outing.
The new trailer showsStranger Things’beloved cast attempting to save Hawkins once and for all. AfterStranger Thingsseason 4’s endingleft Max in a coma and the Upside Down creeping into Hawkins, the pressure on the teenage characters will be higher than ever, but luckily, there is one positive thing that the show seems to be keeping consistent.
Stranger Things' Trailer Using “Child In Time” By Deep Purple Proves Season 5 Has Another Great Soundtrack
The Song Choice Fits The Season’s Tone Perfectly
Throughout its entire run,Stranger Thingshas been notable for having a great soundtrack to accompany each season, and season 5 is already set to continue that trend. To that end, the new teaser trailer features the song “Child in Time” by Deep Purple, hinting at the type of music that audiences can expect from the upcoming season.
The song, which was remixed for the trailer, was recorded in 1969 anddeals heavily with themes of war and the loss of innocence. While the lyrics are not all included inStranger Things' trailer, lines like “Sweet child, in time, you’ll see the line / the line that’s drawn between good and bad,” hint at what lies ahead (viaGenius).
Stranger Things' seasons have gotten progressively darker as its characters have gotten older, and the song represents that.
“Child in Time” fits well with the trailer as an introduction to what audiences will be seeing this season.Stranger Things' seasons have gotten progressively darker as its characters have aged, and the song represents that. Now, the show’s stakes are higher than ever, andthe characters don’t have the option to walk away unscathed.
While in season 1 they were inexperienced children,they are now young adults who will be faced with the harsh realities that come with years of fighting. Likewise, the show’s older characters will face just as much turmoil. The emotional scenes in the trailer reaffirm this, as doesVecna’s season 5 reappearance.
Stranger Things' history of incorporating great songs into its soundtrack that align with the themes of the season bodes well for season 5.
It is currently unknown whether the song will be heard again in any of the episodes, but even if it is not,it perfectly outlines what the rest of the soundtrack might look like. Additionally,Stranger Things' history of incorporating great songs into its soundtrack that align with the themes of the season bodes well for season 5.
Stranger Things Season 4’s “Running Up That Hill” Success Set The Bar High For Season 5’s Soundtrack
Kate Bush’s 1985 Song Soared In Popularity In 2022
Given thatStranger Thingshas only released one full trailer so far, “Child in Time” is really setting the tone for the season, but it has a high bar to match. Afterseason 4 found massive success with Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill,“the new season will need to find a song that can match that.
This may be a tough task considering"Running Up That Hill” reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts after the release ofStranger Thingsseason 4, far outpacing its popularity when it was originally released almost four decades earlier (viaBillboard). It was also the most-streamed song at the time.
“Running Up That Hill” easily became the most popular song to regain popularity thanks toStranger Thingsso far, but it is by no means the only one.“Master of Puppets” by Metallica also reentered the chartsand found a massive streaming boost thanks to its use in a crucial scene in the finale of season 4.
Stranger Thingshas certainly grown in popularity since its early seasons, but even they saw a little of the same phenomenon.The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” proved crucial to a big Will Byers scene in season 1, and it is one of the most memorable tracks from that season.
Whether it be Eddie’s rock and metal from season 4 or the lighter pop that plays in some of Nancy’s scenes in season 1 in particular, the show excels at creating 80s nostalgia.
Even the songs that can be heard in the background ofStranger Things' scenes are great examples of popular 1980s musicand often tie into specific characters. Whether it be Eddie’s rock and metal from season 4 or the lighter pop that plays in some of Nancy’s scenes in season 1 in particular, the show excels at creating 80s nostalgia.
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While “Running Up That Hill” set the soundtrack bar extremely high forStranger Thingsseason 5, the show’s teased new setting makes me hopeful that the final season can live up to expectations.The new trailer prominently features a radio station, hinting that there could be some promising needle drops in the final eight episodes.
Which Other Hit ’80s Songs Could Be On Stranger Things Season 5’s Soundtrack After The Time Jump
The Series Moves Into Fall 1987
Stranger Thingsseason 5 is going to incorporate a short time jump, sending its characters forward a year and a half. Season 4 took place in March 1986, andseason 5 will now be set in the fall of 1987. This will give the series plenty of new music to work with.
For the trailer,Stranger Things' creators opted to go back in time a bit with “Child in Time,” but1987 saw the release of a lot of songs that even younger audiences today would likely still be familiar with. However, pop songs like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” may not have exactly the right tone.
Songs like “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode, The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” and New Order’s “True Faith” became some of the most popular new wave songs.
Stranger Thingshas referenced and incorporated pop music into its episodes before, butthe show more often leans into the popular rock and new wave music of the time. Luckily, there was no shortage of great albums released in 1987 that fit the show’s genre preferences and tone very well.
Songs like “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode, The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” and New Order’s “True Faith” became some of the most popular new wave songs. Meanwhile, hair metal groups like Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses, and Bon Jovi (fronted by Millie Bobby Brown’s now father-in-law) were finding success on the rock charts.
With so many great options, it is impossible to say what might come up onStranger Thingsseason 5’s soundtrack. Because of how heavy the season is bound to be, any songs included will need to match the right tone and intensity within their given scenes, as the show’s original compositions will undoubtedly do as well.
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.
