The immense popularity of Netflix’s Stranger Things can be largely attributed to its successful recreation of the 1980s atmosphere, seamlessly combining nostalgic pop culture references with the ominous presence of the Upside Down to captivate its audience.
The series is filled with classic 80s tunes that provide the backdrop to the eerie happenings in Hawkins, famously pushing Kate Bush’s 1985 hit ‘Running Up That Hill’ back into global prominence last season.
The fifth season of Stranger Things follows suit, once again featuring Bush alongside other hits like ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ by Tiffany.
The show’s creators have added to the intrigue, hinting at a song in the final episode that has ‘never been’ aired on television, stirring excitement and speculation among fans.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matt and Ross Duffer, the masterminds behind the show, revealed: “I will say there is a song I’m particularly proud of. It’s in volume 2, it’s in the finale. It’s never been on a TV show before.”
Though the track remains undisclosed, they hinted at its significance, noting: “I think it’s because of Kate Bush we were able to get the rights. Under normal circumstances, they would not have allowed us those rights. But you’ve got to wait until the final episode.”
As fans eagerly await the upcoming episodes of the fifth season, set to release on Christmas Day, they have been busy speculating about the creators’ enigmatic hints.
Some Reddit users believe the song will align with the season’s evolving themes, with one suggesting: “Pink Floyd released an album in 1987. There is a song on there called Sorrow that fits.”
The suggestion is backed by haunting lyrics: “There’s an unceasing wind that blows through this night/ And there’s dust in my eyes, that blinds my sight/ And silence that speaks so much louder than words.”
Others speculate it might be a classic rock anthem, suggesting: “It’s gotta be a classic rock song. Led Zeppelin, Prince, or Pink Floyd probably.”
Some fans are focusing on the more obvious clues from the Duffer brothers, suggesting a song by an artist typically reluctant to allow their music for use, possibly influenced by Bush.
Several fans pointed to Prince, another iconic figure from the 80s known for being protective of his music, a practice his estate has continued since his passing in 2016.
One fan commented: “100 [percent] going to be a Prince song – notorious for turning people down but was a huge Kate Bush fan and they said they got the license because of the Kate Bush of it all from last season.”
Both Bush and Prince were known for their stringent control over their music, sharing a mutual respect that led to the collaboration on ‘Why Should I Love You’.
The leading guesses for a Prince track include his renowned hits, ‘When Doves Cry’ and ‘Purple Rain’, though both have previously been used in television shows.
Another potential track mentioned is the emotionally charged ‘I Would Die 4 U’, as seen in the film Purple Rain.