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. ~ Neil Z. Yeung