“Stranger Things” Brilliant Use of Music

I won’t lie, I’m still grieving the end of “Stranger Things”. This show hold a very special place in my heart for so many reasons, but today I want to talk about what I noticed about the use of music in this show. Not only does it have a killer ’80s soundtrack, but it highlighted the connection between music and memory.

Our brains are a wild place (honestly I wouldn’t want to be a guest in mine many times) but they are also so intricate and mesmerizing. I have always been fascinated but the way music can trigger memories. It is like there’s a file box in your brain and keeps all the songs that somehow impacted your life. Good memories, bad memories, all the memories. There is a reason music is used in treatment of patients of dementia and Alzheimer’s, it can trigger memories of happier times or help create a moment of lucidity.

In “Stranger Things” we all know the song (that’s right “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush) that Max used to connect herself to the real world when she would be sucked into the trance of the Upside Down. It became her lifeline . It was a song that helped her cope with the death of her stepbrother, Billy, but became something so much more meaningful. It was her connection to her friends, love, safety and hope.

Now the importance of music and memory didn’t start with Max and Kate Bush. It was evident in the first season that music was going to play an interesting role in the show when we saw how Will and Jonathan bonded over music. Specifically “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. We see them in a memory, before the Upside Down is a part of their everyday life, where they are sharing a moment while their parents fight listening to music. Jonathan shares his interests with Will and a bond is created. While Will is in the Upside Down he’s singing that song to ground him. It is his lifeline.

I don’t know about you but all of this is relatable to me. Music is my ultimate form of therapy. Music has always been my lifeline and I find it comforting to know that in this world others see the incredible power it has.

Remember to put on some tunes and be kind friends.

Author: Celia

Hey everyone! My name is Celia and this is my new endeavor. Listen, talk, create. I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, and many other descriptors. Follow along on a journey of discovery! View all posts by Celia