‘Stranger Things’: What Songs Will Be on Season 5’s Soundtrack?
What To Know
- The fall of 1987 saw a diverse range of No. 1 hits, including Los Lobos’ “La Bamba,” Michael Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Bad,” Whitney Houston’s “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again,” and Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam’s “Lost in Emotion.”
- These songs became iconic due to their memorable performances, groundbreaking music videos, and cultural impact, such as Los Lobos’ Spanish-language success and Whitney Houston’s record-tying chart streak.
Stranger Things is returning to Netflix on November 26, 2025, for its fifth and final season, set in the autumn of the year 1987. The show’s soundtrack is always beloved by fans for its collection of fun, curated throwback tunes — so beloved, in fact, that in 2022, the fourth season’s inclusion of Kate Bush’s 1985 “Running Up That Hill” helped the song reach #3 on the Billboard Top 100. But this season, music might play an even bigger role in the series, as part of the show’s action will take place at a local radio station, WSQK.
The show’s official Stranger Things: The WSQK Collection album, a vinyl exclusive released only at Target, has already revealed a few songs that will be included in the new season, which range from late ’70s prog rock to late ’80s teen pop:
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I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany (1987)
The Magnificent Seven – The Clash (1980)
Bicycle Race – Queen (1978)
Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2 – Pink Floyd (1979)
Wheel in the Sky – Journey (1978)
Upside Down – Diana Ross (1980)
Surrender – Cheap Trick (1978)
See Those Eyes – Altered Images (1982)
Here Comes the Rain Again – Eurythmics (1983)
The Warrior – Scandal featuring Patty Smyth (1984)
But what other songs might turn up on the show? For that answer, let’s look back at the songs that dominated the Billboard charter in fall 1987, taking the #1 spot through September and October.
“La Bamba” – Los Lobos
No. 1 for three weeks: August 29, September 5, September 12, 1987
Los Lobos’ version of “La Bamba” exploded thanks to its use in the 1987 biopic of the same name, which told the life of Ritchie Valens. The band’s upbeat rock adaptation became their first No. 1 hit, and it marked the rare moment a Spanish-language song topped the Hot 100 during that time period. Los Lobos also performed all of the music for the film themselves, including the songs the actors lip-synced, and the La Bamba soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart, too.
“I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” – Michael Jackson with Siedah Garrett
No. 1: September 19, 1987
This duet was the lead single from Jackson’s Bad album, launching an era that dominated the charts. Siedah Garrett, already a respected songwriter, brought a smooth balance to Jackson’s performance. Before choosing Garrett, Jackson had considered duet partners including Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston.
“Didn’t We Almost Have It All” – Whitney Houston
No. 1: September 26, October 3, 1987
Whitney Houston was unstoppable in 1987, and this soaring ballad became her fifth consecutive No. 1 single. The song showcased her unmatched vocal control and emotional power, cementing her status as one of the defining artists of the decade. With this hit, Houston tied the Beatles and the Bee Gees for most consecutive No. 1 singles at that time, and she performed the song live at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
“Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake
No. 1: October 10, 1987
Whitesnake turned their earlier 1982 version of the song into a full-blown arena anthem with this re-recording, complete with one of the most famous MTV videos of the era. Tawny Kitaen famously appeared in the video, performing choreographed moves on the hoods of two Jaguars. Her casting and the video’s imagery are widely documented as signature MTV moments of the decade.
“Lost in Emotion” – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
No. 1: October 17, 1987
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam were one of the biggest groups in freestyle and Latin-influenced pop at the time, and “Lost in Emotion” became their second No. 1 hit of the year. The group has openly stated that The Supremes inspired the song, and several contemporary critics noted its blend of ’60s girl-group melodies with Latin freestyle production.
“Bad” – Michael Jackson
No. 1: October 24 and October 31, 1987
Michael Jackson closed out October with “Bad,” the punchy title track from his album of the same name. The music video, directed by Martin Scorsese, became one of the decade’s most iconic short films. It was filmed primarily in the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station in Brooklyn and featured choreography by Michael Peters. The full-length version runs approximately 18 minutes.
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