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The 1980s-inspired soundtrack has always been integral to the success of Stranger Things, and Netflix went all out for the show’s final season. The series finale featured not one but two needle drops from Purple Rain: “When Doves Cry,” and the titular “Purple Rain.” Other songs featured this season include hits by Michael Jackson, ABBA, the Psychedelic Furs, and more.
As with previous seasons, the soundtrack to the fifth season will be released on vinyl, CD, and, perhaps most nostalgic of all, cassette. Sony Music, which is distributing the physical release, kept the Season 5 soundtrack vinyl tracklist under wraps until the New Year’s Eve series finale, likely to avoid song-related spoilers. Following the show’s finale, Sony revealed the full tracklist for Season 5.
Stranger Things 5 Soundtrack from the Netflix Series
In addition to the Amazon and Walmart exclusive editions, there’s a now-sold-out Target edition in “Sea Blue Smoke” and the Sony Music “Yellow Marble” edition.
The 13-track vinyl includes David Bowie’s “Heroes,” “Here Comes Your Man” by the Pixies, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, and “Pretty In Pink” by the Psychedelic Furs. The two cuts from Purple Rain were not included on the vinyl release. The vinyl and other physical media formats are releasing on Jan. 30, but are available to preorder now. Target and Walmart, among other stores, will release various color versions of the vinyl.
The massive success of Stranger Things has boosted the streaming numbers for many of the artists featured throughout the years. One of the most notable examples is Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which led to the private singer publicly thanking the new fans who discovered her music. The Stranger Things finale also boosted Prince’s catalog. According to Variety, the streaming numbers for “When Doves Cry’ and “Purple Rain” more than doubled after the finale.
You can check out the full Season 5 vinyl soundtrack below.
Side A
Rockin’ Robin – Michael Jackson
I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany
Fernando – ABBA
Mr. Sandman – The Chordettes
Pretty In Pink – The Psychedelic Furs
Heroes – David Bowie
Side B
The Trooper – Iron Maiden
Here Comes Your Man – Pixies
Sh-Boom – The Chords
Oh Yeah – Yello
Human Cannonball – Butthole Surfers
Heart and Soul – Floyd Cramer
Sweet Jane – Cowboy Junkies
