One of the series of the moment is Stranger Things. People love it and talk about it everywhere they go. Quite right too! As this science fiction series has a lot of elements that make it great. There are mysteries, weird creatures, well-built characters, and it’s set in the 80s! Oh, and we cannot overlook the music!
Through all of their seasons, Stranger Things has used many iconic songs. If we think that the story happens during the 80s, it’s obvious why the music is so amazing. Because this decade had a lot of memorable artists. And thanks to this series, a great phenomenon has happened: some songs have gained their popularity back after many years of being released.
Many English language learners say that they’ve improved their skills by watching television. So, why not try and learn English by listening to some of the songs from your favorite Netflix show? You can either listen to the soundtrack or sing the song when they play during a chapter.
So, if you want to sing, watch tv and learn English along the way, check this list of songs featured in Stranger Things.
6 Amazing Stranger Things Songs to Learn English
1. Should I Stay or Should I Go – The Clash
The Clash is a British rock band formed in the 70s. From drugs to racism, they wrote songs that function as protests, since they address different issues in the world. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. In that same year, three of their albums appeared on Rolling Stones’ list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. And in 2004, the song “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
This song will help you reinforce your knowledge on how to ask questions with ‘should’. You will definitely learn the formula for that as it’s repeated all throughout the song. You’ll also learn some basic phrases.
A big plus: you’ll also learn some Spanish! Because some of the English verses are repeated with choruses in Spanish.
Key phrases:
- Let me know
- Come on
- There will be (something)
Enjoy the music video: The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go (Official Video)
2. Material Girl – Madonna
Who doesn’t know Madonna, the “queen of pop”? Though some people have seen some of her decisions as controversial, she’s still very admired by many others. Rebellious and talented, Madonna has become an icon of the music industry. She’s also an actress. She’s won many different prestigious awards, including 7 GRAMMYs and 2 Golden Globes. And she became part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
One of her most famous songs, “Material Girl”, appears in Stranger Things. It’s the perfect song for English beginner learners. You’ll learn the meaning and how to write and pronounce basic English words and phrases, as well as the present tense. Especially the present continuous because there’s one sentence with this tense formula that repeats itself throughout the song.
Key phrases:
- Kiss me
- I think
- We are living in…
- I am
- That’s all right
Enjoy the music video: Madonna – Material Girl (Official Video) [HD]
3. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) – Journey
Journey is a rock band from the 70s. They’ve had different hits, including the famous “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Any Way You Want It” and “Open Arms”. “Don’t Stop Believin’” has even been featured in many different series and movies, such as Glee, Rock of Ages, and Family Guy. They were nominated for a GRAMMY Award.
A great thing about the “Separate Ways” song is that most verses are short. That’ll make it easier to understand each sentence or idea. Overall, it also has easy words and verbs to understand. With this song, you’ll get to practice the future tense, even in its negative form. You’ll also learn the pronunciation of some words that beginner learners might not know, like “bind” or “desert”.
Key phrases:
- I’m reaching for (something)
- I still love you
- Take care
Enjoy the music video: Journey – Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Official Video – 1983)
4. NeverEnding Story – Limahl
In the series, “NeverEnding Story” was sung by Dustin and Suzie in a scene that viewers love. But in real life, this song is sung by “Limahl”, whose real name is Christopher Hamill, a British pop singer. He first was the vocalist of the band Kajagoogoo, then he became a soloist. This hit became the main song of the movie “The Neverending Story”.
With this song you’ll learn some verbs and phrases that we use on an everyday basis. It’s also quite easy to understand and learn. So, if you’re just beginning your English lessons, you can practice your comprehension and listening by playing it at home.
Key phrases:
- Turn around
- Look at (something)
- Fade away
Enjoy the music video: Limahl – Never Ending Story (Official Music Video)
5. Master of Puppets – Metallica
Are you more of a heavy metal person? Stranger Things has you covered too! They played the famous “Master of Puppets” by renowned band Metallica during one epic scene. Metallica has won 9 GRAMMY Awards! And they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. They have 10 studio albums and have announced a new one for 2023. If you’re a true fan of metal, you know who they are, and you’ll love this scene. And there’s nothing better than learning with something you love.
Through this song you’ll learn how to describe things, actions and how something feels in English. Therefore, you’ll also learn rhetorical figures, because descriptions are not always literal. And you’ll practice the present continuous and the future, as there are some sentences in those tenses. Plus, it’s the perfect song to practice advanced level listening skills.
Key phrases:
- You will see
- I’m pulling (something)
- Just call my name
Enjoy the live video: Metallica – Master Of Puppets (Live)
6. Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush
We must mention the song that not so long ago blew up the internet after appearing in this show. “Running Up That Hill” became successful once again when it was part of one of the most iconic scenes from Stranger Things. It’s sung by GRAMMY-nominated singer Kate Bush.
Bush is a British singer-songwriter, who won the Ivor Novello Award in 2002 for her “Outstanding Contribution to British Music”. And in 2013, she was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
With this song, you’ll learn the formula for questions in simple present because it has different examples of that. You’ll also practice the 2nd conditional, since the ‘if / would’ formula is repeated during the chorus. Plus, the catchy rhythm of the song will help you memorize the lyrics easily.
Key phrases:
- It doesn’t hurt me
- Make a deal
- Come on
Enjoy the music video: Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill – Official Music Video
Complement Your English Knowledge with TruFluency
Music is such an important factor in Stranger Things’ viewer experience that we could make another whole blog with more songs. But music and tv shows won’t do all the work for you. Those are just tools to help you improve in a fun way. You still need to complement them with language lessons. And despite what you may believe, classes don’t have to be boring or useless, and at Trufluency we prove it.
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