Stranger Things Finale: How David Bowie's 'Heroes' and Prince's 'Purple Rain' Resonated with Audiences
The iconic song "Heroes" by David Bowie has experienced a significant surge in streaming numbers following its use in the finale of the popular show Stranger Things. The track, which was featured in the end credits of the show's December 31st episode, saw a nearly 500% increase in streams on various platforms. On average, the song had been receiving around 94,000 digital streams per day over the past five months, but after its appearance in the show, it garnered 342,000 streams on January 1st, 456,000 on January 2nd, and 470,000 on January 3rd, representing a substantial increase over its daily average.
During an interview with Netflix's Tudum, the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, revealed that it was actor Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington in the show, who suggested using the Bowie song in the final moments of the series. The decision to feature the original Bowie version of the song was seen as a fitting conclusion to the show, as it has become somewhat of an anthem for Stranger Things. Keery's own music project, Djo, also experienced a surge in streaming numbers following the finale, with his song "End of Beginning" reaching the number one spot on the Spotify Global Chart.
Stranger Things has been praised for its use of music throughout its run, particularly in reviving Eighties culture and sound. The show's finale also included classic songs by Prince and Kate Bush, further solidifying its connection to the era. The Duffer Brothers put a lot of thought into selecting the right songs for key moments in the final episode, especially when it came to the climactic scene involving a record player triggering a bomb. The choice to use Prince's music, particularly from the album Purple Rain, was deemed as the perfect fit for the epic conclusion of the series.
Since the finale aired on New Year's Eve, Prince's "Purple Rain" has seen a significant increase in streams on Spotify, with a notable surge among global Gen Z listeners. The show's meticulous attention to detail in selecting the right music for key moments has resonated with audiences and contributed to the overall success of Stranger Things. The power of music in enhancing storytelling and creating emotional impact cannot be understated, and the Duffer Brothers' careful curation of the show's soundtrack has played a crucial role in its cultural impact.