Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has become one of the most beloved titles of the year, at least according to my social media feeds. Pretty much everyone is obsessed with the series and the charming way it follows four children in search of their missing friend. But another part of the show that seems to leave everyone smitten is the nostalgia factor of it being set in the 80’s. From the movie posters on the walls to the way it channels films such as Stand By Me or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the show embraces everything that many of us grew up with and it feels almost like a return to our youth, to a simpler time when Saturday morning cartoons were the most exciting part of the week.
Related: “Stranger Things” Just Raised the Bar for the Upcoming ‘It’ Adaptation
One of the big talking points of the show is the music. While I’m not going to focus on the original music from composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein here – I’ve got something else up my sleeves coming for that – I did want to keep the nostalgia train going, which is why I’m highlighting eight noteworthy albums from 1983.
Some of you might be asking why eight albums and why 1983? Well, the show takes place in that year and there are eight episodes, so boom. It’s honestly that simple!
Join me below for a trip down memory lane!
Depeche Mode – Construction Time Again
The UK band’s third album saw the introduction of a somewhat darker flavor, a theme that would run throughout their career and help launch them into super stardom as one of the top selling electronic acts in the world.
Journey – Frontiers
This is the Journey album that spawned “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”. Eventually going platinum six times, Frontiers is considered by some to be one of the best rock albums ever released.
Iron Maiden – Piece of Mind
Up the Irons! Maiden’s fourth album spawned the single “The Trooper” and has ended up on “Best Metal Album” lists from various publications throughout the years. How can you go wrong by adding some Iron Maiden into your life?
Metallica – Kill ‘Em All
The first album from what would become the biggest selling band in metal history, Kill ‘Em All is a shining example of pure, raw thrash metal. Put on “The Four Horsemen” and headbang straight into “The Upside-Down”.
Tom Waits – Swordfishtrombones
A master at storytelling through music, Tom Wait’s gravely voice has enchanted listeners for decades. Below is “Soldier’s Things”, one of my favorite tracks of his. It perfectly marries a heartbreaking melody with pure poetry for lyrics.
Genesis – Genesis
This was the group’s 12th album, which only makes it all the more amazing that it did so well on the charts. The song “Mama” may have been the best charting single from the album but I’ll never get sick of the groovy swagger found in “That’s All”.
Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual
Pure, unabashed fun. Seriously though, is there any other way to describe this album? “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” remains one of the greatest anthems from that decade and still ranks as one of the most popular tracks from that era. Personal statement: It’s also one of the first tracks I learned to play on guitar. I still strum out those chords now and again.
Dio – Holy Diver
Coming back to metal, how could I possibly ignore one of, if not THE greatest vocalists in the genre’s history? Their debut album, Holy Diver is one of those “must-listen” albums for one to truly appreciate music as a whole. It’s impact is still felt today, as evidenced by “Holy Diver” being one of Killswitch Engage’s most popular tracks, even though it’s a cover.