Since releasing his debut single “Sign of the Times” as a solo artist in 2017, Harry Styles has become an unstoppable force in the music industry. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Stevie Nicks and David Bowie, Styles is able to create music that sounds timeless and perfectly suits the 1980s nostalgia featured in Stranger Things.
As the hit Netlfix series returns for its fourth season, the characters continue to evolve and reveal their personalities through their relationships with one another as well as their attempts to defeat Vecna, the gang’s latest foe. Although the characters of Stranger Things are multifaceted, they can each be described by a Harry Styles hit.
Robin – “Cinema”
Unlike the confidence and sarcastic wit she exhibited with Steve in season three, Robin Buckley reveals a more vulnerable side in season four as she grapples with a new crush at school. “Cinema” matches Robin’s personality as well as her love of film and reflects her uncertainty that her feelings for Vickie would be reciprocated.
In the chorus, Styles sings, “Do you think I’m cool, too? Or am I too into ya?” a feeling that mirrors Robin’s fear that Vickie will reject her and react poorly to finding out the truth about Robin’s sexuality.
Jonathan – “From The Dining Table”
The melancholic sentiments expressed in “From the Dining Table” on Styles’ debut album suit the energy of Jonathan Byers and his newfound life in California. Far from the ambitious photographer he once was, Jonathan spends his days sulking in the house or getting high with Argyle.
Despite being unhappy with the status of his long-distance relationship with Nancy, Jonathan refuses to be the first one to reach out. The line “Why won’t you ever be the first one to break? Even my phone misses your call, by the way,” fits Jonathan’s acceptance that their relationship is fine despite having little to no contact.
Steve – “Love Of My Life”
Steve has had one of the best character arcs in Stranger Things, starting as a popular jerk who took Nancy for granted and tormented Jonathan before gradually changing his behavior for the better. While Steve has become an invaluable member of the Stranger Things crew, his luck in love hasn’t improved as he goes on countless dates without knowing what he’s looking for.
The reluctant acceptance of Steve’s missed opportunity with Nancy is reflected in the song “Love of My Life”, particularly the line, “Baby, you were the love of my life. Maybe you don’t know it’s lost ’til you find it.” If the lingering glances in season four are any indication, Steve’s chances with Nancy may not be gone after all.
Nancy – “Boyfriends”
Among the things that need to be addressed in the second half of season four is the return of the love triangle between Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan. “Boyfriends” is the perfect song to represent Nancy’s relationship pattern as she finds herself at similar crossroads in each of her relationships.
The lines, “They take you for granted. They don’t know they’re just misunderstanding you,” fit Nancy’s experiences with Steve and Jonathan who struggle to understand her desires and ambitions in life. While it seems clear that a rekindling between Nancy and Steve is on the horizon, she may be better off focusing on herself.
Max – “Keep Driving”
The songs used in Stranger Things season four play a role in saving Vecna’s potential victims, particularly Max, who is guilt-ridden after witnessing Billy’s death. Max isolates herself from her friends physically and emotionally to convince herself she’s fine despite the headaches and nightmares she suffers.
Masked as an upbeat pop hit, “Keep Driving” explores the desperation to ignore warning signs in favor of the gratifying minutiae of everyday life. Max’s attempt to continue as if everything is normal is reflected in the lyrics, “We held darkness in withheld clouds. I would ask, ‘Should we just keep driving?'”
Lucas – “Satellite”
Torn between his old life and the urge to gain popularity in high school, Lucas’s loyalty to Mike and Dustin is tested when the basketball team leads a witch hunt against D&D players. Lucas tries to remain friends with Max and uncover what is causing her to pull away from everyone. “Satellite” represents Lucas’ attempts to help Max and his desire to get her to talk to him again.
Many lyrics in the song fit Lucas, but specifically, “I’m here, right here, wishin’ I could be there for ya”, a line which Lucas practically says word-for-word to Max in the cemetery while the group tries to discover a way to save Max from the same fate as Chrissy.
Will – “As It Was”
The first single off of Harry’s House, “As It Was” mirrors Will’s feelings, having moved away from his friends and lost touch with Mike in particular. Will struggled to accept that his friends were changing, getting girlfriends, and losing interest in things Will still loved. While he is excited to see Mike again, Will’s joy is overshadowed by his jealousy.
The lyrics, “Seems you cannot be replaced and I’m the one who will stay,” echo Will’s longing for things to be as they used to and the feeling of being left behind by everyone. Will’s decision to keep his painting a secret also hints at his difficulty to reveal his true feelings to Mike.
Dustin – “Carolina”
The light-hearted and upbeat “Carolina” from Harry Styles’ self-titled album suits Dustin’s personality and general optimism when it comes to helping his friends. While he often has a snarky remark at the ready, Dustin refuses to accept defeat in the face of adversity, using his extensive knowledge to form a plan of action.
The lyric, “She’s got a book for every situation. Gets into parties without invitations,” mirrors the admiration that Dustin has for Suzie and her impressive expertise and hacking abilities. The song also reflects the good that Dustin sees in each of his friends and his determination to protect them with Eleven.
Mike – “Late Night Talking”
With Eleven across the country in California, Mike plans a visit during spring break to reunite after their time apart. Blindsided by the reality of El’s terrible experience in high school, Mike struggles to understand why she hid the truth in her letters. “Late Night Talking” describes the changes in a relationship when a couple becomes long-distance.
The line, “Things haven’t been quite the same. There’s a haze on the horizon, babe,” illustrates the difficulties that Mike and El encounter having gone so long without seeing one another. Although Mike wants to make everything better, El’s lack of power continues to affect how she views herself in her new life.
Hopper – “To Be So Lonely”
The complexity of Jim Hopper’s character has only gotten better since Stranger Things‘ first season, but many aspects of his personality remain the same. After adopting Eleven and settling into his life, Hopper tries to initiate the romantic relationship he and Joyce had been dancing around for years. “To Be So Lonely” encapsulates Hopper’s stubborn nature and tendency toward arrogance.
The lines, “I just hope you see me in a little better light. Do you think it’s easy being of the jealous kind?” encompasses Hopper’s desire to change how Joyce sees him.
Joyce – “Adore You”
“Adore You” is a song that perfectly describes Joyce’s relationship with her loved ones. While Joyce’s focus is often drawn in multiple directions, her actions are always an endeavor to save her kids from imminent danger. Even as the entire town believes she’s lost her mind, Joyce never wavers in her pursuit to save Will.
The lyric, “Honey, I’d walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you,” matches the passion with which Joyce protects her family and friends. Despite the danger, nothing deters Joyce from her plan to bring Hopper home.
Eleven – “Matilda”
While many Harry Styles songs befit Eleven, none come close to the childhood trauma addressed by “Matilda”. The line, “You talk of the pain like it’s all alright, but I know that you feel like a piece of you’s dead insidе,” parallels the way El puts on a brave face around Joyce and Mike despite the pain of losing Hopper and the helplessness of being without power for the first time in her life.
Dr. Brenner’s manipulation of El affected the way she views herself, causing her to believe that her upbringing was all she deserved. Although El had never experienced love in her past, she was able to create her own family who would love her unconditionally.
