The soundtrack album for the
second season of the
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...
series ''
Stranger Things
''Stranger Things'' is an American television series created by the Duffer brothers, Duffer Brothers for Netflix. Produced by Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment, the Stranger Things season 1, first season was released on N ...
'', titled ''Stranger Things 2'', was released digitally on October 20, 2017, via
Lakeshore and Invada Records.
Like the previous season, the soundtrack was composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band
Survive
Survival or survivorship, the act of surviving, is the propensity of something to continue existing, particularly when this is done despite conditions that might kill or destroy it. The concept can be applied to humans and other living things ...
. The album was also released on physical formats such as
CD,
vinyl
Vinyl may refer to:
Chemistry
* Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer
* Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation
* Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry
* Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl ...
, and
cassette in the year following the soundtrack's initial digital release.
Composition
On the soundtrack's composition, Dixon and Stein together said that the score for the season introduces "new styles of composition, while still revisiting old themes when appropriate ... We've created new elements that are necessary to support the story, but still want to remain true to the sound of Season 1." The two had previously stated they've purchased new equipment as to allow further experimentation and diversification during the scoring process.
Critical reception
The first track on the album, "Walkin' in Hawkins", was released early on October 12, 2017.
Kevin Lozano of ''
Pitchfork
A pitchfork or hay fork is an agricultural tool used to pitch loose material, such as hay, straw, manure, or leaves. It has a long handle and usually two to five thin tines designed to efficiently move such materials.
The term is also applie ...
'' praised the track, calling it "bright and pleasant" yet "minimal and effective," and noted that the song's "precise sounds point to a refinement in their technique ... the romantic, reverential mood of the song makes it easy to picture the scene it might score: a gorgeous day in a small town, streets bathed in sunlight, kids pedaling on bicycles, and the horrors seemingly far, far away." Randall Colburn of ''
Consequence of Sound
''Consequence'' (previously ''Consequence of Sound'') is an independently owned New York-based online magazine featuring news, editorials, and reviews of music, movies, and television.
History
''Consequence of Sound'' was founded in Septem ...
'' found the "straightforward tune" carried "a wistful, appropriately autumnal vibe," while Elias Leight of ''
Rolling Stone
''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason.
The magazine was first known fo ...
'' lauded the song as being "majestic" and "stately."
Track listing
Charts
In the United States, the album sold 6,000 units in its first week of release.
References
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Stranger Things 2'' (soundtrack)
Music of Stranger Things
Television soundtracks
2017 soundtrack albums