The final season of Stranger Things has officially arrived, and with it comes a brand new wave of 80s nostalgia that is sweeping the music charts. Just as Kate Bush saw a massive revival in popularity during the previous season, 80s pop icon Tiffany is having her own moment in the spotlight. Her 1987 cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” has rocketed to the top of the charts following a pivotal scene in the new episodes, and the singer is absolutely loving the renewed attention.
In Volume 1 of Season 5, the track plays a central role in the storyline of the youngest Wheeler sibling. Holly Wheeler, now played by Nell Fisher, finds herself trapped in Vecna’s mind world, which manifests as a distorted version of the Creel house. In a manipulative twist, Henry Creel gifts Holly a stereo and a cassette copy of Tiffany’s self-titled debut album to gain her trust. The scene features Holly dancing around the kitchen to the upbeat track, baking a chocolate cake in a moment of eerie, isolated innocence that starkly contrasts with the danger surrounding her.
The placement has been an instant hit with viewers, propelling “I Think We’re Alone Now” to the number one spot on the Shazam music charts almost immediately after the season dropped. Tiffany took to Instagram to share her excitement about the sudden spike in popularity, expressing how “thrilled” and “truly touched” she is by the fan response. She thanked her listeners, both old and new, for the love and celebrated the song’s unexpected comeback as an amazing way to end the year.
This resurgence mirrors the “Kate Bush effect” we saw previously, proving that the Duffer Brothers still have a knack for turning vintage tracks into modern viral sensations. While the context for Holly in the show is ominous—being groomed by the show’s ultimate villain—the real-world result is a celebratory victory lap for Tiffany. It is a testament to the enduring catchiness of her signature hit that, even nearly four decades later, it can still capture the imagination of a global audience.