Recommendations of the Editorial team
The finale of “Stranger Things” also has an enormous musical impact. Several songs from the Netflix series are making a spectacular comeback in the Official German Singles Charts. These include classics as well as current titles with a direct connection to the series. The only thing the evergreens can’t get past is Taylor Swift in the top position.
Actor Joe Keery aka Djo benefits particularly strongly: his song “End Of Beginning” jumps from 14th place to third place. There are a total of seven songs in the charts that are associated with “Stranger Things,” evidence of the series’ pop-cultural clout.
In addition to Djo, previous series hits are also returning. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (15), “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush (24), “Africa” by Toto (51) and “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” by The Clash (93) celebrate renewed chart positions.
Series finale as a chart engine
Songs from the fifth and final season are also reflected. “Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution debuts at number 61, “Upside Down” by Diana Ross reaches number 70. “Stranger Things” once again proves to be an effective catalyst for cross-generational music rediscoveries. All that’s missing is “When Doves Cry” by Prince, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, “Heroes” by David Bowie and “Here Comes Your Man” by the Pixies celebrating their chart comeback – all of these songs are celebrated in the series finale within just half an hour.
At the top of the singles charts, however, everything remains the same. Taylor Swift defends first place with “The Fate Of Ophelia” ahead of “Golde”n by Huntr/x. “Where Is My Husband!” by Raye slips to four, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren remains stable in the top five.
Taylor Swift also leads the album charts: “The Life Of A Showgirl” narrowly pushes past Daniela Alfinito, whose “Who Loves Wins” lands in second place.
Swift dominates, classics benefit
Behind the top two, “Luck And Strange” by David Gilmour returns to the top five. The re-released Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here” falls to fifth place. When it comes to compilations, “Bravo – The Hits 2025” defends its top position.
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We are opening the year 2026 with a unique and extraordinary collaboration: on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death, ROLLING STONE and MUSIKEXPRESS are releasing two world-exclusive vinyl singles by Prince.
A few months before his death, the genius of the century had recorded two albums that once again show him in top form and will be re-released in the new year: “HITnRUN Phase I” and “Phase II”. These were to remain his last works. For “Phase I” he worked with singers such as Rita Ora and Lianne La Havas. “Phase II” shows him as a political observer of his time.
Our February issue releases the collector’s item “Fallinlove2nite” / “Hardrock Lover”, two outstanding tracks from “HITnRUN Phase I” – “Fallinlove2nite” in particular is considered a fan favorite. The 7-inch single comes in a sturdy, carefully designed cardboard cover and on heavyweight vinyl. It is only available with the German edition of ROLLING STONE and not in record stores.
MUSIKEXPRESS 03/26 also releases a second world-exclusive Prince single: “Baltimore” / “Stare”, two songs from HITnRUN Phase II. Prince wrote the ballad-like “Baltimore” under the impression of racist police violence in the USA. Both editions are also available together in a bundle at the special price of EUR 19.90 at: www.rollingstone.de/prince-2026-bundle
Included in delivery: ROLLING STONE issue 02/2026 + exclusive Prince 7″ vinyl single.