With Halloween just around the corner, spooky season is in full swing. And although there is a global pandemic afoot that could have effects on Trick r’ Treating or Halloween parties, that doesn’t mean you can’t still get into the spirit of things. We will be taking a look at some of the most essential Halloween songs every spooky fanatic should have on their Halloween playlist. While many of these songs have been remixed or covered by other artists, we will be incorporating the original versions to these songs while also giving a shout out to some of those worthy covers. If you find yourself already having most of these songs on your playlist, take a look at the bottom for bonus songs you might not have thought could be related to Halloween.
Song: The Monster Mash
Artist: Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers
Part of me felt obligated to include this song to this list, simply because I remember going to Halloween activities as a kid at my school and always hearing this song come on. No doubt it’s one of the most recognizable songs that makes you dance when it comes to the Halloween season.
Song: Thriller
Artist: Michael Jackson
Honestly, there are an abundance of songs by the King of Pop that we could have picked for this list. But as much as we love Blood on the Dance Floor, Ghosts or Scream, nothing beats the original. Even if you are sick of hearing this version there are so many remixes to spice up during Halloween. If you want a fresh take on Thriller, try the Steve Aoki Midnight Hour Remix.
Song: This is Halloween
Artist: The Citizens of Halloween
From the Motion Picture The Nightmare Before Christmas, this song has to be the first song you listen to when leaves start hitting the ground. With a various cast of characters from the film, the people who reside in Halloween present you with song expressing their love for All Hallows’ Eve.
Song: Werewolves in London
Artist: Warren Zevon
While some might think this song was adapted from the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London, it was actually an adaptation from the original 1935 movie Werewolf of London. Regardless it’s still a catchy rock song about Werewolves in London, if it doesn’t get you howling during the chorus then odds are you’re probably not a werewolf.
Song: Superstitious
Artist: Stevie Wonder
As if rock doesn’t already work so well with Halloween music, R&B will. A trademark song for the musician Stevie Wonder, Superstitious isn’t even just a hit as a Halloween song but a respected tune in general. Despite however you interpret the song, you can’t deny the relevance it has with Spooky Season.
Song: Somebody’s Watching Me
Artist: Rockwell feat. Michael Jackson
Just as much a Michael Jackson song as it is a Rockwell’s, this jams pop tune and funky beat offer listeners the thoughts of paranoia. Chanting words about constantly being on edge of someone watching or following him, this collaboration of pop vocals is what makes Halloween such a fun time of the year.
Song: The Boogie Monster
Artist: Gnarls Barkley
On Gnarls Barkley’s first album titled St. Elsewhere, listening to the whole album you wouldn’t expect a song like this to come on. But then you get to The Boogie Monster and then you realize “Is this a Halloween song?” yes it is! Referencing monsters in closets and under beds, even Dracula. This song belongs as much on your playlist as any of these others.
Song: Halloween (Theme)
Artist: John Carpenter
If you don’t think this theme belongs on your playlist, at least go watch the film. One of the most influential horror films ever made, part of what made the movie so popular was John Carpenters iconic tune to go with it. Oddly Carpenter didn’t even write the music that made this, he literally just put together some sounds and came up with this melody.
Song: Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)
Artist: David Bowie
One of the pioneers of Rock and Roll comes this insanely fun jam by Bowie. While many have different opinions and theories about the lyrics of the song including corruption, mental breakdowns or androgyny. The way we like to interpret it is a fitting song to listen to around Halloween time.
Song: Ghostbusters
Artist: Ray Parker Jr.
Another song from a major Motion Picture, Ghostbusters. The film had already garnered so much love an appreciation, very rarely do we end up with a scenario where the theme song to the movie is just as big of a hit as the film itself. It’s hard not to at least tap your foot to this tune, but even if you aren’t a fan of Ray Parker Jr’s version you can always try Fall Out Boys, or Walk the Moon’s from the 2016 reboot.
If listening to some of the these songs aren’t getting you excited for Halloween, watching some of these music video’s might be able to do it for you! For some other fun songs to put on your Halloween Playlist, take a look at some of these other spook related tunes:
Howlin’ For You – The Black Keys
Highway to Hell – AC/DC
Nearly Witchy (Ever Since We Met…) – Panic! At the Disco
Dracula’s Wedding – Outkast Feat. Kelis
The Monster – Eminem Feat. Rhianna
Witchcraft – Frank Sinatra
LA Devotee – Panic! At the Disco
Blood on the Dance Floor – Michael Jackson
Ghosts – Michael Jackson
Haunted Heart – Christina Aguilera
All The Good Girls Go to Hell – Billie Eilish
Demons – Hayley Kiyoko
Animals – Maroon 5
Season of the Witch – Lana Del Rey
Evil Ways – Santana
Evil Eye – Franz Ferdinand
Haunted – Evanesence
