Halloween has always been a time of spookiness, candy corn, and pumpkins. But perhaps the most enjoyable part of this holiday includes scary parties. Although throwing a Halloween party can be difficult, nothing can pull the ambiance together better than spooky music.
Halloween music uses special techniques to invoke a sense of fear or dread in the listener, and when done right, it can be a true thrill to listen to. Below is a list of Halloween music, from spine-chilling classical masterpieces to terrifying pop hits, perfect for setting the atmosphere for a Halloween party.
1) "Monster Mash" by: Bobby "Boris" Pickett
Monster Mash is the essential Halloween song. Although it was an easy make, the timeless classic has been played repeatedly since its release in the '60s. Pickett used sounds from everyday life to create spooky sound effects, such as water being bubbled through a straw to mimic the sound a witch's cauldron might make. It follows the story of a scientist who creates a monster that dances.
"The song wrote itself in a half hour and it took less than a half hour to record it" -Bobby Boris Pickett
2) "Somebody's Watching Me" by: Rockwell
Somebody's Watching Me is a classic Halloween favorite. Although starring American singer Rockwell, this R&B hit offers vocals by pop-sensation Michael Jackson. This song captures the feelings of panic and anxiety when it feels like you are being watched by someone else.
3) "Addams Family Theme Song" Uploaded by: Zelda's Lounge
Every horror nerd knows about the stories of the ultimate scary family, the Addams family. However, their theme song has always been a staple of Halloween culture. This song features a nostalgic beat, bringing your party guests back to their childhood.
"They're creepy, and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, They're all together ooky, The Addams Family."-Addams Family theme song.
Disturbia is a song about the general experience of confusion and anxiety. It is a single which won an award for Best Dance Recording at the 2009 Grammys. It also has backing vocals with Michael Jackson, which makes it a pleasing song to listen to. Featuring creepy and catchy lyrics, this early horror hit by Barbadian singer Rihanna will surely be perfect at any party it plays at.
4) "Spooky Scary Skeletons" by: Andrew Gold
Since first being released in the late 90s, Spooky Scary Skeletons has been a prominent spooky song that offers fun and a good time to anyone listening. It is a childish song about misunderstood monsters, but everyone else is scared of them. Due to its popularity, you simply cannot host a Halloween party without playing this song at least once.
5) "Bury A Friend" by: Billie Eilish
No Halloween playlist is complete without Bury A Friend. It is a scary song, offering ominous lyrics from the perspective of the monster under Eilish's bed. She draws inspiration from her sleep paralysis, which makes it all the more creepier. It was released in 2019 and has been a Halloween favorite ever since.
"I have these terrifying dreams. Sleep paralysis, night terrors. It's like the whole night is terrifying, and then I wake up." -Billie Eilish
6) "Ghostbusters" by: Ray Parker Jr.
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This iconic Halloween song from the family's favorite movie, "Ghostbusters," is sure to have any guest singing at the top of their lungs.
Haunted is a slower song. Beyonce wrote it due to the trauma she has experienced from the music industry. Since it is based on true stories, this song captures the essence of feeling afraid and is essential for setting the mood for any scary party.
8) "Bela Lugosi's Dead" by: Bahaus
This Gothic-rock song by Bauhaus is a hidden gem that tells the tale of the death of a vampire. It features a very eerie and ethereal sound that is unique and dark. It has been recognized by many as classic alternative rock music. Bela Lugosi's Dead is the perfect song for any Halloween playlist looking to steer away from mainstream music.
9) "No Body No Crime" by: Taylor Swift
No Body No Crime, a song on the Evermore album by Taylor Swift, is a fan favorite. It depicts a fictional murder story within the lyrics. The main character, Este, is named after a member of the HAIM band. Featuring a collaboration with Indie band HAIM, this chilling song will surely have every swiftie screaming out the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
10) "Season Of The Witch" by: Lana Del Ray
This song, originally featured in the movie "Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark," has a sinister vibe. Lana Del Ray uses her mellow voice to create this spine-chilling witchy masterpiece about someone looking out the window and being surprised to see witches.
How is it possible for music with no lyrics to invoke so much fear? However, that is exactly what Listz has achieved in this macabre piece. It was published during the 1840s, during the Romantic era of music. But it is still very relevant today, and each of these 17-minute classical song will surely have the listener filled with fear.
12) "This is Halloween" by: Tim Burton
Disney music has always influenced pop culture, but that is especially true for this nostalgic song. As a child, watching The Nightmare Before Christmas was often a fond memory. Yet the music lives on through This Is Halloween. Due to its eerie tone and mysterious vibe, this will always be a special song in our hearts.
13) "Thriller" by: Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the king of pop, released the song Thriller in the 1980s. Ever since then, it has been an iconic song for Halloween. Many interpret this song as the fear of growing up through the lens of the world of zombies and evil spirits.
Although hosting a party can be difficult, adding music is always a good idea. The songs in this list are sure to give you and your guests a good time as you celebrate Halloween!
