Every holiday season requires setting the mood with music, whether it’s for a party or simply to get into the holiday spirit. Halloween is a widely celebrated day, similar to Christmas, which has its holiday music everywhere in homes, stores, and people’s everyday playlists. Truthfully, the former doesn’t get the same love as the latter, so here are some suggestions for songs that will get anyone into that spooky, haunted mood.
1. “Somebody Watching Me” by Rockwell
An absolute staple of any Halloween party or tradition, Rockwell’s “Somebody Watching Me” highlights a groovy, festive classic. With background vocals from the one and only Michael Jackson and synthesized sounds throughout the song, it’s hard not to bob your head to it. Paired with holiday trends, this song truly gives no privacy throughout October.
2. “Killing Me” by Conan Gray
With a Halloween 2023 release date, Gray’s single puts together heartbreak and the overall vibe of a foggy Halloween night. Another song featuring synthesizers, it is featured on Gray’s third studio album, Found Heaven. It’s a pop addition to a mostly spooky, rock-filled playlist, with a jamming bridge. With a forward-moving bass, interesting chords, and background vocals from Gray, “Killing Me” could add more depth to a party playlist this season.
3. “Witchy Woman” by Eagles
The first lyrics of this song immediately depict a woman straight out of a Halloween movie. “Raven hair, and ruby lips,” immediately make any listener think the singer has fallen in love with, well, a “Witchy Woman.” As a chill, slightly laid-back song, it can act as a background song that some might know. Eagles have a knack for songs that allow the listener to picture what the lyrics are saying, which can be seen in their song “Hotel California” (which should also be added to your Halloween playlist).
4. “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads
This song matches a trend that ties in with the Scream movies’ main antagonist, Ghostface. However, the song mostly dives into the psyche and the social disconnection of a killer. Acting as a toss between the disjointed and the human, the main chorus of the song includes a French lyric, which translates to “Psycho killer, what is this?” It’s then followed by repeating the word “run.” Psycho Killer is a break from the synthesizer in most Halloween songs, featuring a more acoustic, rock feel.
5. “Maneater” by Daryl Hall, John Oates, and Sara Allen
A song that has been covered by many, including Nelly Furtado, makes “Maneater” a perfect addition to a party. Whether the song is taken literally, which gives it a very creepy message, or metaphorically, it mixes the classic rock of most songs on this list with a modern, electric sound. With a silky saxophone in the mix, “Maneater” offers a relaxed background song before the heavy hitters.
6. “I Put a Spell on You” covered by Nina Simone
Featured in the Halloween classic movie Hocus Pocus, this song simply had to be in the lineup for a Halloween party. Even better, a Hocus Pocus-themed Halloween party. Originally by Jay Hawkins, the song adds smooth jazz to a night of fun. The covers of the song are quite different, having been featured in other movies such as Fifty Shades of Gray, where it’s covered by Annie Lennox.
7. “Disturbia” by Rihanna
Though the song, featured on Rihanna’s deluxe album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, does not feature references to classic Halloween, it’s still easy to dance to and matches the overall vibe of a party. With Rihanna’s iconic vocals and lyrics referencing paranoia, “Disturbia” can loosen up guests and provide a groovy song that still matches the Halloween vibe.
8. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Starting with footsteps, the howl of a wolf, and the iconic first notes of the chorus, “Thriller” is an obvious choice for every Halloween party. We know it’s going to happen, and someone might even know the dance. The music video is often referred to as the greatest music video of all time, as it features references to classic Halloween movies and an ominous laugh to conclude it.
9. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, and Dave Stewart
When reading the lyrics alone, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” may not seem too spooky. However, mixed with the synthesized bass and a feature in the 2007 horror film Trick ‘r Treat, the song becomes one that should be on every Halloween party playlist.
10. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult
In last year’s Halloween Horror Nights 34, the water light show featured this song. Yes, you might hear someone say “more cowbell,” but the song is influenced by psychedelic rock and is easy-listening at a party. The song is actively telling listeners not to fear death, to take its hand, and has a hardcore guitar solo in the middle before going back to the main melody.
Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small Halloween craft night, a playlist will always help keep the good vibes rolling. Halloween can be just as iconic as Christmas with the amount of spooky songs that are out there.
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