With a great Halloween party comes a great Halloween playlist. Here are some of the Scout’s choices to set the perfect scary mood.
You can find a link to a Spotfiy playlist with all of the songs here.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson – Anaiah Davis
“Thriller” is timeless, soulful and, most of all, groovy. The song features sound effects like wolf howls, creepy footsteps and slamming doors in addition to the outro spoken by horror movie icon Vincent Price, both of which create an excellent horror movie vibe. “Thriller” is also the perfect song to play at a Halloween party to perform the legendary dance numbers from the music video.
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult – Daniel Kerns
Although it’s probably most famous for the “More Cowbell” sketch on “Saturday Night Live,” the eeriness of this rock classic shouldn’t be discounted. The chilling lyrics about the peaceful acceptance of death are anything but comedic. Full of energy, the haunting guitar riff that drives the song is iconic. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” has been a Halloween must-have since its 1976 release and deserves to stick around for years to come.
“Spooky, Scary Skeletons” by Andrew Gold – Mason Klemm
This song’s upbeat tempo and joyful tone lend themselves well to a good Halloween party. Already a viral TikTok dance trend, many consider this trick-or-treating classic to be the Internet’s Halloween anthem, and I assume it’ll be that way for the rest of time.
“Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band – Matt Lucas
As the first track in the album, “Abracadabra” adds all the spookiness one needs to form a Halloween playlist. From the piano that leads in, to the vocal fade as the song exits, this song is the perfect playlist addition for a full moon on a cold, Halloween night.
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr. – Maddy Mirallegro
This is by far one of the most recognizable themes there is around Halloween. When it comes on people can’t help but scream the lyrics “Ghostbusters” in time with the song. The theme itself brings memories of the ‘80s and its cinema. It reminds people of the team of nerds hunting down ghosts around New York City.
“The Addams Family” theme by Vic Mizzy – Maddy Mirallegro
Just at the sound of the snaps in the very beginning, it is clear what Halloween song is coming on. “The Addams Family” is a staple creepy family movie for all to watch. The song itself carries the fun theme of what the franchise is all about.
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell – Payton Egnew
“Somebody’s Watching Me” will always be a favorite Halloween song of mine because of the creepy instrumental and lyrics. Michael Jackson lends his vocals to the track and it is a perfect addition to the song.
“This is Halloween” – Payton Egnew
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” has always been one of my favorite movies, so “This is Halloween” will always be a classic Halloween song for me. Its eerie vibe makes it the perfect song to listen to on a cold October night.
“Stay Hollow” by Ekali – Jonathan Michel
This is a peaceful, yet eerie track that I’ve found is perfect for a late-night drive in the country as your car is bathed in the light of a full moon. The song opens with waves coming in, followed by haunting piano chords and a progressively imposing guitar provides a mysterious vibe. “Stay Hollow” doesn’t have many words but “You wouldn’t like it out there” whispered in the song’s bridge sends a chill down your spine.
“Time Warp” by Richard O’Brien – Lee Lard
This song, featured in the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” is a staple Halloween song for me. Going to Peoria Players Theatre to watch and act out in the film at Halloween time is a longstanding tradition for me. The wacky horror of the characters and their plight will always be a Halloween favorite.
