As Halloween creeps around the corner, setting up the ‘spooky vibes’ is a crucial part of it all. For many, Halloween would not be the same without those haunting tracks that make you look over your shoulder. Here are some classics for a playlist that can make your skin crawl and your mind wander during a spooky night out. So, grab your steaming beverage of choice, put on a costume and prepare for a treat!
Akira Yamaoka – “Promise (Reprise)”
The reprise of “Promise,” made famous by the ‘Silent Hill’ series of video games, is a perfect opener for this spooky soundtrack. When you listen to it on a dim night, you don’t wonder, you think. In seconds, the piano-focused tune can push your mind to race faster, faster and faster as you question what lies in the dark. This song stands for the mysterious, puzzling you without a single lyric.
Charlie Clouser – “Hello Zepp”
“Hello Zepp” — made famous as the theme song for “Saw” — is a dramatic tune that tightens your chest. The accelerating tempo and the dramatic violin make for an unforgettable listen. A shadowy piano tune builds to a dramatic climax, reminiscent of blending the notes of “Promise (Reprise)” with the tempo of a Jack-in-the-box.
Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me”
Rockwell’s 1984 hit “Somebody’s Watching Me” encapsulates Halloween culture. The hit, featuring Rockwell’s childhood friend Michael Jackson, became a sensation and is played at Halloween parties annually — for good reason. The catchy keyboard melody alongside Jackson’s repeated lyric, “I always feel like somebody’s watching me,” creates a song that can creep you out with every listen. Bonus points if you watch the accompanying music video, which includes a fast-paced tour of the set of Rockwell’s house.
Taco – “Putting On The Ritz”
Whether as a zombie or a celebrity, dressing up is arguably one of the most festive things you can do on Halloween. That’s why Taco’s “Putting On The Ritz” is a welcome addition to this playlist — being a song all about ‘putting on the ritz’ — as a slight comedic relief from the horror. The track is enhanced by a synth-pop melody, introduced by Taco in his cover of Irving Berlin’s 1929 original, creating a funky beat perfect for changing into your Halloween costume or dancing late into the night.
Andrew Gold – “Spooky Scary Skeletons”
“Spooky Scary Skeletons” is one of the few Halloween songs that you can’t help but grin at with every listen. The xylophone melody paired with Gold’s iconic voice makes for a circus-like Halloween song that hardly loses its charm from listen to listen. While not groundbreaking, the track is perfectly goofy for any occasion.
Ray Parker Jr. – “Ghostbusters”
The Ghostbusters theme song is one of the most celebrated Halloween songs. The track has a contagiously catchy keyboard beat that you can’t help but dance to. This cult classic tune has been a go-to kid-friendly track since its 1984 debut, with the catchphrase, “Who you gonna’ call? Ghostbusters!” becoming a pop-culture sensation that endures to this day. As the song nears its 40th anniversary, it remains a timeless addition to any Halloween playlist.
Hozier – “Eat Your Young”
While Hozier’s track “Eat Your Young” does not directly mention the conventional Halloween themes of ghouls or costumes, the track itself has an ominous tone that makes it worthy of being on the playlist. Acting as a critique of gluttony, the song uses vivid imagery like “skinning kids for war drums” and “watching the dressing start to peel” in its lyrics, which become unforgettable after the first listen. Hozier’s booming voice, combined with ominous instrumentals, make this track a hauntingly delightful addition to the playlist.
Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
This playlist would not be complete without the Halloween song — Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” A purely iconic synthesizer bassline accompanied by Jackson’s charming lyrics makes for an undeniably enjoyable experience. There is a strong reason why “Thriller” has remained a cult classic of Jackson’s discography. The horror is enhanced if you watch the notorious music video that keeps you on the edge of your seat for over 13 minutes. “Thriller” is iconic in almost every sense and worthy of a relisten every year.
John Carpenter – “Halloween Theme Song”
Michael Myers has been one of the most renowned horror movie villains, sparking terror in the hearts of millions for years. That is why the theme song for his series Halloween is a perfect send-off in this Halloween extravaganza. The track’s introductory drum-piano duet gets your heart racing, with the ever-increasing tempo infecting your mind with paranoia. This instrumental track is one to surely keep you on edge until Halloween night!
