15 Halloween Songs
Perfect for Your Halloween Playlist
Another Halloween is just around the corner. It’s time to get those playlists ready for your house party or background music for Trick-or-Treaters. Or maybe you just love the holiday and want some music to get you in the spirit while cruising in your car or hanging out at home…
Here’s 15 Halloween songs that are not your traditional Halloween tunes such as “Thriller” or the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. These are macabre yet magnificent tracks by artists you’ve probably heard of that you may not have known had tunes ideal for this special holiday. While there’s nothing wrong with the aforementioned songs, you’ve probably heard them one too many times and may be ready for some new material on your playlist.
15. Blood Gets thin
PETE & the Pirates
This song by the now defunct English indie rock band Pete & the Pirates was cool and eerie enough to make the soundtrack for the first season of American Horror Story. It’s upbeat and catchy, in the spirit of bands such as the Vines or the Kaiser Chiefs. The song is about a mysterious woman who has a strange effect on lead singer Thomas Sanders, so much that he can feel his “blood get thin”. Check out the song and video below.
14. I Hope I Become A Ghost
the Deadly Syndrome
Another indie band that no longer exists gave us a fun Halloween song to bob our heads to. The Deadly Syndrome‘s name alone sounds pretty stark but their song “I Hope I Become a Ghost” is actually pretty lively. It’s almost a happier version of the Halloween children’s classic “Have You Seen the Ghost of John?“. It’s quirky yet enjoyable, with lyrics about one day becoming a ghost. Have a listen below.
13. Red sabbath
Kid Cudi
This is probably Kid Cudi’s darkest track to date. It’s a somber rocker with cryptic lyrics that reference both the devil and death. The melody sounds like something straight out of a serial killer movie, and was written during a very bleak period of Cudi’s life. As infectious as this macabre tune is, be aware there are a few curse words on it, if you plan to have it on a playlist that kids might hear. It also features a Beavis & Butthead sketch at the end. Check it out below.
12. Heathens
Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots‘ “Heathens” has been described by Kerrang! magazine as a “deliciously insidious single”. It appeared on the soundtrack to the critically panned Suicide Squad movie, but this rap-rock song, with dark wave elements, was far more liked than the film itself. The song is about some unsavory characters vocalist Tyler Joseph says he’s friends with. Psychopaths and murderers? Time to find some new friends, Tyler. Regardless, it’s an unforgettable hit that’s perfect for any Halloween playlist.
11. Lil' Red Riding Hood
SAM THE SHAM & the PHAROAHS
For the next number on the 15 Halloween songs list we have to time travel back in time to 1966 for a vintage rock n’ roll hit. Although the song centers around the fairytale of the same name, it is told through the perspective of the duplicitous wolf. While the tune is carousing, there’s something about it that is also sinister. You might find this beloved track on a Halloween playlist or two, and deservedly so, though it’s certainly not a holiday staple. Have a listen below and see if it belongs on your playlist too.
10. Spirit
Ghost
Ghost, the multi-award winning Swedish hard rock band have stirred up controversy over the years because of their devil-themed lyrics. Some see that as a gimmick though, and just enjoy their showmanship. Whatever the case, they have a large selection of songs about dark and supernatural subject matter. The track “Spirit” has vague enough lyrics to be appropriate for most households, and is laced with creepy organs and spooky sound effects. Like most of their catalogue, it has pop appeal and possesses a catchiness that’s perfect for your Halloween playlist.
9. the Boogie Monster
Gnarls Barkley
This odd couple, comprised of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, produced some pretty memorable tunes with just two albums. Gnarls Barkley‘s first successful collaboration St. Elsewhere had this Halloween-ready spooktacular non-single that mentions both Dracula and the Boogie Man. The wind knocking at his window, a monster in the closet, and several other spine-chilling lyrics make this a quintessential holiday track.
8. Special Death
Mirah
I first discovered Mirah after stumbling across “the Garden”, an indie pop track that somehow landed on my radar. So I recognized her name when I saw it attached to the American Horror Story soundtrack with her eerie, somber, yet beautiful contribution “Special Death”. This spine-tingling semi-single became her most streamed song to date, and is haunting enough to land on this list of 15 Halloween songs that should be on your playlist.
7. Burn the Witch
QOTSA
Queens of the Stone Age, abbreviated to QOTSA, have a number of songs with grim lyrics and a gloomy ambience about them. “Burn the Witch”, from their folkloristic 4th studio album, deals with the Salem Witch Trials, and aside from the dismal subject matter, is a rocker that has some bounce to it. It feels like a Halloween party song, and has appeared on horror soundtracks such as Saw II and True Blood. Even the album cover itself fits right in with the spirit of this fable-filled holiday. The music video is surprisingly amusing as well.
6. Disturbia
Rihanna
This grim pop single may already appear on your Halloween playlist. It was a pretty massive hit, and I’ve heard it played while at a pumpkin patch or two. It’s certainly not as overdone though as the Ghostbusters theme or “the Monster Mash”. Rihanna is one of my favorite pop stars, and songs like this are the reason why. She’s not afraid to deviate from the norm, and create a tenebrous yet sexy single like this. The song is appropriate for all, and easily falls into the top 15 Halloween songs you should add to your playlist.
5. Monster
LUM!X & GABRY PONTE
Coming in at #5 on the 15 Halloween Songs Perfect for Your Holiday Playlist is an infectious EDM ditty by LUM!X and Gabry Ponte. The only lyrics to this electronic banger are “Monster – How should I feel? – Creatures lie here – Looking through the window.” The song repeats those lines throughout. It is especially catchy though, has a cool accommodating music video, and is absolutely perfect for a Halloween dance party. Kids and their techno-loving parents can both enjoy this one together.
4. Voodoo
godsmack
This hypnotic slow rocker was used as the theme song for the paranormal reality show Fear. It is perhaps Godsmack‘s most chill song to date, veering away from their usual made-for-radio hard rock anthems. The song’s lyrics, coupled with it’s video, showcasing rituals, witches, and zombies, creates a vibe perfect for the pagan holiday. It’s a soothing composition, and with such a memorable hook, it has all the ingredients to make for a classic Halloween-themed track. If it’s not on your holiday playlist, it should be.
3. Zombie Prom
Kaiser Chiefs
I previously mentioned this English indie-rock band, but they too have a song made specifically for Halloween Season. The Kaiser Chiefs‘ “Zombie Prom” feels almost like a direct sequel to ‘the Monster Mash”. It’s fast-paced and fun song that will surely lift spirits at your Halloween party (or by yourself in your car). Songs really don’t get much more festive than this one. Be extra and throw on it’s zany zombie-rific video for your guests while you’re at it.
2. Time warp
Tenacious D
Almost everyone has heard the original “Time Warp” from the cult hit rock musical the Rocky Horror Picture Show. That song is found on many a-Halloween playlist, and rightfully so. It’s an iconic song, even if the movie isn’t your cup of tea. Well, this cover is wildly amusing, thanks to Jack Black‘s vivacity, and puts a slightly new spin on the original. Tenacious D bring the energy and really crank up the Halloween vibes with it’s accompanying music video. If you don’t already have this version on your playlist, it’s time warp you add it!
1. It's Almost Halloween
Panic! at the Disco
Back when Panic! at the Disco had their original lineup, they dropped a 60’s surf-rock style Halloween party anthem. The song, “It’s Almost Halloween” did not appear on any of their albums, and is not streaming on platforms such as Spotify and Pandora. Instead, you’ll have to add it to your YouTube playlist, unless you don’t mind the cover versions that are out there streaming.
The track is as enjoyable as Halloween songs get, like a modern-day “Monster Mash”. It’s music video cranks it up a notch, taking place at a Halloween bash, recorded with a cheap handheld camera. It features the band in costume as classic monsters, as well as other party-goers dressing up. This evocative 60’s revival party song reigns supreme at the top of the 15 Halloween songs perfect for your holiday playlist.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
“Season of the Witch” Donovan
“Zombie Queen” Ghost
“Somebody’s Watching Me” Rockwell
“Boris the Spider” the Who
“Comin’ Up From Behind” Marcy Playground
“Fresh Blood” Eels
“Psycho” Puddle of Mudd
“Bad Things” Jace Everett
The following playlist contains most of the songs above, plus some other very familiar Halloween Hits:
