Here are the must-have songs to keep you in the Halloween holiday spirit. (Kevin Dooley/Flickr Creative Commons)
We’ve reached that week-long stretch at the end of October when everyone is throwing Halloween parties. Chances are, if you’re hosting one of these parties, or just need to get into the Halloween spirit, you’ll need a fire playlist. Here are the top 11 songs to get you in the trick-or-treating mood!
Let’s start this list off with the most obvious and famous of Halloween songs, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. This song is a must-have for any spooky playlist. This legendary track was one of the biggest hits on the best-selling album of all time. DJ Steve Aoki also has an interesting remix of “Thriller,” if you’re more of an EDM kind of person.
Another great song from the “Thriller” album to add to your Halloween playlist is “Beat It.” This up-tempo track has one of the most contagious electric guitar riffs of all time. There’s no doubt that if you want to get people dancing, playing a few songs by the King of Pop is a good place to start.
The next song you should add is another Halloween classic: the “Ghostbusters” theme song by Ray Parker Jr. This is one of the most recognizable Halloween tunes out there, so everyone will be able to sing along. The “Ghostbusters” theme song is so catchy that it managed to reach number one on the Billboard charts a couple months after its release. If you’re in need of a song that will definitely get everyone in the Halloween spirit, you know who to call.
Two more songs that are perfect for a Halloween playlist are “Demons” by Imagine Dragons and “The Monster” by Eminem featuring Rihanna. “Demons” is featured on the American rock band Imagine Dragons debut studio album “Night Visions.” The song was the band’s second top ten single following “Radioactive.” “The Monster” is featured on Eminem’s eighth studio album “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.” On this track, Eminem raps about the negative effects of being famous while guest vocalist Rihanna sings about her struggle with inner demons.
A few older songs that you should consider adding include “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra and “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult. One of America’s most talented singer/songwriters Stevie Wonder released the catchy track “Superstition” in 1972. The song talks about the negative impact that believing in superstitions can have. “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra was released in 1975 and quickly became a worldwide hit. The song, which is a blast to sing along with, features upbeat piano and strings. Lastly, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult was released in 1976. It is the band’s most successful song and deals with the inevitability of death.
Another song that seems almost necessary to include is “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett. This song brings back childhood memories of elementary school Halloween parties. The lyrics are a bit cheesy but it definitely embodies the spirit of Halloween.
The next song to add to your Halloween playlist is “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell. This tune features guest vocals by Michael Jackson, who definitely had a knack for making spooky tracks. The electronic background and quick pace of this song make it thrilling to listen to. The popular music video starts off with Rockwell being followed by an ominous figure. By the end to the video he realizes that this figure, who was disguised as a mailman, is actually a zombie.
To finish off this list, I’d like to include a fun EDM song that will definitely get the party going. The track by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (remixed by A-Trak), which was made popular by the movie “Project X,” is “Heads Will Roll.” This song brings a ton energy, but the spooky lyrics allow it to fit the Halloween theme. If you’re looking for more party music, there is also a really good remix of the Halloween theme song on YouTube called “Halloween Theme (Trap Music)” by the channel Trap Music Now that is worth checking out.
If you’re throwing a Halloween party this weekend, you should definitely consider sprinkling in a few of these songs to keep your music on theme. Most importantly, remember that Michael Jackson is a must-have for any good Halloween party.
Matt Souvigney is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at matthew.souvigney@uconn.edu.
