Is it just me or do Christmas songs get all the love? Personally, I feel like Halloween songs should be right up there with them. I don’t think it’s fair that some radio stations will play only Christmas songs from November until January but won’t dedicate time for Halloween music. So, we have to take matters into our own hands. Here are 13 spooky songs necessary for your scary Halloween playlist.

Now, a Halloween song doesn’t have to be a song that’s only for Halloween. Sure, there are gems like the Monster Mash. However, any song can be a song that works well with Halloween if it has any number of factors. It could have a spooky tone, it could have scary lyrics, or it could follow a theme that’s connected to Halloween. Talking about Frankenstein is a plus, not a must-have when it comes to Halloween songs.

Songs For Any Halloween Playlist

When you think of Halloween songs, several popular ones probably come to mind. The most well-known ones include The Monster Mash, Spooky Scary Skeletons, and Thriller. However, since these are all so popular and well-known I feel like I’d be wasting my time, and thus your time, by diving into those. You know they exist, I know they’re there, and obviously they’d go well with any Halloween playlist. So why include them?

Similarly, I’m not going to include any theme song in the list. We are all familiar with The Addams Family theme, the Halloween theme, and the Stranger Things theme song. Those are all great. However, they, also, won’t be on this list. I wanted to find real songs to make a playlist out of. Theme songs are fine and set the mood, but it could be a separate list of awesome theme songs for your Halloween playlist. Here, I want to focus on songs that weren’t released or created to be exclusive on Halloween, or tied to a specific movie. These songs are simply songs that also happen to work well on Halloween.

I was torn and questioned adding Ray Parker Jr.’s ‘Ghostbusters’ but decided against breaking my rule. Yes, it’s actually a legit song that was popular and even got some play on the radio. However, it’s the Ghostbusters song. I think it’s best if we include that in the list with the other theme songs and such. Enough is enough. Whether you’re into rock, pop, or country there’s a Halloween song for your playlist. Let’s get to the list.

• The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"

  I mean just by the title “Heads Will Roll” I think we can already tell it’s got something spooky happening. That instantly qualifies it for a Halloween playlist. It’s certainly not a Christmas song.

• The Cranberries - "Zombie"

  I swear, if this isn’t one of the most catchy songs of all-time then what is? It’s called “Zombie,” so it’s no head scratcher why it makes for a good song on a Halloween playlist. Does the theme fit? No, not really. However, they’ll get why it’s on the playlist.

• The Eagles - "Witchy Woman"

  “Witchy Woman” has to make the playlist! Fits the Halloween theme perfectly. It has to be one of my favorite songs for Halloween of all-time. Also, bonus points if you sing it the way they do. Witch-ay woman.

• Santana - "Black Magic Woman"

  If “Witchy Woman” makes the list then “Black Magic Woman” better, as well. Santana brings it on this one and delivers some of his best strums of all-time. The vibe also totally fits Halloween. It’s a must-add.

• Van Halen - "Runnin' With The Devil"

  If a song mentions the Devil, or has something about the Devil in the title…it’s probably safe for a Halloween playlist. Devil Went Down To Georgia? Sure, add it. Plus, it never hurts to have some Van Halen on the playlist, right?

• Metallica - "Enter Sandman"

  He’s visiting me in my sleep? Uhh…that’s pretty scary! I think it’s worthy of a Halloween playlist. Additionally, The Sandman TV show is very scary and appropriate for Halloween, as well.

• Nina Simone - "I Put A Spell On You"

  There are several different versions of this song by a plethora of different artists. Pick your favorite. For me, I’ve always preferred Nina Simone’s version. However, whenever I hear the song I think of Disney’s Hocus Pocus.

• AC/DC - "Highway To Hell"

  Just like songs that mention the devil, if a song has “Hell” in the title it’ll very likely work for Halloween. I think this is a great choice. If it’s not your thing then consider “Hell’s Bells” by AC/DC. No shortage of hell-related songs from them.

• Rockwell - "Somebody's Watching Me"

  It has a creepy vibe and tone…and the lyrics are creepy, as well. We all know that haunted feeling like you’re being watched. It’s not a good feeling to have. Especially on Halloween. Perfect song for the night. “I’ll Be Watching You” by the Police could be an addition, too. People watching you is creepy, even if they are trying to be romantic about it. It’s a delicate line.

• Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"

  Now, I’m not sure if the “Candy” being talked about here is literally candy, or a woman, or some sort of metaphor. It very well could be. However, for Halloween I’m taking it as a literal interpretation. It’s about sweet sugary candy. Bow Wow Wow wants some, and so do I.

• DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - "Nightmare On My Street"

  A different take and approach to Halloween songs. I love the storytelling in this one and the vibe is on point. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince deliver hits for all the big moments. Halloween, Summertime, parents not understanding…all the big moments.

• Warren Zevon - "Werewolves Of London"

  The title is certainly scarier than the music here. Also, if I ever ran into a werewolf and it made that “ah-woo” sound I don’t think I’d be scared. I’d probably head towards the sound. It’s catchy and gets stuck in the head easily. Despite the mood, it’s still good on Halloween.

• Blue Oyster Cult - "(Don't Fear) The Reaper)"

  Sure, hearing this song probably makes most of us laugh. Thanks a lot, Will Ferrell. However, at its core, it’s still a Halloween song. The Reaper? Like, The Grim Reaper? I can’t think of a character that better embodies (or lack there of) Halloween. Thanks to Saturday Night Live, it’s gotten less scary and more…cowbell.

Sign Up For The WRIF Everything That Rocks Newsletter

Get everything that rocks sent right to your inbox. We're talking rock news, concert updates, stories from all around metro Detroit, plus exclusive contests, games and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.