No Halloween night is complete without a spooky mix of music. Here are 10 great tunes that will spice up your playlist and add variety, chills and thrills to your celebration.
- “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
Initially suggested as a joke to write a song adaptation of the 1935 hit-thriller, “Werewolf of London,” Warren Zevon’s song went on to be his only career hit to reach the top 40 U.S. hit list. This song’s driving rock groove features Fleetwood Mac’s, Mick Fleetwood, on drums and John McVie on the bass. Listen here.
- “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
This song was originally released right before Halloween on Oct. 24, 1972. “Superstition” reached number one in the U.S. in 1973, and also topped the soul singles chart. It was ranked number 74 on the “Rolling Stone” list, “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
What is Halloween without some superstition? It’ll add just the right amount of funk to your party. Listen here.
- “Hells Bells” by AC/DC
Halloween is said to be a time where souls, the undead and devils from hell come to haunt the land of the living. Just listening to the opening bell chimes of “Hells Bells” will give anyone the chills. Released on Halloween in 1980, AC/DC’s second single “Hells Bells” is a classic rock must-have for any Halloween playlist. Listen here.
- “The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
If Halloween is too dark for your taste, lighten the mood with the fun hit, “The Purple People Eater.” Wooley’s 1958 number-one chart-topping hit tells the story of a strange creature from outer space who comes to Earth to be in a rock ‘n’ roll band.
You’ve never heard the story of “The Purple People Eater?” Listen here.
- “A Nightmare On My Street” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
You’ll have nightmares after listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince’s “A Nightmare On My Street.” The artists’ 1988 hit reached number 15 on the Hot 100 list.
Invite the Fresh Prince to your party this year by playing “A Nightmare On My Street.” Listen here.
- “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
If you and your monster friends will be throwing a Halloween event of any kind, the “Monster Mash” is a must-have.
Released in 1962, the “Monster Mash” went on to become the number one single on the “Billboard” hot 100 chart from Oct. 20-27 of that year. It’s now a Halloween classic. Listen here.
- “Witchy Woman” by the Eagles
One of the most recognizable icons of Halloween is the witch, making the Eagles’ hit “Witchy Woman” an essential ingredient to your Halloween playlist stew.
Reaching number nine on the “Billboard” pop single chart, “Witchy Woman” was featured on the Eagles’ debut album, “Eagles.” Listen here.
- “This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman; featured in Disney’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
With this Halloween hit, listening to the music is half the fun. Snuggle up with your ghoul-friend and as you watch Disney’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” keep an ear out for Danny Elfman’s iconic song from the film, “This is Halloween.”
Even if you don’t have time to watch the film, is there any more fitting song? Listen here.
- “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr; featured on Columbia Pictures’ “Ghostbusters”
As the title track to the hit film sharing its name, there’s a reason “Ghostbusters” was nominated for best original song at the Academy Awards. “Ghostbusters” also reached number one on the “Billboard” hot 100 in 1984 and even topped the UK Singles Chart at number two.
Its rhythmic beat and catchy lyrics will be the life–or death–of your party. Listen here.
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Who can top the King of Pop? There’s a reason Michael Jackson’s Thriller is such a classic Halloween essential on any playlist. Becoming a platinum hit, “Thriller” remained on the “Billboard” top ten list for three consecutive weeks.
Another fun treat to go along with the song is Jackson’s music video set to his single. It provides even more chills and thrills for Halloween goers. Watch and listen here.
Story by Kaden Smith
kadensmith10@gmail.com
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash. com
