The best throwback tracks of Halloween

Autumn is characterized by its crisp morning breeze, sweater weather and, Halloween. You can almost hear the season’s song drifting through the air with the sound of crunchy red and orange leaves. 

For years, the Halloween spirit has been captured through song. In fact, one of the most iconic Halloween songs, “Monster Mash,” was released in 1962 and has remained a household staple to this day. And it is not the only one. The recurrence of these hits year after year solidifies their significance throughout the month of October.

I have always been a creator of playlists, and Halloween is no exception. While it can be easy to add the latest spooky hits to your lineup, there are many great old-school rock songs to rediscover.

“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

Of all my most frequently played Halloween hits, “Superstition,” reigns supreme. This song is the quintessential introduction-to-Halloween beat. The moment the drums and guitar begin playing, I get an immediate jolt of nostalgia. With his adept use of horns, it’s hard to go wrong with Stevie Wonder. Lyrics about broken mirrors and walking under ladders allude to the overall theme of a blind belief in superstition, making it a spooky hit.

This 1972 R&B hit is perfect for casual Halloween parties, light background music or the go-to tune for an afternoon walk to class. It perfectly sets the scene for the apprehensive atmosphere that surrounds Halloween and the month of October.

“Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra

While not considered a Halloween song in the traditional sense, “Evil Woman” stands the test of time as a near-perfect 1975 pop-rock hit. Even though it’s not technically a Halloween hit, radio stations and playlists still include this song year after year, and I don’t blame them. Its use of theatrical strings and lyrics of an evil woman intensifies the atmospheric sound that encapsulates the energy of the season.

In addition to the original song, popular ’80s rock band Duran Duran released their spin on the classic in 2024, adding dark instrumental and synth-style beats to create an even more sinister mood. Both of these are certainly qualifiers for the perfect Halloween mixtape.

“Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” by David Bowie

David Bowie is an artist I’ll never get sick of, and for good reason. His songs are classic, and “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” is no different. I have personally found that many of Bowie’s songs encapsulate the tone of Halloween, but this one is likely the most commonly agreed upon. It goes beyond the traditional eerie mood with additions of monster sounds, experimental guitar and his lyrics telling the story of descent into madness. 

Similar to “Evil Woman,” this song tells the story of a relationship leading to fear and isolation. It talks about running away, control and terrifying social withdrawal. From lyrics of monsters to chaotic instrumental, this 1980 punk-rock is an ultimate Halloween track, and one that might put you a little on edge, asking yourself, “What’s out there?”

“Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads

I won’t lie, I have a soft spot in my heart for the song “Psycho Killer.” Growing up, Talking Heads songs were a huge part of my daily music intake, influenced by both my dad and older brother. One of my favorite things about “Psycho Killer” in particular is its playful energy and lively instrumental sound contrasting the eerie lyrics of murder. 

This 1977 song is the perfect mix of upbeat rhythm, eerie bass and disturbed verse. In addition to the near-perfect song already, this song experiments further with the addition of French lyrics: “qu’est-ce que c’est?” The Talking Heads put the listener right in the place of a jittery, non-traditional killer’s thoughts. It’s the perfect song for crowded Halloween parties, and will no doubt get everyone dancing along to the “Fa-fa-fa-fa, fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa, better…”

“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon

When writing this article, a friend of mine asked me, “Did you include ‘Werewolves of London?’ You have to include “Werewolves of London!” My response: Duh. Released in 1978, “Werewolves of London” is one of those iconic Halloween songs crucial for any playlist throughout the month of October. It is easy listening, from the spooky monster-esque essence to the catchy howling chorus (awooooo), making this a fun beat for all audiences and an obvious addition to this list.

“Pet Sematary” by Ramones

“Pet Sematary” is an incredibly fun song, especially if you’ve seen the movie or read the book by popular horror novelist Stephen King. This song was originally created for the release of the film adaptation of the novel, and has since then become a staple in my personal listening. Released in 1989, this song will no doubt take you back to those punk garage rock days. 

When listening to “Pet Sematary”, I feel like I’m in a movie. The track is ominously vivid and puts you straight into the scene. It sets up death, resurrection and the fear that follows. In fact, this song was written by the Ramones while touring Stephen King’s home, making these lyrics feel even more real. This song no doubt goes down as one of my all-time favorite Ramones songs, and will remain on repeat each October.

• halloween
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