Halloween is an awesome time of year for everyone, young and old. While a lot of us are a bit too old now to go trick-or-treating (maybe we do it anyway), we still love to remember past Halloweens past in any way that we can. One great way to do that is by listening to old music that reminds you of the times where you would prepare your costume with excitement, carve your pumpkin in the days leading up to Halloween, or just sitting at home after a successful night of candy collecting, trading with your friends for your favorite candies. When creating a Halloween playlist for yourself this year (let’s be honest: no holiday is set without an awesome playlist), you cannot forget to add these to your list.
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1. Monster Mash – Bobby (Boris) Pickett
What could be better than the Monster Mash? This song was basically written for this holiday, and has been a classic for years. It has been used on a lot of great Halloween playlists for kids due to its funny story line and clean lyrics – meaning that for most of us, we can trace it back to our first time hearing it a number of years ago. As the song says, “It’s a graveyard smash!” Indeed, it is one for both kids of today and even older kids like us.
2. Thriller – Michael Jackson
What began as a hit 1980’s pop song quickly became a Halloween classic due to its creepy lyrics, storyline, and narration provided by Vincent Price. It became an even bigger hit when the accompanying music video provided specific iconic choreography for the song. “Thriller” has proven to be a staple on many Halloween playlists yearly and continues to inspire Halloween costumes. The video is definitely recommended to watch this Halloween as well!
3. This is Halloween – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Any movie involving Tim Burton becomes an instant classic, so The Nightmare before Christmas is no exception. The movie’s title track, “This is Halloween” is one often remembered by children and adults as one of the most iconic songs from the film. Nothing is quite like taking a walk down memory lane like listening to an old childhood movie song favorite.
4. Time Warp – Rocky Horror Picture Show
While on the topic of Halloween movies, fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show always anticipate this time of year when this movie is played more times than we can count. Although the Time Warp does not really reference Halloween specifically, it is one of the most iconic songs from the movie and no one can resist getting up and dancing to it. Be sure to add this Halloween movie song to your playlist this year to get yourself up and moving!
5. Ghostbusters Theme – Ghostbusters
Besides the fact that this song is iconic, a recent reboot of this Hollywood classic this year will ensure that this song remains on everyone’s playlist this year and the years to come. The original movie inspired popular Halloween costumes and will likely make its rounds again this year. Kids for many years have grown up with their favourite Ghostbusters, what better way to bring on that nostalgia than to remind ourselves of a movie that we’ve waited all year to re-watch? When you see some ghosts this Halloween, who you gonna call?
6. I Put a Spell on You – Bette Midler
From “Hocus Pocus,” Bette Midler rounds out the list as Winnie Sanderson. This song features some powerful vocals, which are perfect for karaoke or just singing to yourself this Halloween. Check out this movie after a long day of Halloween celebrations and jamming out to some Halloween tunes! As a childhood favorite, it has become an adult must-watch.
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Here’s to hoping everyone has a fantastic Halloween while enjoying some great music with their festivities!