Unlike the winter holiday season, October festivities do not get nearly enough hype as they should. The singularly American holiday that is Halloween has inspired thousands of artistic productions, but they are nowhere to be found on the radio. Can you imagine how fun it would be to ride in a car and listen to Halloween classics, with the same adoration as iconic Christmas songs? You may have heard the likes of Thriller and The Monster Mash dozens of times, but if you’re in the mood for some new bops, here’s the perfect Halloween playlist America deserves on the radio for the season.
1. Dr Bones: If big band and swing music with a rated-R twist is the vibe you are feeling this season, the Cherry Poppin Daddies have you covered. Danceable fast paced brass sounds back up provocative lyrics sang by Steven Perry.
More like this include: Here Comes the Snake and Pink Elephant by The Cherry Poppin Daddies
2. Soul Sacrifice: After it’s live performance, Carlos Santana launched a craze at Woodstock, merging Latin rhythms and hard rock in 1969. Combining American licks with congas and bongos, the six-minute instrumental song builds up a chaotic and mischievous energy that seeps into your soul. Without the intrusion of vocals, you interpret the sounds as you desire.
More like this song include: Black Magic Woman
3. Abracadabra: If I would describe this song in one word it would be fresh. It combines an 80s percussive sound with a catchy bass and synth. Then, easy to sing vocals are followed by groovy guitar solos. There nothing to dislike about this purely fun song by the Steve Miller Band.
More like this: Ginchy by Bert Weedon, The Witch Queen of New Orleans by Redbone
4. Graveyard Train: If blues is what you’re looking for, this tune by Creedence Clearwater Revival has it all. The raspy voice of John Fogerty can bring a little edge to your Halloween jam, with a simple bass that chugs along, and harmonica solo that ties it all together.
More like this includes: The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie by Colter Wall
5. I Put a Spell On You: The soulful voice of Nina Simone is the only one that does this song justice, with its enchanting sound capable of captivating any listener. A chilling orchestra sets up a background for Simone’s slow lyricism, creating an ambiance that makes time stop. Perfectly pairs with wine and your classiest suit and dress.
More like this include: Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Nancy Sinatra and Back to Black by Amy Winehouse
6. I Want to Be Evil: Famously known for her hit Christmas single, Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt comes through for the season with I want to be Evil released in 1954. A feminist message accompanies the album “That Bad Eartha,” as she sings about rebellion with fire behind her voice. There’s nothing like some vague threats against societal norms to celebrate the holiday season.
More like this – I’d Rather be Burned a Witch by Eartha Kitt
7. Witchcraft: A classic jazz vocalist like Frank Sinatra already stars in so many well-known holiday tunes, so it’s fair to say this Halloween bop would be iconic as well. The lyrics deal with a woman so alluring, that her advances are like magic.
More like this include Jeepers Creepers, Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead
8. Witchy Woman: A sudden guitar introduction turns into a groovy tune in this 1980s power ballad. The breathy voice of Glenn Frey is accompanied by a soulful background vocal chorus and harmonic guitars that take over the song, developing an epic surrounding.
More like this include: I’m Your Witch Doctor by Them and Don’t Fear the Reaper by Ceasars
9. Superstition: The funky bassline in this song may just tickle your funny bone to get up and dance. Immediately, Stevie Wonder’s voice captures you with spicy voicing and fervent screams. Then the brass sections come in to fill in all the gaps with syncopated poppin’ rhythms.
More like this include: Frankenstein by The Ventures and Fortune Tell by Benny Spellman
10. Spooky: A creeping brass section, and saxophone create a scene revolving around Dusty Springfield’s voice. Her glamorous vocal tone especially gives rise to a catchy Halloween track. With all too real lyrics, the story described here is about going on a date with a confusing, nearly spooky man.
More like this includes: Van Morrison Into the Mystic and Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
11. Roll the Bones: If oldies aren’t your thing, then this indie hidden gem can bring some Halloween spirit into your life. Consisting of a guitar fluctuating between melodic and dissonant, the tune combines with the gruff voice of Shakey Graves to tell a story of struggle, death and passion.
More like this includes: Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene and In the Woods Somewhere by Hozier