Let’s be honest, there are just not enough Halloween songs out there. Certainly not enough to make a whole playlist dedicated to them. Classics like “Thriller,” “This is Halloween,” and the Ghostbusters theme song are great and all, but we need more to really get in the Halloween spirit.
I listen to many great artists who happen to have songs that I think truly fit in with the Halloween vibe. Whether you’re compiling a playlist for a party, or just creating one to help get you in the Halloween spirit, these songs will help add a new level of spooky to your night.
1. “Emperor’s New Clothes” by Panic! at the Disco
Panic! At the Disco is one of my absolute favorite bands and if you enjoy some of their more well-known songs, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your Halloween playlist. The song is fun and incredibly catchy. Its music video is bizarre, with Brendon Urie donned in creepy demon/monster makeup. I can’t help but think he was intentionally going for spooky Halloween vibes with this one.
2. “Haunting” by Halsey
This song has a little bit of a slower tempo, but I really think that helps it live up to its title. Here are a snippet of the lyrics:
“I was as pure as a river But now I think I’m possessed”
3. “Dollhouse” by Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez is an incredible storyteller. That’s what I love about her music the most! “Dollhouse” tells a particularly disturbing story about the “perfect” family. The song is perfectly creepy, and sure to give you plenty of chills.
4. “Twin Skeleton’s (Hotel in NYC)” by Fall Out Boy
This is one of my favorite F.O.B songs. It has a great beat. This song fits perfectly into the Halloween mood, and not just because there is the word “skeleton” in the title. There are a lot of dramatic and drawn out oh’s, that makes this song extremely spooky.
5. “Seven Devils” by Florence + the Machine
Florence Welch’s voice is beautiful, but it is so haunting in this particular song. Here are some of the lyrics:
“Seven devils in my house See they were there when I woke up this morning I’ll be dead before the day is done”
6. “You’re So Dark” by The Arctic Monkeys
This has to be the anthem for goth girls. If any song is going to have you channeling your inner Wednesday Addams, it’s definitely this one. This song will make you want to paint your nails black, and then, go hang out in a cemetery to write dark poetry.
7. “Bones” by MS MR
This song has such a mysterious and ominous feel to it as you will see by the lyrics below:
“Dig up her bones but leave the soul alone Lost in the pages of self made cages Life slips away and the ghosts come to play”
I think that “Bones” makes for the perfect Halloween tale.
8. “Mowgli’s Road” by Marina and The Diamonds
In typical Marina fashion, this song is very fun and playful. This time though, there is a somewhat eerie undertone to the song. The first time I heard it, I got hit with major Halloween vibes.
9. “Skulls” by Bastille
“Skulls” can best be described as ghostly, with an overall theme of death.
“I don’t want to rest in peace
I’d rather be the ghost that annoys you”
It’s eerie, with a spirited side of some techno/synth. The beat is almost distracting from how ghostly the lyrics are.
10. “Carousel” by Melanie Martinez
Carousel has a foreboding carnival tune and the music video is downright creepy. It is exactly what every Halloween playlist needs.
12. “Staying Up” by The Neighbourhood
You know those nights when you’re all alone and you keep hearing weird noises? You’re sure it’s nothing, but there is still that bit of paranoia creeping into the back of your mind? You are exhausted, but you just can’t manage to fall asleep? Yeah, that is exactly what comes to mind whenever I hear this song. This song is about those underlying fears that keep you up at night. Let’s be real, what’s Halloween, without a little bit of fear?
13. “Control” by Halsey
This song gives off the spookiest of vibes. The beginning of the song has actual creaking noises, as if you are creeping through a haunted house late at night.
“The house was awake, the shadows and monsters,
The hallways, they echoed and groaned”
Honestly, every time I listen to this song, it puts a horror story in my head.
If you’re looking to be immersed in some Halloween type tunes, try these out!