So, if you are planning on throwing a Halloween party for said weirdos to come together and grind on one another, it only seems right to include some staple songs on that ghoulish playlist.
The Good
“Closer”- Halloween songs are all about a convincing theme and this one definitely has it.This lesser known Kings of Leon ballad laments the struggle of a merciless albeit weary predator.While the song seems to have multiple meanings for everyone, for the sake of the season we’ll just say it is an analogy for a vampire and not at all about emotional baggage or drug use.Why should it be on your list? Despite its dragging tempo, it definitely plays on that desolate, trapped in a haunted house vibe.
Horrific mentions (If you are looking for a good time): “Disturbia” by Rihanna, “Heads Will Roll” by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Midnight City (Man Without Country Remix) by M83, “No One Believes Me” by Kid Cudi, “Dragula” by Rob Zombie.
The Classic
“Thriller”-How dare you even think of composing a Halloween music playlist without Michael Jackson’s Thriller? Shame on you, even Party City exploits the crap out of it in that ridiculously annoying flash mob promotion–it wouldn’t kill you to use it.Why should it be on your playlist? Because everyone knows the lyrics, everyone knows the dance, it is the well pressed meat on that ideal playlist sandwich. Ignoring the fact that there was nothing poetic in the slightest about that last metaphor, it would be almost criminal for Thriller not to be included.
Horrific mentions (If you are old as dirt): “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell, “Freaks Come Out at Night” by Whodini, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC.
The Campy
“I Put a Spell on You”-It is a golden rule that everyone must shut up and sit down when Hocus Pocus comes on. Hocus Pocus is like the groundhog of autumn, it is how we know Halloween is coming.Why should it be on your playlist?There are many great things to love about the film, more notably is the Sanderson sister’s captivating and impromptu performance of “I Put a Spell on You.” Whether you use the original version by Screamin’Jay Hawkins or the one performed in Hocus Pocus (with no dialogue however it is short) the song is sure to set the mood for the night.
Horrific mentions (If you are looking for cheesy): “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett, “Everybody” by The Backstreet Boys, “This is Halloween” from Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addam’s Family or Beetlejuice theme–quite frankly any Tim Burton or Danny Elfman OST has its merits.
Zhana Johnson
Features Contributor
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