1. Michael Jackson: “Thriller”

“Thriller” is the first song on everyone’s Halloween playlist for good reason. The King of Pop crafted a perfectly spooky and catchy song for the season full of creepy imagery and sound effects. The video is equally famous as the song with its incredible dancing that is mimicked by thousands around the world.     

2. Richard O-Brien: “Science Fiction/ Double Feature”

“Science Fiction/Double Feature” is the opening theme to the cult-classic movie “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”  The song sets the stage for the film, but is a great stand-alone track for Halloween. It contains tons of pop culture references to horror movies and science fiction including “Flash Gordon” and “Forbidden Planet.”  The vocal performance of O’Brien is somber yet beautiful, and it gives the song a sense of nostalgia as it recalls the good memories associated with being in the back row of the late-night double feature.   

3. John Carpenter: “Halloween- Main Theme”

Perhaps the most iconic theme song for any film, “Halloween” encapsulates the chilling character of Michael Meyers and the intensity and brooding nature of the movie. The simple piano and repetition throughout makes the theme just as tense as the viewers are as they watch the movie. This is the perfect song to be played to give trick-or-treaters a sense of unease as they walk up your driveway this Halloween.

4. Bobby Pickett: “Monster Mash”

Another staple for any Halloween playlist, this 1962 single has the perfect mix of horror and campiness to get people of all ages to come out on the dance floor.  The female backing vocals, male lead, rock ‘n’  roll guitar, and drum tones transport the listener to Halloween parties of old where young kids fished another quarter from their pockets to play this on repeat at the jukebox.

5. Ray Parker Jr.: “Ghostbusters”

“Ghostbusters” is one of the rare songs that every person who listens, no matter the circumstances, is compelled to sing along with. The chanting of “Ghostbusters!” and “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!” can bring a smile to anyone’s face. The song itself is a perfect example of the ‘80s  wackiness with its brilliant use of synthesizers and the flamboyant vocal performance of Ray Parker Jr. This song has held up to the test of time and is still as exciting to listen to as the day it was released in 1984.

6. Misfits: “Dig Up Her Bones”

No list of Halloween songs would be complete without the inclusion of the Misfits. The Misfits were the pioneers of the genre of music known as horror-punk that is characterized by horror imagery and nods to old b-movies, melodic singing, and aggressive instrumentation.  “Dig Up Her Bones”  is from their 1997 album “American Psycho” that features the second vocalist of the band, Michale Graves. The song is perfect for the headbanger in you this Halloween!

7. The Cure: “Lullaby”

“Lullaby” is one of The Cure’s most well-known songs, and it features distinct whispered-vocals, new wave guitar tones and interesting use of synthesizers from Robert Smith. The song describes an ominous figure known only as “the spider-man” that is looking to eat Smith for dinner.  “Lullaby” is deeply unsettling and gradually builds up a sense of terror in the listener.

8. Ramones: “Pet Sematary”

This amazing track from punk-band the Ramones was written for the Stephen King movie of the same name. It contains spooky imagery ranging from full moons to skeletons and transports the listener to foggy graveyards on dark Halloween nights.

9. The Cramps: “I Was a Teenage Werewolf”

Another punk song, “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” is from the band The Cramps. This song is noteworthy for its surfer-influenced guitar tone that brings an intense quality to the track.  The song  is about a teenager’s descent into madness and alienation due to their ability to transform into a werewolf upon seeing a full moon.

10. Danny Elfman: “This is Halloween”

“This is Halloween” is featured in the movie “Nightmare Before Christmas,” and it is sung by all of the terrifying residents of the town.  They describe the spooky features of the town they call home in a catchy manner.  The song is surprisingly unsettling for being featured in a Disney movie.  

Edward Benner is a New Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.