It's getting to be about that time, and fans of Halloween are quick to tell you it's not a day, it's a season (others will tell you it's a lifestyle). So whether you need a play list that gives you one song per day to get you in the mood, or enough songs to play for a Halloween party, we have you covered.
Note: The list below is just a list, not a ranking. Arrange them any way you want to set a mood or put them on shuffle, it's up to you.
1. Hell in a Bucket – Grateful Dead
From their "In the Dark" album, the song includes some good monstrous noises at the end for added effect.
2. Devil in a Blue Dress – Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
A serious classic for every mood. If you want people at your party to dance, this will do it.
3. Hell – Squirrel Nut Zippers
It may be impossible to listen to this song without smiling. The infectious sound of the New Swing era of the 90s, plus very darkly funny lyrics make this song vital to the play list. If somehow you don't like this one, try the live version of "Heaven and Hell" by The Who as an alternate.
4. Ghostrider – R.E.M.
This song would also work for a play list about super hero songs. It's about the flaming-skulled Hell-spawned Marvel Comics character.
5. Spooky – Classics IV
Another great classic that sets the Halloween mood perfectly.
6. Boris the Spider – The Who
A perennial Halloween favorite. You're only likely to hear this one on the radio around Halloween.
7. Eye of the Zombie – John Fogerty
There aren't many zombie songs, but this is likely the best of them.
8. Hall of the Mountain King – The Who
A rare hard jam version of the classical music staple, complete with yelps at the end.
9. Thriller (long version) – Michael Jackson
No Halloween list or season is complete without this song. Make sure to play the full-length version with the Vincent Price appearance. Without Price it's just a dance song, with Price it's actually scary.
10. Crush with Eyeliner – R.E.M.
There also aren't many Frankenstein songs that mention Frankenstein. If you aren't into R.E.M., or think one song is enough, swap in the standard "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter Group.
11. Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
Another staple. Hilarious and catchy. Fun fact: John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac are on bass and drums for this song.
12. Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner – Warren Zevon
An underplayed Zevon classic about an undead mercenary seeking revenge. The title really says it all.
13. Ghostbusters – Ray Parker, Jr.
As much as this song has been played in the last 35 or 40 years it never really gets old.
14. Witchy Woman – Eagles
A very early Eagles song written about Stevie Nicks, like "Spooky" it has the perfect Halloween sound.
15. Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones
Another classic you could hear on the radio on any given day, but you must hear it on Halloween. Fun Fact: The Stones avoided playing it for roughly 20 years because it was the song they were playing when Hell's Angels killed attendees at the Stones' infamous concert at Altamont.
16. Clap for the Wolfman – The Guess Who
A very rare song about legendary DJ Wolfman Jack, rack it up with the very few songs about werewolves. A fun song indeed. If you don't like it, try "Little Red Riding Hood" by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs, which is spookier, with wolf howls.
17. Friend of the Devil – Grateful Dead
A lighthearded song you'll find yourself and others singing along to.
18. The Devil Went Down to Georgia – Charlie Daniels Band
A must-have that never gets old.
19. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another must-have on every Halloween play list, featured in numerous films. If somehow you're tired of this one, try "Hush" by Deep Purple, a good one that starts with howling wolves and turns into a solid rock song.
20. Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen – Santana
An outstanding song that combines a very atmospheric and cool song and a feverish second-to-none jam at the end. If you're putting your playlist in a specific order, don't start with this one. Stick it towards the end. Not the very last one, but right at the point when you want people to know they're having a good time, then get tired and go home.
21. Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
A spooky song in its own way, a fun song no matter how you look at it.
22. Monster Mash – Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers
Another must-play song. If you play only one song on Halloween it has to be this one.
23. Don’t Fear the Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
This song always makes me think of "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey." Not a Halloween film, despite the presence of Death as a supporting character.
24. Living Dead Girl - Rob Zombie
Arguably you could just play all of the Rob Zombie's catalog, but if you're not going to do that, this one is a good choice.
25. Season of the Witch – Donovan
Another spooky atmospheric song, which should be spaced out with "Spooky" and "Witchy Woman" to keep the mood going. Also try "Atlantis" by Donovan, which is prominently featured in the soundtrack to "Goodfellas."
26. Dragula – Rob Zombie
Another perfect song for the holiday. Expect mild unintentional property damage as you and/or your guests sing along.
27. Godzilla – Blue Oyster Cult
Aside from the actual Godzilla soundtrack, this is the only song I know of about Godzilla, and it's a good one.
28. Welcome to My Nightmare – Alice Cooper
Still creepy after all these years. For fun look at his appearance on "The Muppet Show," which includes a performance of this song.
29. Black No. 1 – Type O Negative
Goth is under-represented on this list for sure, and this one is perfect.
30. Pet Semetary – Ramones
A difficult to find Ramones song, but far from impossible, from the soundtrack to the original film.
31. Bela Lugosi’s Dead - Bauhaus
Another moody bit of perfection for the season.
About the Creator
Gene Lass
Gene Lass has been a writer for more than 30 years, writing and editing numerous books including non-fiction, poetry, and fiction. His short story, “Fence Sitter” was nominated for Best of the Net 2020.
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