The Midnight Hour

The moon is full as a cold crisp breeze wallows through the air. The leaves that were once abundant on the trees fall down gracefully like Olympic divers in a crystal clear pool. It's the time for ghouls, ghosts and a myriad of spooky and creepy creatures to run about. It's the time of year when howls in the wind send shivers down spines. Halloween is upon us. For some it involves door to door candy dressed up as princesses, cowboys and spacemen. For others, it's time to watch scary movies such as: The Shining, Child's Play and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Other still will want to dress proactively either hoping to score or just show off the goods.

Regardless of how one chooses to celebrate it, Halloween is a time of year that everyone can and should enjoy. To get in the mood, I think the right music would be apropos. for music helps set the mood for whatever you're feeling. However, there are so many songs that focus on wolves, witches and other terrifying terrors associated with the Halloween season, it's hard to just pick one. Well, I (nor anyone else for that matter) can not do that with just one song. So instead, I orchestrated a playlist of twenty five different songs throughout the century that will help set the mood for this haunting holiday. I personally enjoy them, and hope that you do as well.

1. This is Halloween: "This is Halloween! Everyone make a scene!" Our list begins with the opening song in the classic horror holiday film: The Nightmare before Christmas. There have been many versions of this song performed by many talented artists over the years (with the most famous remake coming from Marilyn Manson). However, the one I pick is the one sung by the citizens of Halloween town, like in the movie. They sing this to conclude their Halloween festivities. I however, choose this as the first song, because I feel that it will help the listeners ease their way into the feeling of Halloween with it's cast of monsters including the one hiding under your bed teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red, the one hiding under your stairs with fingers like snakes and spider in it's hair and the shadow on the moonlit night filling your dreams to the brim with fright. A must for anyone who's either a Halloween fan (or Disney enthusiast).

2. Spooky Scary Skeletons: "Spooky, scary skeletons! Send shivers down your spine!" Our next song on this cavalcade of Halloween Hymns is: Spooky Scary Skeletons. A song performed by Andrew Gold in 1996, this song has the same charm and delight that the song: This is Halloween, shares. In the original music video, it is accompanied by Silly Symphony: Skeleton Dance. This is why I had felt that this song should be the second to appear on this playlist. It's goofy while at the same time sets the mood for any fan of the Halloween season.

3. The Ghostbusters theme: "Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!" While Ghostbusters may not be seen as a Halloween film itself, this classic song performed by the talented artist: Ray Parker Jr., has defiantly been played at many a Halloween gathering. It serves as a festive beat moving song for all ages to come and serves as a classic song to another wise classic film from the 1980's who (let's face it) served as a better film to it's 2016 counterpart. Movie reviewing aside, this upbeat 80's style of music serves as a welcome addition to anyone in seeking music to set the mood for the Halloween festivities.

4. Thriller: "It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark." It's our next song: Thriller! Performed by the late Michael Jackson, this song has one of the most iconic music videos of all time. Directed by the ever talented John Landis (who has directed such films as: An American Werewolf in London, Coming to America and (my personal favorite) Animal House). This wonderfully choreographed zombie dance is 14 minutes of pure pleasure (even though the song itself is about 6 minute long). It even spawned the popular GIF of Micheal Jackson munching on popcorn used in modern culture more times than not. While it's another song that would be found on everyone's Halloween playlist, I feel this song has earned it's place on my Halloween playlist. For it's captivating in the season that it will make you want to dance and cheer along the zombies. Like many songs, shows and movies that have become popular, it has been referenced in many forms of media including: Family Guy, Scared Shrekless (the 26 minute Shrek Halloween special) and the very first season of South Park (specifically the episode, Pinkeye, which served as the series very first Halloween based episode). A definite must for any Halloween music enthusiast.

5. TimeWarp: LET'S DO THE TIMEWARP AGAIN! This classic song comes from Jim Sharman's most iconic cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Another film on this list that's not on everyone's Halloween movie list, many screenings of this timeless film have been played during the fall in many theatres and drive-ins. TimeWarp easily serves as the most famous song within the movie itself. In the film, this song is sung by: Richard O'Brien (who plays the character known Riff Raff), Nell Campbell (who plays the character known as Columba) and Patricia Quinn (who plays the character known as Magenta). Not to mention the chorus who backs up these talented artists is spot on. I feel that is that this song is a well earned addition to this Petrifying Playlist for the Halloween Holiday.

6. Disturbia: Your Mind is in Disturbia! It's Like a Darkness in the Light! A famous song performed by the talented artist, Rihanna serves as our first song on our list to make an appearance within the new millennia, may serve as an unconventional song for some. However, when first hearing this song, it will get you out of whatever chair you're sitting in and dance like no ones watching. It's haunting with in it's own right and has more than well earned it's spot on my list.

7. Cannibal: I am cannibal, cannibal. I'll eat you up. A song that would be best seen as controversial due to the coarse nature of it's language and what some may see as vulgarity. Much as the songs that are performed by Ke$ha usually are. Other examples of her songs that are more vulgar in nature include: Take it off, We R who we R and Your love is my drug. That being said, I think this song would serve as an unexpected and fitting song for a playlist with the things best associated with spooky, creepy and dare I say gory, I highly recommend it for anyone's Halloween playlist. Not to mention it's a welcome addition for anyone who wants to hear a song that isn't just family friendly.

8. Bad Moon Rising: I see the bad moon arising. I see trouble on the way. This classic Creedence Clearwater Revival (or CCR for short) song is not only a nice break from the pop songs with it's rock and roll style, but also serves as a warning to stay indoors. Granted it's more of a warning to stay inside for when bad weather approaches, but serves as a cautionary song to say the least. Not to mention, it's a song that the individuals of yesteryear will enjoy as much as the individuals of the modern era.

9. She Wolf: There's a she wolf in disguise. Coming out, coming out, coming out. Back in to the realm of pop music, is our next addition, She wolf. This song is performed by the talented artist, Shakira. She is known for her music that reflects her Hispanic heritage. With such songs including: Hips Don't Lie, Loca and Whenever, whenever. It's festive and has a nice Halloween theme (this of course being the concept of lycanthropy and turning into a werewolf).

10. Somebody's Watching Me: I always feel like somebody's watching me. Our next song (much like This Is Halloween, Thriller and The Ghostbusters Theme song) is almost guaranteed to be on everyone's Halloween Playlist. Arguably Rockwell's most famous song (who has also performed such songs as: Knife, Tokyo and Genie of Love). This songs serves as a reminder of all the spooky and scary things that go bump in the night while still managing to have a funky fresh beat to it.

11. Sun Goes Down: Open your eyes coz another day is dawning, Children of the night, can you hear them all calling. Our next song on this list was performed by the talented song writer and singer, David Jordan. While David Jordan himself is an artist that pleases the ears of pop, rock and hip-hop, this song in particular is a song that would be best classified as pop.

12. Monster Mash: "The Monster Mash! It was a graveyard smash!" If you have never heard of this song before, then clearly you've never celebrated Halloween. Originally appearing in the early 60's, this song has graced the holiday of Halloween for almost 60 years. Originally performed by Boris "Bobby" Pockett, this song was meant to be a novelty song to say the least. Many people today still listen to it on Halloween as well as the rest of October. Like many older songs, this song has had it's fair share of remakes, but I personally recommend the original song. For not only has it stood the test of time, but series as the best version of the lot. It was a goofy song that sung about monsters getting together and doing the monster mash.

13. Phantoms: This is the only song on this list that is strictly instrumental and has no lyrics. Perfromed by the Trans-Slyvanian Orchestra, this new take on a classic song is sure to se the mood for any Halloween playlist. Performed with an electric guitar, drums and myriad of other colorful instruments, this song is sure to get everyone into the Halloween season.

14. Monster (Lady Gaga): "He's a wolf in disguise. But I can't stop staring at those evil eyes!" A little more on the intimate side, this song talks about the monster Lady Gaga sings about and falls in love with. The interesting about Lady Gaga, is that she can do no wrong when it comes to her songs. Lady Gaga is the talented artist behind such songs including: Just Dance, Poker Face and Born this way. Any Lady Gaga song is a welcome to any addition to almost any playlist. However, I chose this song, because I felt it was more fitting with it's monstrous theme.

15. Resonance: "Tsunaida tamashii no hi ga mune wo sasu nara. Kotoba yori motto tsuyoi hibiki ga ima kikoeru ka?" In English, this translates to: "If the flame of the united souls points at your chest, is a resonance stronger than words being heard now?" This is the only song who's origins are that of a country outside the U.S., specifically speaking, it came from Japan. To be more specific, it was the first theme song in the popular anime series, Soul Eater and was performed by: T.M.Revolution. For the most part, this series was good as a whole. Delivering such memorable characters like: Soul, Maka and Blair the magical cat. Not only that, but the animation was relatively good considering it was a product of the late 2000's. More than that, it has a Halloween theme that is still enjoyed by many anime fans for the Halloween season. It has been considered one of the best dubbed anime that Funimation has produced thus far. Including such famous titles like: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Attack on Titan and Dragonball Z. However, the ending of the anime series felt rushed and failed to do the series the justice it deserves. That being said, this series gave us one of the best opening songs ever to exist in the entirety of anime fandom. If you ask anyone what some of there favorite anime openings are you will most likely here this song on that list (as well as other popular anime openings like: Tank! from Cowboy Bebop, A Cruel Angel's Thesis from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Moonlight Densetsu from Sailor Moon). But what makes this song so popular is that it has a nice beat that is fitting for this show. It's action packed, it presents us with a somewhat spooky vibe and it gets the fans excited. I happily welcome this song for any Halloween playlist.

16. Monster (Skillet): "I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin! I must confess that I feel like a monster!" Back to the songs from America, our next song is performed by the rock band, Skillet. While it shares it's name with the Lady Gaga song who has also found it's way on this list, the similarities pretty much end there. While Lady Gaga's song talks about her man acting like a monster and having intimate relations with him, this song goes in an entirely different direction all together. Skillet's monster talk about the monster inside ones self that can not be released for in fear that the person will in fact lose control of themselves and in fact become, a monster. If I were to make this the theme song of any fictional character, some note worthy candidates world be: Bruce Banner, Naruto Uzamaki (during his days as a youth) and Doctor Conners from the Spider-Man franchise.

17. When You're Evil: "And it's so easy when you're evil. This is the life you see. The devil, tips his hat to me." This songs starts off with the heinous strings from the guitar, to help set the mood. This cult classic song by Voltaire (artist of such songs including: The Headless Waltz, Land of the Dead and Vampire Club). This song talks about all the heinous things with being evil and how much he enjoys them. It's a dark take on the spirit of Halloween, but an enjoyable song all the same and defiantly mention worthy for any Halloween playlist.

18. Weird Science: "Plastic tubes and pots and pans! Bits and pieces and the magic from my hand! We're making weird science!" An unconventional song for most Halloween playlists, weird science has blessed the ears of many listeners for almost 30 years. This song has also served as the theme song of the movie and television series of the same name. this song was performed by the band Oingo Boingo (who has also done such songs including: Dead Man's Party, Nothing to Fear and Just Another Day). It's a bit goofy and tamer compared to some of the other songs found on this list, but a festive and noteworthy addition all the same.

19. Animal I have become: "So what if you can see, the darkest side of me!?" No one will ever change this animal I have become!" Wow! Looking back at this playlist, a lot of these songs deal with the metamorphosis of turning into some kind beast. Nevertheless, I still recommend this song for any Halloween based playlist. This alternative rock song explains the internal struggle of becoming an inhuman monster. The type of creature is never truly specified, but considering this is a Halloween based playlist, let's say werewolf for the sake of argument. This song was performed by Three Days Grace (who also done such popular songs including: The Goodlife, Never too late and Just like you). One of my personal favorites, this song serves as not only a good Halloween themed song, but as a good song to listen to all year round.

20. The Ones: "We are the ones you should be fearing, come in the night and take your teeth away!" A darker song on this list. It talks about talks about the monsters that go bumb in the night. It's song is eerily charming in a way that suits any Halloween paylist. The musical group behind this group, Aesthethic Perfection is also responsible for such songs as: Love like lies, The Great Depression and Under Your Skin. Another song from the song in the first decade of the new millenium, this song is not only a lovely addition to this Halloween playlist, but a nice edition to any playlist.

21. The Devil Within:" This hell you put me in! I'm underneath your skin! The Devil Within!" Another song whose eerie lyrics and rhythm can be best compared by the song that preceded it, The Devil Within is classifyed as an alternative rock song. Other songs of this genre include: Smells like Teen Spirit (by: Nirvana), Creep (by: Radiohead) and Linger (by: The Cranberries). Considering that this list composes of mostly pop music, it would be nice to have other forms and styles of music within. Like some other songs found on this list, this song can be seen as mature in nature and not suited for families. Regardless of that fact, I feel that it's a notable addition for it's demonic themes.

22. The Ghost: "Are you afraid of the dark? are you scared? I am you." An electronic dance genre style song, this mostly lyrical song is a welcome addition to the list. It's a little creepy, but all things considered, it works well for this playlist. This song was performed by Nirvio, who has done such songs like: The Guardians of Angels, The Labyrinth and Voices in my head.

23. Animals: "Baby I'm praying on you tonight! Hunt you down eat you alive! Just like Animals, Animals, Animals-Mals!" Another animal themed song, this song was performed by Maroon 5. Maroon 5 is the pop rock band who is responsible for songs like: Girls like you, She will be loved and (my personal favorite) Moves Like Jagger. The reason I selected this particular song for that matter is because of it's animalistic theme to pairs well with Halloween. Though, unlike some songs on this list, can be enjoyed all year round.

24. Werewolves of London: "Ahooo! Werewolves of London! Ahooo!" The final go to song for everyone's Halloween playlist, I have chosen this song as the second to last because it's old school nature compliments the final song on this list nicely. This song was performed by Warren Zevon. Warren Zevon is the artist who is also responsible for such songs as: Lawyers, Guns and Money, Desperados Under the eaves and Excitable Boy. This rock style song is a good fit for anyone who has the desire to get into the Halloween spirit.

25. Highway to Hell: "I'm on the Highway to Hell!!! On the Highway to Hell!!!" To wrap up this playlist, I have to added Highway to Hell. This song was performed by the popular band, AC/DC (who was also responsible for Thunderstruck, Let there be rock and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap). This however, maybe their most iconic song as it has made an appearence in such films as: Dreamworks' MegaMind, the end scene in Little Nicky and The School of Rock. In many a concert, it served as a the encore song, which is why I felt this song would be most appropriate as the final song of this playlist.

So, there you have it. These Twenty-five songs should more than get any person into the spirit of Halloween. I hope you have enjoyed listening to this list as much as I have enjoyed creating this list. Happy Halloween everyone!