With Halloween being this week, I was inspired by Carol’s post of her 5 soundtracks for the Horror Connoisseur, and I decided to make a playlist of some of the best classic songs Halloween themed music has to offer. Join me in listening to some of the best songs Halloween has to offer!
1. This is HalloweenĀ (Nightmare Before Christmas, Danny Elfman, 1993)
One of the best and most well known song in this movie, this is up first in my list simply because I literally grew up with this being my favourite song. When I first saw this movie way back in Grade 1, I’m pretty sure I fell in love with it. Danny Elfman is a composing genius, and the fact that he is the singing voice of Jack in this movie makes him all the more amazing. And I’m sure I can’t be the only one to have memorized the lyrics of this song in its entirety. This movie is a timeless Halloween classic (I’d say any movie by Tim Burton would be), and so are all the songs in it. š Everybody loves the pumpkin king after all!
Ā 2. Thriller (Michael Jackson, 1983)
And of course this is the second one on the list. How much more classic can you get than ‘Thriller’? Ā Anyone else like to jam out to this doing the thriller dance for fun? Cause I sure do.
3. Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr, 1984)
When there’s something strange, in the neighbourhood….Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! ‘Nuff said.
4. Monster Mash (Bobby Pickett, 1962)
I’ve heard this song so many times, but I’ve never known just where it came from. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it came form the 1960s! That being said, this is another classic that you usually hear around this time, one that is always warmly welcomed, and nice to groove to.
5. Don’t fear the Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult, 1976)
This classic rock is one of my favourites, with a memorable guitar riff and lyrics that are equally haunting and enchanting. A must listen as one of the best in its time! Needs more cowbell however.
6. Come little Children (Hocus Pocus, 1993)
So maybe this movie isn’t exactly the best per se,but it did gain a cult following, and despite its plot the songs it has to offer were done exceptionally well, including this one. Something about that melody just pulls you in. Don’t go to the witch little children!
7. Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon, 1978)
I love the piano and vocals in this song, and since it’s about werewolves its automatically on this list. Arooooo~!
8. Ā Toccata and Fugue in D minor (Bach, 1703)
Yes, that’s right. A song by a classical composer in a Halloween song list? You might be as shocked as I was when I found this by chance and realized I’d heard it before somewhere. If you listen to it, then you’ll understand where I’m coming from. An organ piece, this started to become associated with the horror genre after being used in the 1962 Phantom of the Opera film. Ā This piece also seems to be associated with Dracula as well. In any case, this was one of those pieces that you may have heard of before but never knew the name of where it was from. Now you know! š
10. Pan’s Labyrinth Lullaby (Javier Navarrete,2006)
A haunting and beautiful vocal takes centrer stage in this piece, and even without lyrics this is something that just resonates with you almost. This Ā is a melody that can stick with you for days.
11.Superstition (Stevie Wonder,1972)
Just listen. That funk, beat and lyrics all come together for an iconic song. Not exactly scary, but somewhat Halloween themed.
12.Halloween Theme (John Carpenter)
This was already on Carol’s list, but I have to add it to my own just because its that good. Try playing this at night while walking down a dark street. Really sets the atmosphere.
Mandatory song on the list. The exorcist is one of the most iconic horror films, so its theme deserves a spot here.
14. The X Files themeĀ (Mark Snow, 1996)
This iconic cult series deserves a theme like this, no? Equal parts creepy and ambient, this opener to the show has a melody that sets the tone for the episode.
15. The Corpse Bride Piano Duet
Ending this list on a little less scary note, Danny Elfman and Tim Burton close my list with one of my most loved duets in a movie. The scene, the music, the setting, this song is practically perfect, and is one I hope to learn to play someday.
What did you think? Did I include all the songs that you listen to on Halloween? I know that there are plenty more I don’t have on here, so I’d like to hear your opinion on what I should add in the comments below!