There is no secret. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. My favorite thing is to like things, so I love all holidays. They are excuses to celebrate. But Halloween might be perfection with its spooky themes and generous nature. I love everything about it, from dressing up to handing out candy. My house has been decorated since the beginning of the month. I will be sad to take it down, but then I can put up my Thanksgiving/Fall decorations.

One thing I love to do for any season or holiday is create a massive playlist and listen to it all month long. I even made a Thanksgiving playlist because I was sad I had nothing specific to listen to between the Halloween and Christmas music seasons. But I also created a 6-hour Halloween playlist to enjoy all of October. To celebrate the spooky season, here are thirteen of my favorites.

Stay Spooky!

Monster Mash

We can’t kick off a Halloween countdown without including the original spooky hit “Monster Mash.” It became a breakaway hit in 1962 and has remained a favorite for decades, even reentering the charts in 2021.

Season of the Witch

Also, in the 1960s, singer Donovan released the song “Season of the Witch,” which has become a Halloween season anthem. The song is a reflection of the psychedelic pop movement that was happening in music in 1966.

Ghostbusters

Ray Parker, Jr.’s career changed when he recorded the popular “Ghostbusters” theme for the movie of the same name in 1984. Parker was asked to write the song on short notice and wasn’t sure he could pull it off, but based the idea on late-night television infomercials, which led to the iconic phrase, “Who you gonna call?”

Witchy Woman

Early in the career of The Eagles, they released the song “Witchy Woman,” which remains a favorite Halloween song for many. The song was partially inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald, who died in Asheville in 1948.

(It’s s) Monster’s Holiday

In 1972, country musician Buck Owens released his own Halloween anthem. “(It’s a) Monster’s Holiday” is a danceable song that will stick in your head once you hear it for the first time.

Abracadabra

The Steve Miller Band released “Abracadabra” in 1982, and the magical incantation became a staple on Halloween playlists. It quickly became a worldwide hit and is considered one of the best songs of the 1980s.

I Walked with a Zombie

The catchy song “I Walked with a Zombie” was initially released in 1980 by Roky Erickson and the Aliens. It may have been inspired by a movie of the same name released in 1943.

Haunted House

Jumpin’ Gene Simmons, not to be confused with the frontman of the glam rock band Kiss, released “Haunted House” in 1964. The novelty song was a cover and one of the only hits of his career, but it’s a perfect song for your Halloween playlist.  

Spooks

In 1954, jazz legend Louis Armstrong recorded the song “Spooks,” one of my absolute favorites for this season. Two Broadway composers wrote it, and while it may not be Armstrong’s biggest hit, it’s undoubtedly his spookiest.

Thriller

I couldn’t write this list of Halloween songs without including the Michael Jackson smash hit “Thriller.” The song came out in 1984 and was accompanied by a theatrical musical video directed by John Landis. That video scared me to death as a kid.

Boris the Spider

Not known for novelty songs, the Who recorded “Boris the Spider” in 1966, and it was released as a b-side. It is a funny little song perfect for the season.

Werewolves of London

In 1978, Warren Zevon released the perennial favorite song “Werewolves of London,” now a staple for any Halloween mix. It may feature the greatest lyric ever written: “I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic’s. His hair was perfect.”

Headless Horseman

Washington Irving’s short story The Legend of Sleepy Hallow brought the myth of the Headless Horseman to life in America. But Walt Disney gave me nightmares with the 1949 short animated special. The Disney version features the song “Headless Horseman” by Kay Starr, a jazzy and upbeat song about the mythical horseman.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the 13 songs for Halloween. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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