The Five: Halloween Songs Every Playlist Needs

Add a little spook to your Halloween playlist.

All Hallow’s Eve… the night of dancing ghosts, ghouls, and hungry vampires. Witches come out to play under the faint yellow light of the moon, their cackle heard in the faint whisper of the wind. It’s the scariest of holidays… an evening of nightmares. Whatever your plans, add these chilling tunes to your creepy Halloween playlist.

“Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus. This song recommendation comes from West Coast Stylist (and huge music fan), Cory. The ten minute song is a frightening ride the entire way through. Peter Murphey’s brooding voice doesn’t creep its way into the song until almost the three minute mark. But when it does, you’ll feel a slight tingle up your spine…

“Season of the Witch” by Donovan. Ok, so maybe we don’t associate Donovan with scary music… but let this song change your mind. Sometimes the most “normal” can be the most eerie.

“Floating” by Julee Cruise.  This song, off of Cruise’s Floating into the Night record, was written by composer Angelo Badalamenti and surrealist film director David Lynch. Lynch, known for his mystifying and disturbing films (and shows such as Twin Peaks) wrote the lyrics for the whispery, feminine and perfectly creepy, Cruise.

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“Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Sinister, chilling, and hair-raising… Nick Cave, also known as rock’s “Prince of Darkness”, tells you a lush and macabre story, full of creepy surprises and terrifying organ pops.

“In The Room Where You Sleep” by Dead Man’s Bones. This rock duo made of Ryan Gosling (yes, that one) and Zach Sheilds share a certain fondness for ghosts and made a record in tribute to them. The entire album is beyond eerie, but this certain track really fits the bill with lyrics like, “I saw something sitting on you bed. I saw something touching your head. In the room where you sleep. In the room where you sleep. Where you……sleep. You better run.” The addition of a children’s chorus is an added terrifying element.

+What songs would you love to see added to this list? “Thriller”, anyone?! Leave your recommendations in the comments and I’ll be sure to add them to the playlist!

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8 years ago

Thank you for these songs, I will definitely listen to them tomorrow!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

8 years ago

Yes to Bauhaus! A few more for you: Artie Shaw “Nightmare”, Tom Waits “What’s He Building” (this is basically a horror movie in music form), The Velvet Underground “The Gift”, Sufjan Stevens “John Wayne Gacy Jr.”, Boot’s Walker “They’re Here”

Oh I live your playlist very much! Expecially red right hand! Thank you! ^_^

8 years ago

Obligatory: “Witchy Woman” by The Eagles, “I Put a Spell on You” and “Bad Moon Rising” by CCR, “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon, “Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra, “Time Warp” by Richard O’brien/
Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, “Danse Macbre” by Camille Saint-Saëns/London Symphony Orchestra

Bella
8 years ago

Love this playlist! Here’s some more: “Sisters of the Moon” by Fleetwood Mac, “Seven Devils” by Florence + The Machine, “The Witch Queen of New Orleans” by Redbone and “The Ghost Who Walks” by Karen Elson.

8 years ago

“Night on Bald Mountain” by Modest Mossorgsky is essential! I also like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult :)

Shaila Fairbanks
8 years ago

Here’s my suggestions that feel very Halloween and creepy… “Spellbound” – Siouxie and the Banshees, “Tear you Apart” – She wants Revenge, “In a Lonely Place” – New Order, “The Chaffeur” – Duran Duran, “Lucretia, My Reflection” – Sisters of Mercy

jan
8 years ago

I put a spell on you- nina simone

8 years ago

Thanks for the absolutely amazing playlist!

8 years ago

Amo de mais playlist. thanks.