Wednesday, April 24

10 Essential Songs for a Halloween Playlist

If you’ve been reading these lists the last couple of weeks, you’ve probably noticed an ongoing trend of Halloween themes. I am sad to say that this week will be the last Halloween themed list. I’d like to end this series of lists on a high note. If you’re searching for some tunes to be the soundtrack of your Halloween festivities, look no further! I have compiled a list of songs that will prepare you for a great Halloween night.

1. Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Time Warp is the Cupid Shuffle of Halloween parties. Throw this song on and everyone within earshot will be dancing along and having a grand ole time! If you’ve never heard of the song, simply search for it online and you’ll be addicted in no time. The dance is easy to learn and makes anyone look like they know what they’re doing.

2. Monster Mash- Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers

“Monster Mash” is another great song to get everyone moving. It’s a bit slower than the Time Warp, but don’t let that stop you from busting a move. The song tells a story of various monsters dancing, which gives us a lovely image not often associated with creatures like vampires and werewolves.

3. Superstition- Stevie Wonder

No Halloween playlist would be complete without Stevie Wonder’s hit song, “Superstition.” When Wonder wrote this song in 1973, I don’t think he ever expected it to become such a timeless tune. Yet, here I am placing it on this list in 2013. This song brings out the soulful side all of us possess somewhere deep inside ourselves and makes for a great addition to the playlist.

 4. This Is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas

If Halloween had a theme song, this would be the obvious choice. The catchy tune reminds us of all the great things about Halloween like pumpkins and things that go bump in the night. It is the perfect song to set the mood for a spooktacular night!

5. Double Trouble from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Combining lyrics from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the pitch perfect vocals of the Hogwarts Frog Choir, “Double Trouble” will chill your bones and prepare you for the Halloween festivities. It even lists the ingredients for a magic potion, so if you’ve got some eye of newt and toe of frog lying around your house, this song might serve a greater purpose.

6. I Put A Spell On You from Hocus Pocus

Even though the song was originally sung by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Hocus Pocus gave it new life. Performed by the bewitching Sanderson sisters, “I Put A Spell On You” will have everyone singing along. In the movie, Bette Midler’s character captivated a huge party with this song and has continued to do so to this day.

7. Thriller- Michael Jackson

michael_jackson_thriller_2I think the song speaks for itself. It should be a crime to leave it off of a Halloween playlist. It’s a universally acclaimed song that everyone seems to know the moves to. Once this tune hits the ears of your guests, the party will hit a new level of excitement.

8. Ghostbusters- Ray Parker Jr.

Who are you gonna call when looking for a good Halloween party song? Well, the obvious answer should be Ray Parker Jr. His song “Ghostbusters” defined the cinematic masterpiece by the same name. This classic theme song will make everyone feel nostalgic and unified while chanting, “Who you gonna call?”

9. Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Radio Edit)- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

If the title doesn’t make you want to put this song on your Halloween playlist, the infectious beat will make you rethink the decision. If you’re looking for a good song to get the party moving, look no further! “Heads Will Roll” is a great dance song to keep everyone movin’ and groovin’.

10. Ghouls Gone Wild- Alice Cooper

“Ghouls Gone Wild” sounds more calm and collected than most of Alice Cooper’s releases. This will be a perfect addition to your playlist because of its dance-along melody. Also, Cooper is playing a show on Halloween right here in Montgomery! Instead of adding this song to your playlist, why not go see it performed live?

[Edited by Darrel Puckett and Silvia Giagnoni 10/28/13]