Without a doubt, scary movies are the staple of the spooky season, but underrated and unappreciated are the songs that act as a soundtrack to our Halloween activities. Let’s explore some of the best events, tracks, playlists and songs that aren’t supposed to be spooky, but bring that fright night energy.
To start, we must highlight the spectacular auditory experience that graces our very own campus, . This Hendricks Chapel concert is sure to get you in the Halloween mood. This interactive concert will feature students and faculty, as well as costumes and candy! The Hendricks Chapel Choir and University Organist will perform songs from Phantom of the Opera and other classic stories—come dressed as your favorite characters from theater, horror and beyond!
PLAYLISTS…
There is one place we must begin in the discussion of spooky playlists and that is the “Halloween 2021” compilation from Filtr US currently on Spotify. This playlist includes smash hits like “Thriller” from Michael Jackson, to deep cuts like “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo. What I like best is the curation of non-Halloween tracks that most certainly fit the mood, a theme we’ll explore more in-depth later.
Now if you’re a Halloween enthusiast, then the “Spooky Ooky Kooky” playlist on Spotify will be your jam, literally. This two-hour playlist is full of all the classics from the scariest, legendary horrifying films in history. If you absolutely love the scare season, this playlist is to die for.
SONGS…
“CANOPIC JAR” by Hiatus Kaiyote
This new EP from the collection of souls Hiatus Kiaoyte was made with the intent just to get you in the creepy, crawly headspace. The title taken from the ancient jars made to contain the organs that were removed from the body in the process of mummification. The two tracks, “Journey to The Crystal Tomb” and “Canopic Jar” masterfully bring you along a mysterious and haunting sonic journey as it descends into the darker corners of the mind. These new songs from Hiatus Kaiyote are a great addition to any Halloween household or playlist.
“SUPERSTITION” by Stevie Wonder
Certainly not a deep cut, but an essential for any Halloween vibe, is one of Stevie’s multiples of hits, “Superstition.” The fast-driving pace, but dark thumping bass throughout will turn any house from quiet, warm and pleasant to spirited, dark, and spooky.
“THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, OVERTURE” by Andrew Lloyd Webber
While we’re on the topic of essentials, it would be criminal not to include the song that is a must-play for all musical theater fans. But for all Halloween fans this is a magically spooky epic that many have probably heard before and never even realized it, creepy right?
SPOOKY by accident…
To close us out, as promised, let’s dive into some songs that when made probably weren’t intended to end up on a list of Halloween-themed songs, but they sure get you in the Halloween spirit.
“BURY A FRIEND” by Billie Eilish
Billie’s music generally comes with an element of cold and creeping sonic tones so having this track kick us off is no shock. This smash hit from Billie Eilish is the perfect dark pop track that’s simultaneously catchy and bone-chilling.
“MONSTER” by Kanye West
Aside from the Halloween-esqe masks Kanye has been wearing the past few months, there is more Halloween vibe to Ye than that. The track Monster from his critically acclaimed album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is an example of what happens when you bring hip-hop and Halloween together, unintentionally. Not only does this track feature the ultimate collab of legendary artists, it also features a horror-filled theme perfect for Halloween.
“THROUGH THE LATE NIGHT” by Travis Scott (feat. Kid Cudi)
This track from Travis Scott from second one is an upbeat terror. The haunting piano floating lightly in the background is a symphony of spookiness. The infamous Kid Cudi humming and general groaning are what really bring the darkness to this track and truly make it a great addition to any Halloween playlist.
Hopefully we gave you some new Halloween-friendly tracks to add to your weekend playlist, or at least some inspiration for your personally-curated jams for your scary season.
Happy Halloween from The Peel!
Written by Patrick Hardy G’22 , S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications