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Halloween isn’t like Christmas, where people go house to house and sing holiday-related songs, but there are still Halloween-related songs out there that people enjoy listening to. Radio stations even like to get into the spirit…funny, spirit….by playing spooky songs around this time. Billboard Charts have even determined the Top 25 Halloween Song of 2017, as measured by Nielsen Music. Using digital sales, radio airplay and even streaming, the testing used digital song sales from October 28 to November 3, 2016; radio and streaming were looked at from October 25 to 31, 2016.
Only half of these songs have anything to do with the holiday, but they’re all good ‘n spooky!
25. Santana’s “Black Magic Woman”
They never say that woman with black magic powers on her hand is a witch, but on Halloween, it’s the perfect time to get out of that broom-closet.
24. Rihanna’s “Disturbia”
Rihanna, as lovely and honey-voiced as she is, sure has the ability to be “scaring you tonight!”
23. Marilyn Manson’s “This Is Halloween”
I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say this is a popular song for Halloween. As in, don’t get upset just yet if you prefer the Danny Elfman version.
22. Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With The Devil”
I don’t know what’s scarier, invoking Old Scratch himself of that people used to think they could pull off that hair!
21. Starset’s “My Demons”
The “demons” mentioned in the song are probably meant to be personal demons, but let’s not be too careful on Halloween.
20. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince’s “A Nightmare On My Street”
Make sure you listen to this while watching one of the Fresh Prince’s Halloween specials. Either the one where Will meets Cinderella or the one where the family gets cursed by a fortune-teller.
19. Rob Zombie’s “Dragula”
Any man with “Zombie” in his name had no choice but to be on this list.
18. The Cranberries’ “Zombie”
Yes, listen to the Cranberries, the zombies are in your head. All in your head. Excuse me while I laugh menacingly.
17. The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp”
Who doesn’t love a song that tells you how to dance to it in the lyrics…and also invokes the “devil eye?”
16. AC/DC’s “Hells Bells”
“Hells Bells” is also the name of a Betty Boop cartoon where she descends into Hell and fights off Satan with her “cold shoulder.” Flappers were made for this holiday.
15. The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy For The Devil”
Note: I in no way actually condone giving sympathy to the devil, even on Halloween. Especially since it technically means ‘All Saints Day Eve…’
14. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising”
Beware the moon; moonlight powers vampires, transforms werewolves and gives witches’ their classic silhouettes. On Halloween night, any moon can easily be a “bad moon.”
13. John Carpenter’s “Halloween Theme”
I’m not saying that this song was cheating by calling itself “Halloween Theme” for this Halloween song-list, but it sure gave it an unfair advantage.
12. Radiohead’s “Creep”
You don’t belong here? Well, Halloween is the one night all us creeps and weirdos do.
11. Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Seasons don’t fear the Reaper; why should we?
10. Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves Of London”
Yeah, just don’t get this confused with “Sweet Home Alabama?” You’ve been warned.
9. Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me”
As this song reminds us, mankind truly has nothing much to fear but the IRS.
8. Eminem & Rihanna’s “The Monster”
Rihanna really doubled-dipped this season. Why should Mariah Carey be the only singer with a monopoly on holiday songs?
7. Skillet’s “Monster”
Technically, the “monster” the song is talking about is the Hulk, but most kids will be dressing up like superheroes anyway.
6. AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell”
I am beginning to think that AC/DC and Rihanna need to joins forces at least by next year.
5. Danny Elfman’s “This Is Halloween”
I told you…
4. Imagine Dragons’ “Demons”
These guys already invoked some demons when they already had dragons on their side. They sure are covering their bases.
3. Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers’ “Monster Mash”
Does this song need any introduction?
2. Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters”
Who ya’ gonna call?
1. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”
Long before the dead were out walking, they were out steppin’
Are there any songs you think should be on the list?
