Spooky songs to celebrate the Halloween season

As the trees turn and leaves fall, my favorite time of year is officially upon us. Most importantly, this serves as a chance to revamp my Halloween playlist (pun intended). After hearing the same two songs on the radio and in every big-box store, I finally got tired of “Monster Mashing” and doing the “Thriller.” So, in need of a change of pace, I set out to compile a list of my top five lesser-played Halloween songs, for whatever kind of spooky mood you’re in.

1. “Time Warp” — Little Nell, Patricia Quinn and Richard O’Brien

“Time Warp” has been a family staple in my household for as long as I can remember — and for good reason — everyone loves a song with a dance.

When it came on, everyone dropped whatever they were doing just in time to take a jump to the left (and then a follow-up step to the right). The singers’ unique voices lend themselves to fun lip-syncs, and the glam rock vibes give it an upbeat energy perfect for dancing to while you decorate your dorm room for the season.

2. “Spooky” — Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield brought new life to Classics IV’s song “Spooky” with her cover. Although she changed the lyrics from a “Spooky little girl” to a “Spooky little boy,” she kept true to the song’s playful, jazzy vibe. I’ve been playing it in the mornings, and it adds a bit of joy to getting ready — even for my 8:30 a.m. class. It’s a fun, feel-good tune that I’d recommend listening to while putting on your costume or doing your Halloween makeup.

3. “Love Potion No. 9” — The Searchers

What’s Halloween without a little morally questionable witchcraft? “Love Potion No. 9” is a timeless hit in which the lead singer, desperate for love, tries a suspicious potion — leading him down to the street corner to kiss a cop. The guitar plays a significant role in this song, including one of my favorite riffs. It’s the perfect pick for dancing on a fun Halloween night with your boo — potion optional.

4. “Weird Science” — Oingo Boingo

Although I can’t recommend creating a living creature in your residence hall kitchen, I can recommend playing this song while you cook up a sweet (non-living) treat. It’s bouncy, new wave and the drums and guitar mix perfectly to back a chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head. It’s perfect for dancing in the kitchen — just make sure your recipe doesn’t start singing along.

5. “I Put a Spell on You” — PattyCake

Let’s be real: backup singers can make or break the song, and they absolutely make it in PattyCake’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” for the 1993 classic “Hocus Pocus.” As an oldest child, I understand the struggle of finding a song with backup vocals good enough to get my younger siblings to sacrifice their spotlight. However, with the fun, flowy vocals, they’re always more than happy to sing along. This one is best listened to in a group, where everyone can fully commit to the fun vocals this song deserves.

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Honorable Mention: “The Lurch” — Ted Cassidy

Every year, I try to venture out of my usual playlist to find a new song, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this year’s find; “The Lurch” by Ted Cassidy. The song blends Cassidy’s deep voice with peppy, Motown-adjacent backup vocals for a scarily fun mix. Despite the song never actually describing how to do the famous Lurch dance, any spooky moves will do — just make it deadpan.

Hannaer@miamioh.edu