daily californian logo

BERKELEY'S NEWS • NOVEMBER 22, 2023

The Clog's spooky October playlist to get you in the Halloween mood

article image

TORANGE.BIZ | CREATIVE COMMONS

SUPPORT OUR NONPROFIT NEWSROOM

We're an independent student-run newspaper, and need your support to maintain our coverage.

OCTOBER 07, 2020

Now that it’s finally October, it’s time to channel all the spooky vibes. If you’ve been heating up pumpkin soup every day for lunch or meticulously scouring the internet for creative Halloween costume ideas, chances are you need a fun Halloween playlist to jazz up your fall activities. Look no further. This playlist is full of classic Halloween and overall spooky songs that are perfect for every occasion. Studying for midterms? Spooky music. Taking a walk? Spooky music. Working out? Spooky music. Should we go on?

“This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman

If you’re looking for a classic kids Halloween movie that you’ll love just as much as an adult, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is your go-to. The soundtrack is amazing and has lots of spooky vibes, but the song oozing pure Halloween spirit is definitely “This Is Halloween.” This song is one of the most hype from the soundtrack, and it will definitely become an instant classic if it isn’t already. Maybe you’re reliving your childhood, or maybe you’re just feeling mopey about Zoom Halloween, but the slightly moody tone of the songs in this film will soothe your angsty soul.

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson

“Thriller” is the song that was catchy but also kind of freaked you out when you were a kid, especially if you were watching the music video. Regardless, if you’re trying to get spooky, your Halloween playlist won’t be complete without listening to “Thriller” at least once. Maybe while you’re at it, you can learn the dance from the music video (new viral TikTok, anyone?).

“Spooky, Scary Skeletons (Undead Tombstone Remix)” by Andrew Gold

Back to the theme of songs from when you were a child, “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” is the song I’ve had on repeat since October began. Not only is the original song a total banger, but the Undead Tombstone remix brings life, excitement and a whole lot of energy into the song. I’m not joking — this will become your Halloween anthem. And bonus activity: Create a playlist with only remixes to “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” (there are many) and pick your favorites.

“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

This is the song you want for a classic singalong that all your housemates can get into. All you need to know is the word “ghostbusters,” and you’re pretty much set to contribute to an apartmentwide singing sesh of this classic theme song. The vibes are more jazzy than spooky, but it’s a must-have for your Halloween playlist nonetheless.

“Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett

I’m sorry, but is “Monster Mash” actually from any one thing, or was it just burned into our brains from sitting in front of the TV during October as children? You’ll find that though this song is incredibly familiar and has impeccably spooky singing and sound effects that aren’t that annoying, you don’t actually know any of the words except “monster mash” and then some line about a “graveyard smash”? But maybe that’s just me.

“The Addams Family Theme” by Vic Mizzy

This is another classic theme song that must have locked into your memory sometime between kindergarten and third grade. The Addams family is such a creepy and spooky bunch, but the theme song is upbeat and super nostalgic. If you’re feeling spicy, check out the soundtrack for “The Addams Family” musical, which also has some super fun songs (try “When You’re an Addams”).

“Over at the Frankenstein Place” by Richard O’Brien, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick

If you want to continue on the show tunes trend, definitely check out this song from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” or pretty much any other song from the soundtrack. If you’re feeling a little lost, this is also the musical with the song “Time Warp.” You’ve been warned, though: This doesn’t necessarily give you spooky-creepy vibes, but closer to just very weird creepy vibes. Trust me, I love this musical, but there’s definitely some stuff going on that I don’t quite understand.

“Friends on the Other Side” by Randy Newman, sung by Keith David

This song from “The Princess and the Frog” is great for spooky otherworldly vibes that aren’t necessarily pumpkins or skeletons. I know, I know, Halloween music should only be about pumpkins. That being said, this song is so much fun to listen to, and the Shadow Man definitely fits your creepy Disney villain role. And I wouldn’t want to get on the bad side of Dr. Facilier’s ghostly spirit friends.

We at the Clog hope this playlist has you feeling inspired for an amazing October. Even though Halloween certainly won’t look how it normally does, you can still celebrate fun Halloween traditions, and a spooky playlist is just the place to start.

Contact Elysa Dombro at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

OCTOBER 07, 2020


Related Articles

featured article
Whatever you may be doing on a Friday night, it’s the end of the week — relax, kick back and rewind. Throw this playlist on for easy, chill beats!
Whatever you may be doing on a Friday night, it’s the end of the week — relax, kick back and rewind. Throw this playlist on for easy, chill beats!
featured article
featured article
Next time you need a break from Zoom, listen to this playlist, stare up at your ceiling and let all your worries dissipate.
Next time you need a break from Zoom, listen to this playlist, stare up at your ceiling and let all your worries dissipate.
featured article
featured article
My all-time favorite music to listen to while studying has to be lo-fi music! It wasn't until last semester that I was introduced to this genre of music, and it has honestly changed my life.
My all-time favorite music to listen to while studying has to be lo-fi music! It wasn't until last semester that I was introduced to this genre of music, and it has honestly changed my life.
featured article