Kilroy Was Here

👻 Set the Mood with Spine-Tingling Halloween Playlist from Beyond

No Halloween party is complete without the perfect Halloween Playlist to raise the spirits—literally. Whether you're summoning ghosts from the grave or just creeping it real with your costumed crew, the right music turns your living room into a haunted ballroom. Dim the lights, spark some candles, and let the eerie melodies drift through the air like whispers from the beyond. The chills don’t just come from the breeze… they come from the beat.

This isn’t your average Halloween Playlist. These tracks are brought to you by legends who’ve long since left the stage—but their voices still echo in the dark. From haunting harmonies to spine-tingling solos, each song adds another layer of supernatural flair to your night. So press play and let these ghosts of music past guide your guests through a Halloween party they’ll never forget.

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell on You

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cast his own kind of magic when he unleashed I Put a Spell on You in 1956. Originally intended as a ballad, the recording spiraled into theatrical madness—complete with grunts, moans, and a coffin stage entrance that would become his signature. Though it wasn’t a massive chart hit at the time, the song’s eerie tone and voodoo vibes turned it into a Halloween staple and a cult classic, influencing everyone from Nina Simone to Marilyn Manson. Hawkins’ over-the-top performance helped define the concept of "shock rock" long before it had a name.

Bobby “Boris” Pickett – Monster Mash

Bobby Pickett scored a graveyard smash in 1962 with Monster Mash, a novelty tune that rose from the crypt to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 just in time for Halloween. With his spot-on Boris Karloff impression and a chorus of groaning ghouls, Pickett created a spooky spoof of dance crazes like the Twist and the Mashed Potato. Though intended as a seasonal gag, the song became a perennial favorite, re-entering the charts multiple times over the decades and cementing Pickett’s legacy as the king of Halloween airwaves.

Michael Jackson – Thriller

When Thriller dropped in 1982, Michael Jackson didn’t just release a song—he summoned a pop culture phenomenon. Blending funk, disco, and horror with a chilling narration by Vincent Price, the track peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 but became far bigger than the charts could measure. The groundbreaking 14-minute music video, filled with zombies and iconic dance moves, turned Halloween into Thriller season. To this day, no October Halloween Playlist feels complete without it—Jackson’s haunting hooks and spooky style still raise goosebumps decades later.

Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London

Warren Zevon howled his way onto the airwaves in 1978 with Werewolves of London, a quirky, piano-driven track that became his most recognizable hit. With its catchy "Awoooo!" refrain and darkly comedic lyrics about a well-dressed werewolf on the prowl, the song clawed its way to No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Originally written as a joke, the tune’s eerie yet playful vibe made it a natural fit for Halloween rotations. Zevon’s deadpan delivery and the song’s offbeat charm give it lasting bite among Halloween party favorites.

Dusty Springfield – Spooky

Dusty Springfield brought a sultry chill to the air with her 1970 version of Spooky, originally an instrumental hit by saxophonist Mike Sharpe and later given lyrics by Classics IV. Dusty’s take, dripping with cool confidence and her signature breathy vocals, gave the flirtatious ghost story a sophisticated edge. While it didn’t chart as high as some of her earlier hits, her rendition became a fan favorite—perfectly blending romance and the supernatural. With a vibe that’s more velvet than vampire, it’s a smooth, spellbinding addition to any Halloween playlist.

Jim Morrison (The Doors) – People Are Strange

Released in 1967, People Are Strange captured the eerie, off-kilter essence of The Doors at their moody best. Written by Jim Morrison and Robby Krieger during one of Morrison’s bouts of depression, the song quickly climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its haunting lyrics and carnival-like melody explore alienation and the weirdness of the world—fitting perfectly with Halloween’s embrace of the strange and unusual. Morrison’s ghostly vocals and the song’s dreamlike vibe still echo like a phantom through any spooky Halloween Playlist.

Bo Diddley – Bo Meets the Monster

Bo Diddley brought his signature rhythm and swagger to the supernatural with Bo Meets the Monster, a playful, bluesy track released in 1958. While not a chart-topper, the song became a cult favorite for its mix of rock ‘n’ roll grit and campy horror storytelling. In it, Bo finds himself face-to-face with a creature straight out of a B-movie, delivering punchy guitar riffs and sly humor along the way. It’s a lesser-known gem that adds vintage cool and monster-movie vibes to any Halloween playlist.

Sheb Wooley – The Purple People Eater

Sheb Wooley scored a surprise hit in 1958 with The Purple People Eater, a bizarre and catchy novelty tune that soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts. With its goofy lyrics about a one-eyed, one-horned creature who "only came to Earth to play in a rock and roll band," the song delighted kids and confused adults—cementing its place in pop culture weirdness. Though it’s more silly than scary, its extraterrestrial charm and playful energy make it a Halloween Playlist must-play, especially for the younger goblins at your gathering.

Louis Armstrong – Jeepers Creepers

Louis Armstrong put his unmistakable stamp on Jeepers Creepers in 1938, turning the light-hearted show tune into a swingin’ classic with just the right hint of mischief. Originally written for the Warner Bros. film Going Places, the song wasn't spooky in its day—but Armstrong’s gravelly voice and the song’s catchy, wide-eyed chorus gave it a quirky charm that’s made it a Halloween favorite by association. Over time, its title became linked with everything from vintage cartoons to horror flicks, giving this jazzy gem a second life in the land of the creepy and kooky.

Andrew Gold – Spooky, Scary Skeletons

Andrew Gold's Spooky, Scary Skeletons, released in 1996, was initially part of a children's Halloween album—but the internet had other plans. Years later, the catchy tune rose from the grave thanks to memes, YouTube videos, and TikTok, transforming it into a modern Halloween anthem. With its xylophone-driven beat and playful lyrics, the song strikes the perfect balance between fun and fright. Though Gold was better known for soft rock hits in the ’70s, this unexpected viral hit gave him a posthumous seat on the Halloween Playlist table.

Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs – Lil’ Red Riding Hood

Lil’ Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs crept up the charts in 1966, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its mix of growling vocals, sly lyrics, and fairy-tale creepiness made it an instant classic. The track’s eerie yet playful vibe has helped it endure as a seasonal favorite—earning a permanent spot on any well-crafted Halloween Playlist.

The Cramps – I Was A Teenage Werewolf

The Cramps growled onto the scene with I Was A Teenage Werewolf in 1980, channeling B-movie horror and punk rock into a snarling, lo-fi anthem. Inspired by the 1957 cult film of the same name, the track blends Lux Interior’s unhinged vocals with a hypnotic rockabilly groove, oozing with raw, undead energy. Though never a mainstream chart hit, it became a defining track in the Cramps’ psychobilly catalog—perfect for partygoers who like their Halloween Playlist music loud, weird, and a little dangerous.

The Charlie Daniels Band – The Devil Went Down to Georgia

The Charlie Daniels Band ignited a fiery showdown in 1979 with The Devil Went Down to Georgia, a high-speed fiddle duel that shot to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Blending Southern rock with storytelling flair, the song pits a cocky young fiddler named Johnny against the Devil himself in a battle for his soul. Its blazing solos and supernatural theme made it an instant classic, earning a Grammy and a permanent spot on Halloween playlists where deals with the devil are always in style.

Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead

Bauhaus laid the foundation for gothic rock with their eerie 1979 debut single Bela Lugosi’s Dead. Clocking in at over nine minutes, the track unfolds like a slow descent into a vampire’s lair, complete with echoing guitar, haunting vocals, and a hypnotic bassline. Though it never charted, its cult status only grew, especially among fans of the macabre. Named after the legendary Dracula actor, the song became an anthem for goth subculture and remains a must-have for any Halloween playlist that leans into the dark and dramatic.

The Eagles – Witchy Woman

The Eagles conjured a mystical vibe with Witchy Woman, released in 1972 as the band’s second single. Blending haunting harmonies with a slow-burning groove, the song climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced listeners to a seductive, spell-casting figure inspired partly by Zelda Fitzgerald. With its moody guitar riffs and eerie lyrics, Witchy Woman became a standout in the Eagles’ early catalog and a natural fit for a Halloween Playlist, adding a touch of desert mysticism to any spooky soirée.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Bad Moon Rising

Creedence Clearwater Revival unleashed a sense of looming doom with Bad Moon Rising in 1969, even as its upbeat rhythm masked the ominous lyrics beneath. The song hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, quickly becoming one of CCR’s signature hits. Inspired by a scene of chaos from the film The Devil and Daniel Webster, John Fogerty’s lyrics warned of hurricanes, earthquakes, and impending disaster—all with a catchy, country-rock twang. It’s a deceptively cheerful track that brings a perfect touch of apocalyptic energy to any Halloween playlist.

Van Halen – Runnin’ with the Devil

Van Halen kicked off their 1978 debut album with Runnin’ with the Devil, a hard rock anthem that showcased David Lee Roth’s wild vocals and Eddie Van Halen’s blazing guitar work. Though it only reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song became one of the band’s most iconic tracks—channeling themes of freedom, rebellion, and danger with a devilish edge. Its thunderous bass intro and sinister title make it a perfect fit for Halloween playlists that favor heavy riffs and high-voltage energy.

Buck Owens - It's A Monsters' Holiday

Released in 1974, It’s A Monsters’ Holiday by Buck Owens brought country flair to the spooky season, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. With playful lyrics featuring Frankenstein, Dracula, and other classic creeps, the song mixes honky-tonk charm with Halloween fun—making it a quirky, toe-tapping addition to any Halloween Playlist.

Santana – Black Magic Woman

Santana cast a spell on the charts in 1970 with Black Magic Woman, a smoldering fusion of Latin rock and blues originally written by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green. Santana’s version, paired with the instrumental Gypsy Queen, climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the band’s signature hits. With its hypnotic guitar work and lyrics about a mysterious, enchanting woman, the track brings a sensual, supernatural vibe to any Halloween playlist—perfect for when the night calls for a little dark romance.

The Searchers – Love Potion No. 9

The Searchers gave Love Potion No. 9 a British Invasion twist in 1964, reviving the Leiber and Stoller classic first recorded by The Clovers in 1959. Their jangly, upbeat version became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. With lyrics about a magical elixir and a trip to a gypsy's lair, the song blends humor and hokum into a pop-perfect for your Halloween Playlist pick. Its catchy charm and mystical theme make it a sweet, spooky treat for any playlist.

David Seville – Witch Doctor

David Seville brewed up a novelty hit in 1958 with Witch Doctor, a quirky tune that hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts thanks to its chipmunk-speed chorus and infectious “Oo ee oo ah ah” hook. Created using sped-up vocals—a trick Seville would later perfect with Alvin and the Chipmunks—the song tells the tale of love advice from a mysterious witch doctor. Silly, surreal, and irresistibly catchy, it’s a Halloween party favorite that brings nostalgic fun and a dose of cartoon chaos to the mix.

From ghostly grooves to devilish dance tracks, these tunes summon the perfect Halloween Playlist atmosphere—one where the past lives on in every beat. Whether it’s a werewolf howling through your speakers or a skeleton shaking to the rhythm, each song adds its own spectral charm to the night. These legendary artists may be gone, but their music lingers like a chill in the air, making your party feel like a séance with rock ‘n’ roll royalty.

So dim the lights, turn up the volume, and let the spirits take the stage. With this playlist of eerie excellence, you’re not just throwing a Halloween party—you’re hosting a haunted hit parade where the dead still sing and the living can’t help but dance.