5 spooky songs to get you in the Halloween spirit this October

It’s October, which means it’s time to get spooky! Even though Halloween is still weeks away, here are some spooky songs that can get you in the holiday spirit.

As we (reluctantly) say goodbye to summer, the leaves have started to rapidly change color, which can only mean one thing: Autumn is officially here  — so it’s time for Halloween! Start carving those pumpkins, buy some candy corn (unless you’re a hater), hang up some spooky decorations, and fill your playlist with some extra spooky songs!

Of course, there are always the staples that need to make an appearance, like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson or the classic “Monster Mash.” But this year, why not switch things up with some songs that give off major Halloween vibes, even if they didn’t mean to? Some artists, like Kim Petras, decided to release a full collection of Halloween songs (because if people can do it for Christmas, why not for other holidays?), while others just radiate creepiness in one way or another.

So if you’re ready to make things extra spoopy, here are five songs that you should definitely add to your Halloween playlist!

1. “Close Your Eyes” by Kim Petras

Mariah Carey may be the Queen of Christmas, but Kim Petras is working hard to get that Queen of Halloween title. She first released her holiday EP Turn Off the Light Vol. 1 in 2018, and then released the second part as a full album the following year. It features instrumentals that sample the sound of knives and other creepy noises, which would be perfect to replace that Halloween sound effects CD you’ve had your entire life!

The album is full of great songs for your playlist, including “Close Your Eyes,” “Turn Off the Light,” which features the Mistress of Darkness Elvira, and “Massacre,” which samples the Christmas classic “Carol of the Bells” in a unique, Halloween-y way.

2. “Disturbia” by Rihanna

This one needs no explanation for its inclusion! Rihanna indulged her dark side when she released her album Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007, and then took it one step further with Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded the following year, which included the single “Disturbia.”

The song gives off major creepy vibes on its own, besides being an incredibly catchy pop song, but it’s the music video (which looks like it takes place in an abandoned hospital or haunted house) that solidified this track’s Halloween legacy.

3. “How Soon Is Now” by Love Spit Love

This one might seem obscure for some, but it will jog some serious nostalgia for others. “How Soon Is Now” is originally by The Smiths, but was covered by Love Spit Love in 1996 for the soundtrack of the movie The Craft. If that’s not where you recognize it from, you might know it as the theme song of the show Charmed. Warner Brothers re-used the song for both witchy projects (and it’s also believed that the idea of The Craft was stolen to create Charmed in the first place).

This song definitely has an otherworldly vibe that makes you think of witchcraft, plus both the show and the film are worthy of a rewatch this month.

4. “Monster” by Lady Gaga

Here’s another obvious track for you! Lady Gaga followed up her hit debut album The Fame with the album The Fame Monster, which included eight new tracks dealing with Gaga’s newfound fame and the struggles that came with it.

The track “Monster” was about Gaga and her dangerous man. She sings about what a monster he was and how they made out on the subway while he tore her clothes off and then ate her heart and her brain. Sounds like the perfect blend of sexy and scary!

5. “Halloween” by Aqua

This Halloween doesn’t need to be that spooky when there’s already way too much scary stuff going on in the world. Aqua, known for their hit “Barbie Girl,” has the perfect balance of fun, camp, and spook with their track “Halloween.” Starting out with an ominous phone call and a sample of the infamous “Ki ki ki ma ma ma” sound from Friday the 13th, you get a little bit of horror before the typical Aqua electronic sound bursts in.

What spooky songs are on your Halloween playlist? Let us know in the comments!