Soundtrack: The Ultimate #Halloween Classic Rock Playlist

This weekend I showed Peanut the "Thriller" video for the first time. She was terrified. Furrowing her brow, turning away at some points, even squealing in horror at others. She did this through the entire 13-minute film. Then, as the credits rolled, she asked, "Can we watch it again?"


Thus began her true education into classic Halloween rock. When My Director and I throw our annual Halloween party, we like to boogie. The 80's are well-represented, simply because that genre fits right into the wacky, spooky mood of the occasion. So if you want to get your little monsters mashing to some music that you like too, check out these highlights from our playlist. Of course Monster Mash is on it. As is the aforementioned Thriller. And we too come to appreciate the true genius of Ray Parker, Jr. with Ghostbusters. The rest of these are perhaps a bit less obvious. I chose the number 13 because it's scary to some: (Click on the links for the videos.)

13. Superstitious, Stevie Wonder. I put it here in In honor of the number 13, and because Stevie rules.

If you believe in things you don't understand.
Then you suffer

12. People Are Strange, The Doors. Tell me this song doesn't make you think of the Santa Monica Pier in The Lost Boys. Go ahead. Tell me. Spooky.

When you're strange.
Faces come out of the rain.
When you're strange.
No one remembers your name.

11. Witchy Woman, the Eagles. Admit it:  you have someone this song reminds you of. And it's not flattering.

Ooohhh. Hoooo.
Witchy Woman.
See how high she flies.

10. She Blinded Me with Science, Thomas Dolby. Hello, beautiful, awesome 80's. What's more spooktacular than science gone wrong? (Even though this song's not about that.) The video is tremendous:

9. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Eurhythmics. Great 80's glam rock. Play this song surrounded by a room filled with costumed ghouls and fools and tell me it doesn't scream Halloween.

Who am I to disagree?

8. Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Wang Chung. Uh, if you're not Wang Chunging, you're not have-funning. A must for any party.

7. Bad Moon Rising, CCR. Back to some classic rock. Perhaps the most classic classic rock song on the list.

Don't go around tonight.Well, it's bound to take your life.There's a bad moon on the rise.

6. Rapture, Blondie. Read the title and the band. Enough said.

Wall to wall, people hypnotized.And they're stepping lightly.Hang each night in rapture

5. Rebel Yell, Billy Idol. In the Midnight Hour, baby. Billy is bad a$$:

4.Who Can It Be Now?, Men at Work. Few things are more freaky than a stalker or home invader.

All I wish is to be alone.Stay away.Don't you invade my home.

3. Somebody's Watching Me, Rockwell. See #4.

2.Hungry Like a Wolf, Duran Duran. 80's + Wolves are scary. But not as scary as...

1. Werewolves of London, Warren Zevon. My absolute favorite song this time of year. I love it. Peanut loves it too, especially that "wah-hooooo" part. I love that she instantly recognizes it when it comes on and asks why it's on the radio when it's not Halloween.

Any songs I missed? What would be on your list?

Now that you have the music, make sure you check out the FOOD, DECORATIONS, and COSTUMES that have made our parties a monster smash over the years.