Five Essential Halloween Albums

Halloween! The time to celebrate the spookiest of holidays by donning costumes, indulging in candy, and most importantly, setting the mood with the perfect spine-chilling soundtrack. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just getting into the spirit, these five essential albums are a must-listen-to make your All Hallows’ Eve truly haunting.

Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party (1985)

Why it’s essential: Danny Elfman and his band Oingo Boingo infused their playful style of new wave, ska, and rock into this classic album. The title track, “Dead Man’s Party,” is a Halloween staple, evoking images of skeletons dancing in celebration. The rest of the album is just as lively, making it perfect for any spooky soirée.

Standout tracks: “Dead Man’s Party,” “Weird Science,” “Stay”

Bauhaus – In the Flat Field (1980)

Why it’s essential: First, let’s talk about the skeleton in the closet. You can’t bring up these goth rock pioneers without at least mentioning their spookiest of songs, the nine-minute tune “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” which was released as a single in 1979 and appears on the compilations Crackle (1998) and The Bela Session (2018). However, with In the Flat Field, Bauhaus crafted an entire album that’s equally dark. The post-punk masterpiece is filled with shrieking guitars, pounding drums, and Peter Murphy’s chilling vocals.

Standout tracks: “Double Dare,” “In the Flat Field,” “Stigmata Martyr”

Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)

Why it’s essential: No Halloween playlist is complete without the iconic title track “Thriller.” But beyond that, the entire album oozes with groovy, spooky energy. From the werewolf howls in “Thriller” to the haunting harmonies of “Billie Jean” and the tense undertones of “Beat It,” this album is a masterclass in pop.

Standout tracks: “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”

Danny Elfman – The Nightmare Before Christmas Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993)

Why it’s essential: This beloved stop-motion film offers a soundtrack that’s as enchanting as it is eerie. Danny Elfman’s compositions brilliantly weave together Halloween and Christmas elements, making it versatile for the holiday season. And let’s face it: “This is Halloween” is downright infectious.

Standout tracks: “This is Halloween,” “Jack’s Lament,” “Oogie Boogie’s Song”

Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers – The Original Monster Mash (1962)

Why it’s essential: No Halloween playlist is truly complete without the iconic “Monster Mash.” This album captures the whimsical side of Halloween, with catchy tunes and playful lyrics that even the monsters under your bed can’t resist dancing to.

Standout tracks: “Monster Mash,” “Monster Mash Party,” “Me and My Mummy”

So set the mood, turn down the lights, don your favorite costume, and let these haunting tunes play!