Halloween season is approaching, and every year, we love to update our playlist. Here is a little selection, blending several music genres, to celebrate Halloween this year!
1. This Is Halloween, The Nightmare Before Christmas
From the classic movie The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), This Is Halloween is the perfect song to begin the celebration of Halloween. One of composer Danny Elfman‘s most well-known works, this track serves as a character exposition piece in the film (see this article for more information). This Is Halloween is the perfect song to kick off Halloween night in all of its glory!
2. Bury a friend, Billie Eilish
Bury a friend, appearing on Billie Eilish‘s debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), is one of her most lyrically engaging and well-crafted songs. Throughout this track, listeners travel through the minds of monsters, immersing themselves in a sonic realm full of dissonance and, at times, unsettling sounds effects. Bury a friend is the ultimate Halloween experience — rich in both its vocal and musical productions.
3. Disturbia, Rihanna
Written for Rihanna‘s Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded (2008), Disturbia marked a turning point in the singer’s career, showcasing a bolder image and sound. In this track, Rihanna takes her listeners through the world of nightmares, combining chilling lyrics (“It can creep up inside you and consume you”) with a fun and up-beat production. A song to make you dance, in the spirit of Halloween itself.
4. Kill Bill, SZA
In 2022, SZA released Kill Bill, her first lead single of her second album, SOS, becoming an instant hit. Taking inspiration from the film of the same name, this track explores themes of grief, heartbreak, and the desire to avenge oneself. SZA’s soulful and playful vocals plunge listeners into a story of madness, obsession and regret. Kill Bill is a dark and twisted song — perfect for a more moody approach to Halloween.
5. Thriller, Michael Jackson
Released in 1982 on the album of the same name, Thriller by Michael Jackson remains the song embodying Halloween at its finest. With its iconic music video, the King of Pop gifted us a timeless hit, through Quincy Jones‘s outstanding production and Vincent Price‘s chilling cameo. Thriller is a sonic ride that continues to inspire many musicians, and captures the spirit of Halloween through dance.
6. Abracadabra, Lady Gaga
Abracadabra (2025) by Lady Gaga marked a return to the singer’s roots, with its upbeat tempo and theatrical vocals. Throughout this track, she immerses listeners in the worlds of iconic characters, including the Lady in Red (a ghost reminiscent of the White Lady), the Phantom of the Opera, and more: “Hold me in your heart tonight, in the magic of the dark moonlight”. Abracadabra is a fun dance-electro pop track, making its listeners dance the night away.
7. Dancing with the Devil, Marina Kaye
Appearing on Marina Kaye’s debut album, Dancing with the Devil is a powerful ballad, exploring themes of emotional dependance, toxic relationships and the sense of powerlessness they can bring. This intense and profound track, encourages listeners to reflect on themselves. With its commanding lyrics and production, Marina Kaye delivers an outstanding vocal performance at just fifteen years old, showcasing her vulnerability: “This passion is a blasphemy, my second lung, my enemy, I know I’m dancing with the devil, darken up my heaven, brighten up my hell”. Dancing with the Devil is a great track for those who wishes to reflect this Halloween.
8. The Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber
For musical lovers, The Phantom of the Opera is a Halloween staple, making us sing our hearts out. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the eponymous musical, this song immerses listeners in an operatic/theatrical world, with touches of rock. Many great singers have taken on the iconic roles of Christine and the Phantom, but a personal favorite is Kelly Mathieson and Ben Lewis. The haunting lyrics and orchestration draw listeners in the mysterious realm of the Phantom, making it a must for Halloween!
9. Highway to Hell, AC/DC
Released in 1979, Highway to Hell by AC/DC is another timeless hit, that has influenced countless musicians and continues to do so. Throughout this song, the legendary group share their carefree aspiration: “Livin’ easy […] Season ticket on a one way ride, askin’ nothin’, leave me be”. This playful track serves as a satire for society’s expectations on individuals to conform, or else. Highway to Hell is another fun, danceable track with deep lyrics — the ultimate blend for a thoughtful celebration.
10. I Put a Spell on You, Nina Simone
I Put a Spell on You performed by Nina Simone actually dates back to 1956. Composed by Jay Hawkins (the first person to record the song) and Herb Slotkin, it has rhythm&blues influences, as well as rock and roll. Simone’s version, released a decade later, gift us a sultry and soulful interpretation. The playful lyrics — “I’m yours right now, ah, you hear me, I put a spell on you, because you’re mine” — add a joyful and fun twist to the Halloween celebration, putting love at the forefront.
Principal photo © Disney
The Musician Insight 
Leave a comment