By now we all have our staple Halloween songs. Every genre has one or two creepy tracks that we’re ready to dust off again and again. Sticking to the basics isn’t always a bad thing, but if you’re looking to add variety to your playlist, there are a few songs released this year that are just begging to be played for Halloween.
American Songwriter Video
Whether you’re looking to fill up your party playlist or want to get ready for something sinister, the four tracks below are just what you need.
(RELATED: 13 Spooky Songs to Listen to This Halloween)
1. “Vampire” (Olivia Rodrigo)
Olivia Rodrigo’s ballad/disco anthem “Vampire” is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Although things may start off slow as Rodrigo sings the opening lines, once the dancing has a rhythm, will follow.
The catchy melody paired with a fast, floor-filling break is the real reason for a Halloween party. Plus, the name alone makes it a suitable choice for the holiday. All the fanged people at your party will love this needle drop.
2. “Bewitched” (Laufey)
Jazz maven Laufey’s “Bewitched” is steeped in classic harmonies and rich instrumentation. It’s so rich that it sounds more like a lush Christmas song than a Halloween tune. However, we cannot ignore the hints of witchcraft.
You put a spell on me / From the first time you kissed me– draws out the Icelandic singer. The listener also gets excited when listening to this upcoming staple.
3. “Unholy” (Sam Smith and Kim Petras)
While this song doesn’t have any direct reference to the holiday, its hints at the darker side of life give it an eerie feel. The underworld is not something many of us think about on a day-to-day basis. Naturally, this becomes somewhat taboo. Sam Smith and Kim Petras sing about doing “sinful” things while coming face to face with the “wicked” in this song.
This coupled with the fact that Smith donned a devil costume while performing this song gives it a Halloween application.
4. “Demons” (Doja the Cat)
Doja Cat faces her inner demons on this track from her album. Scarlet. While “Demons” is more aimed at her haters than the dark spirits, the demonic alter ego she created for him sends shivers down your spine.
Drenched in blood and with a death-like stare, Doji the Demon will be the twisted costume horror fans will unveil this year. But even if you don’t plan to recreate this image, adding “Demons” to your playlist will create the same sinister atmosphere.
Screenshot from Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” video