Hauntingly Good Halloween Songs for Your Party

Halloween may be Christmas' neglected step-sister when it comes to associated songs, but the music that represents the wicked October holiday should not be ignored. Whether it's the bone-chilling beats of Michael Jackson or the grin-cracking absurdity of Bobby "Boris" Pickett, Halloween has seen plenty of quality carols over the years. Here are my top 10 songs for a Halloween Party.

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
Sure, I was only 4 years old when this song came out, but I can still recall what a big deal it was. The song was creepy (complete with a Vincent Price cameo), the video was straight-up terrifying and enough of a stir was created that Jackson had to answer rumors of belonging to a cult (if only those were the toughest rumors he'd ever encounter). This song isn't terribly dated 25 years later and remains an absolute classic that's imminently listenable.

"The Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett
This song is especially on my brain of late because of my daughter's toy that sings and dances to the tune, but even in its campy greatness this song remains perhaps The quintessential Halloween song. I'm not quite sure what the Mash is exactly, but it undoubtedly remains a graveyard smash.

Theme from "Halloween"
Like a good horror film, this song is creepy in its subtlety: no words, few instruments, just a creepy syncopated piano-like melody setting the mood for misery. If this song doesn't send chills down your spine, you're probably already dead.

"Highway to Hell" and "Hell's Bells" by AC/DC
A tie here from these Australian rockers, who apparently have Hades on the brain a lot of the time. These tunes' intensity never lets up, just like you'd expect the misery in Hell to persist. Nobody really wants to be send to the underworld, but if these two songs were played down there things would be a BIT more bearable.

"Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band
The recipient of a publicity boost thanks to "Guitar Hero III," this fiddle-laced Southern rock classic makes a meeting with Beelzebub seem almost pedestrian ... almost.

"Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon
Another classic rock tune, this song might be the creepiest thing about England - aside from thinking about Britons' teeth, at least.

"Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.
Another campy choice, but this one will appeal to the younger set. The song was catchy, but its synthesized organ backing part added just a hint of spookiness. Ask 10 people on the street who they're gonna call, and at least seven of them to this day will respond, "Ghostbusters!"

"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult
More entrancing than haunting, this song is absolutely brilliant and will mesmerize any listener. And, of course, it's the source material for the greatest "Saturday Night Live" sketch of all-time. Can I get more cowbell to cure my fever?

"Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell
This song FREAKED ME OUT as a kid, with its creepy synth harmony and terrifying vocals. it literally took me year to be able to listen to the entire song without getting that bugs-on-my-skin feeling.

"Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder
I defy you to listen to Wonder's organ part on this song and NOT start tapping your foot. A classic, and just eerie enough to set a Halloween mood. A musical genius making musically genius material.