1. Bobby "Boris" Pickett - "The Monster Mash" (1962)
Bobby Boris Pickett - "The Monster Mash"
For those who grew up in the rock 'n roll era, this is THE Halloween song. It reached #1 on the Billboard pop singles chart when initially released and went back to the top 10 in 1973.
Read more on "Monster Mash."
2. Michael Jackson - "Thriller" (1982)
Courtesy Epic Records
The Vincent Price laugh still packs a wallop and everyone will fondly remember the days when Michael was just another child pop star becoming an adult. The song was accompanied by one of the most famous pop music videos ever.
3. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - "Nightmare On My Street" (1988)
Courtesy Jive Records
This song was so successful that the producers of the film Nightmare On Elm Street sued for copyright infringement. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith, the Fresh Prince, will add good humor to any Halloween gathering.
4. Mike Oldfield - "Tubular Bells Pt. 1" (Theme From 'The Exorcist') (1973)
Courtesy Virgin
Can you say creepy? The producers of The Exorcist knew what they were doing when they chose this song for a theme. The album Tubular Bells was released as the first album on the Virgin Records label and gained an impressive commercial foothold for the new entry into the music industry.
5. 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' Soundtrack - "The Time Warp" (1975)
Courtesy 20th Century Fox
Every party needs a group dance moment. "The Time Warp" is easy to follow. The song tells you how. "It's just a jump to the left..."
6. Ray Parker, Jr. - "Ghostbusters" (1984)
Courtesy Arista
This is the theme song from the phenomenally successful movie Ghostbusters. Ray Parker, Jr. wrote the song like an advertising jingle for a ghostbusting business. This #1 pop hit is certain to get everyone shouting along, "Ghostbusters!" Suitable for all ages, the song "Ghostbusters" isn't scary. It is simply pure fun.
7. Donovan - "Season Of the Witch" (1966)
Courtesy Epic
This 1960s pop classic by Donovan has been used widely in movies and TV. It is most frequently used either to illustrate the sometimes violent unrest of the late 1960s or as an accompaniment to the topics of horror and witchcraft. Most recently the song was used on the sountrack to Tim Burton's feature film version of the TV show Dark Shadows.
8. Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Bad Moon Rising" (1969)
Courtesy Fantasy Records
Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty claims that he wrote "Bad Moon Rising" after watching the classic film The Devil and Daniel Webster. He says the song is about a coming apocalypse. There is a threatening, ominous tone to the song which matches Halloween perfectly. "Bad Moon Rising" reached #2 on the pop singles chart in the US in 1969. It went to #1 in the UK.
9. Rockwell - "Somebody's Watching Me" (1984)
Courtesy Motown
There is a feeling of paranoia in this debut hit from Rockwell that has been unmatched by other major pop hits. Rockwell is the son of Motown Records executive Berry Gordy, Jr. "Somebody's Watching Me" includes backup vocals from Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson. The song went to #2 on the pop singles chart in the US and was certified gold.
10. White Zombie - "I'm Your Boogieman" (1996)
Courtesy Geffen Records
There are plenty of tracks from White Zombie and lead vocalist Rob Zombie solo that make great Halloween selections, but my choice goes to this remake of the K.C. and the Sunshine Band classic. Suddenly "boogieman" has a different connotation!
