It’s already October. That means it’s time to bust out the Halloween songs. My Halloween playlist is a bit out of control. I can’t possibly pick out a top five because they’re all great. So instead, here’s a sampling from my Halloween playlist that evokes one of my favorite themes. 

Sexual and romantic obsession. 

And pain. 

And desire. 

This is the perfect time of year to one hundred percent lean into that aspect of the human condition—without people calling for an intervention. 

Five Songs from My Halloween Playlist

“Haunted” by Beyoncé

My haunted lungs
Ghost in the sheets
I know if I’m haunting you, you must be haunting me

This one’s from the first Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. I love the blend of spooky and dark, risqué tones and imagery. 

“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac 

Listen to the wind blow, down comes the night
Running in the shadows, damn your love, damn your lies

Timeless. A sublime expression of the epic love / hate(?)  story between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. 

It’s also great for walking to in the early morning dark. It starts off broody and eerie and then builds to a total rock out at the end.

“Solar Midnite” by Lupe Fiasco

Well it’s midnight, and it’s colder,
Pull you closer, I can see you through.

One of my favorite songs from the beloved Twilight New Moon soundtrack. The movie that launched the Team Jacob / Team Edward movement. It’s pretty much Jacob’s love letter to Bella. It’s also a perfect blend of alt guitar rock and hip-hop.

“Devil Inside” by INXS

Devil inside, the Devil inside
Every single one of us the Devil inside

I mean, this one’s kind of obvious, right?

“I Put A Spell On You” by Alice Smith

And I don’t care
If you don’t want me
I’m yours right now

There are many amazing versions of this Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic song, from Nina Simone to Annie Lennox. This is the most recent version to raise chills on my arms. I first heard it when I was watching Lovecraft Country back in late 2020. The plaintive quality of this song, filled with longing, has gotten into my bones. Notice the banshee-like wailing towards the climax. Whew.

I also absolutely love that this performance takes place in an art gallery.

What’s on your Halloween playlist? Follow me on social for more spooky tunes throughout the month.