Up to this point we’ve covered the visual scares of Halloween, we’re a movie site, it’s kind of what we do. The one common strain amongst all of the TV shows and Movies we’ve covered thus far is that they would be far less, if not at all scary without the assistance of music. All too often we forget just how important music is to setting the mood completely, it can take a slightly effective visual and turn it into a masterpiece when used correctly. Think of Jaws, the incredible suspense created by the lack of a monster, knowing that the Great White could show up at any moment is what makes that film great. Now, while you were thinking of Jaws, were you picturing a guy on a boat staring out at the nothingness of the ocean with nothing but silence in the background? No….you were undoubtedly picturing that scene but also adding the DUN DUN……DUN DUN…..DUN DUN…. of the score, it IS the music that makes that picture one of the most suspenseful of all time. So, without further adieu here are your Top 10 songs for creating a proper Halloween atmosphere. Make sure to leave your suggestions in the comments!
10. A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince.
The video above takes some of the terror from the sound but it's appropriate for Danse Macabre. While there are sections that can seem downright horrifying there is also a slight playfulness in between, truly showing the mischievous nature of Halloween.
8. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
Quite possibly the best pop music song made specifically for a film, ever. The only downside to this classic by Ray Parker Jr. is that it was so good it inspired Hollywood to do something completely out of the norm for them, copy something that worked and use it for everything. While we do have Parker to thank for the rap songs for movie credit's craze that lasted all of the way to 1994 and gave us such classics as 'The Addams Family Rap', I think the good of this song has far outweighed the bad done by his copycat's.
7. This is Halloween from A Nightmare Before Christmas
A fun song suitable for the kiddies that will really express the joy of the season. While some would argue it should be higher on the list I'm saving those spots for the most fear-inducing, something this classic lacks but more than makes up for in other ways.
6. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach
Best known from The Phantom of the Opera this is Bach's most macabre piece. The ominous opening tones followed by equally foreboding movements thereafter make this THE song for establishing your haunted house.
5. Thriller by Micheal Jackson
Before you get all up in arms about this not being number #1, I will say that for a party, this would be in that spot however, this is not a party list. Still, aside from it being a marvel of advancement for the way we looked at music videos Thriller is a damn good song that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone. At the very least you will get to see some friends hilariously try to perform the signature dance break.
4. Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett and the Crypt Keepers
The original go-to song for Halloween parties. For 50+ years people have been playing this song on October 31st and while it's sound is a bit more silly and the tone reaches more toward a children's party, Monster Mash is still a song that people will expect to hear on Halloween.
3. Tubular Bells: Theme from The Exorcist
The beauty of this song...what makes it most terrifying, is the exact thing that sets it apart from the rest of the songs on the list, the lack of a hard crescendo. The hard crescendo is to music what the jump scare is to movies, it shocks you into it's effectiveness. Tubular Bells maintains the same tempo throughout with no obvious sharp edges, if it weren't for the intensely disturbing arrangement of the notes they could almost be considered relaxing. No, this song doesn't need to shock you into being scared, it will lightly grab your hand and not let go until your face has become pale white and a cold sweat begins to form.
2. Carmina Burana~ Carl Orff
It's odd, my favorite selections are the one's for which I have less to say. I suppose that's why they are my favorite's, they don't need explanation, they just are. Carmina Burana has long been a favorite of filmmakers for creating a feeling that something big is going to occur. Whether it be a knight riding into battle or, for the sake of this article, the mouth of Hell itself opening and spewing forth hordes of demonic nightmares.
1. Theme from Halloween by John Carpenter
As I previously said, no words are really needed to justify this as my number 1 pick. I will say though that it is down right amazing that John Carpenter not only put together the ultimate film for the season on a shoestring budget but managed to compose one of the most memorable cinematic themes of all time.
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