10 Tracks Define the Halloween Music Market

Halloween spending on audio content is rising as consumers curate playlists for the upcoming holiday. The music industry sees a seasonal spike in sales for tracks with horror themes. Ten specific songs dominate this niche market. These tracks span seven decades of recording history.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins released "I Put A Spell On You" in 1956. The Cleveland native recorded the track after a late night session. He added a howling vocal to the blues arrangement. The song appears on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs list. It has been covered by Nina Simone and Marilyn Manson.

Stevie Wonder released "Superstition" in 1972. Berry Gordy convinced Wonder to record the song instead of his guitarist. The track won two Academy Awards in 1974. Wonder cited his skepticism of lucky numbers as the lyrical inspiration.

Michael Jackson released "Thriller" in 1982. Rod Temperton wrote the lyrics and Quincy Jones produced the track. The accompanying video ran for nearly 14 minutes. The song surpassed one billion views on YouTube 15 years after its release.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince released "A Nightmare On My Street" in 1985. The rap single references the 1984 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street. Will Smith's lyrics describe a physical attack during sleep. The music video ends with Smith appearing to be caught by the character Freddy.

Ray Parker Jr. wrote the theme for the 1984 film Ghostbusters. A friend at Columbia Records asked him to compose the song. Parker Jr. initially doubted his ability to write a ghost-themed tune. The project paid him $50,000. The single earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Kanye West released the single "Monster" in 2010. The track features Rick Ross, Bon Iver, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj. It appeared on the album Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song reached the 18th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Angela White, formerly known as Blac Chyna, served as a body double in the video.

Beyoncé released the self-titled album in 2013 without prior promotion. "Haunted" is the second track on the record. Producer Boots wrote and performed the song. Beyoncé described the lyrics as an exploration of temptation and industry pressure.

The Weeknd released "The Hills" in 2015. The single features sounds of horror in the opening seconds. The lyrics discuss a secret relationship and drug use. The track became The Weeknd's first diamond-certified single.

Childish Gambino released "Redbone" in 2016. The song describes a relationship with a light-skinned woman. The chorus includes the phrase "Stay Woke." The track was featured in the 2017 film Get Out.

Doja Cat released "Demons" as the second track on her 2023 album. The video features Christina Ricci in the role of a haunted mother. The lyrics address criticism and acceptance. The bass-heavy production characterizes the track.