Thursday, October 27, 2022

Best Halloween Music by the Numbers


The best Halloween music is determined by the number of Discogs users’ Collections each album is in. Spookily themed releases were pulled from the Database and the original data set was filtered for Halloween records and music that qualified as ghastly or festively fun.

For example, David Bowie’s Scary Monsters and anything by Helloween were excluded, but the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack made the cut. Additionally, popular artists (such as Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) or film franchises (like Halloween) with multiple releases on the list were limited to one spot each.

The list was then broken up into three chilling categories: Soundtrack & Novelty
Metal
Punk, Post-Punk, & New Wave

It’s time to dim the lights and prepare yourself for these audio frights!

Soundtrack & Novelty Halloween Music

#4

Monster Mash

By Bobby (Boris) Picket and the Crypt-Kickers

Originally released in 1962, this Halloween novelty still holds up as it reentered the Billboard Hot 100 as recently as 2021.

#3

Return of the Living Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

By Various Artists

No punk zombie film or Halloween celebration would be complete without musical contributions from bands like The DamnedThe Cramps, and 45 Grave.

#2

Halloween (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

By John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies

Halloween (2018) saw John Carpenter and collaborators like his son, Cody, revisit his legendary Halloween scores and expand upon them for the ultimate in seasonal sounds.

#1

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

By The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast 

The soundtrack for this beloved midnight movie is great year-round, but its frequent screenings near Halloween make this a spooky holiday staple.


Metal Halloween Music

#5

Under A Funeral Moon

By Darkthrone

Black metal is arguably the most evil of all metal subgenres and this Darkthrone album is a masterclass in all things dark and cold.

#4

Morbid Tales

By Celtic Frost

The stripped down assault of Celtic Frost’s debut is sure to get the blood flowing if you play these tracks on Halloween.

#3

Welcome To Hell

By Venom

The first album from the band that gave birth to black metal provides the subject matter and sounds needed for a hard-hitting All Hallows’ Eve.

#2

Hellbilly Deluxe

By Rob Zombie

Horror movie schlock and driving industrial rhythms have established Rob Zombie as a go-to option for all things Halloween.

#1

Hell Awaits

By Slayer

This hellish thrash-terpiece starts with a disturbing demonic voice that invites you to join in as Slayer offers up satanic tales fit for any ghoulish gathering.


Punk, Post-Punk, & New Wave Halloween Music 

#5

All Hallow’s E.P.

By AFI

From the cover art to a cover of the Misfits’ “Halloween,” this horror punk EP pairs perfectly with the fall season.

#4

Dead Man’s Party

By Oingo Boingo

The title track alone makes this album a no-brainer for those looking to add a dash of fun to their Halloween festivities.

#3

Dead Can Dance

By Dead Can Dance

If the name hasn’t already sold you, this goth-rock essential is sure to evoke the holiday spirit for anyone who hears it.

#2

The Firstborn Is Dead

By Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

The second album from this brooding crooner and co. combines twisted blues arrangements with the members’ earlier post-punk leanings to help set a delightfully dismal mood.

#1

Bela Lugosi’s Dead

By Bauhaus

The creeping atmosphere and iconic vampire imagery found in “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” has made it one of the most recognizable songs in goth circles and a worthy addition to any Halloween playlist. 

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