Ah, the scary 1960s. If you're into the vintage stuff, this is the absolute best decade for Halloween music. The 60s Halloween genre is full of novelty tunes, early hippie rock haunts, and other bewitching alternative jams.
Speaking of bewitching: the 60s are the best decade when it comes to witchy music. The 70s and 80s were great for werewolf songs ("Werewolves of London and "Hungry Like the Wolf"), the 90s and early 2000s were vampire decades ("Possum Kingdom" and "Vampires Will Never Hurt You"), but music for witches? You'll see below that the 60s had all the magic spells. Maybe there were so many witch songs because of all the entrancing psychedelics people took back then? We're not sure.
Anyway, below are some of the best Halloween songs to come out of the 1960s. A lot of them you probably already know, while others may be undiscovered gems you'll want to add to your spooky playlists. Let's begin, shall we?
"Monster Mash" - Bobby "Borris" Picket
First up is the unofficial anthem of the Halloween holiday as a whole. A 1962 "graveyard smash" if you will. Are we sick of hearing Bobby "Borris" Picket's "Monster Mash" everywhere we go on Halloween? Maybe a little. But is this undoubtedly one of the most creative songs ever produced for the holiday? Absolutely. During a cover of the the Diamonds' Darlin', Bobby “Boris” Pickett performed an improvised monologue, imitating famed horror actor Boris Karloff. The audience loved it so much, Pickett eventually composed a song revolving around the impression with fellow band member, Leonard Capizzi and hence the Mash was born.
"Sympathy For The Devil" - The Rolling Stones
This song was revolutionary when it was released in 1969. It certainly scared overprotective parents who though rock 'n' roll was "the devil's music." But it also gave chipper bongo drums, bright piano keys, and strong Mick Jagger vocals to an empathetic portrayal of Satan. He documents events through history that could be seen as “works of the devil.” The point of the song is more about the flaws in mankind rather than devil worship. But for Halloween, you can definitely embrace the more hellish aspects of this track!
"Season of the Witch" - Donovan
Bring all the uber-psychedelic vibes of the 60s to your upcoming Halloween gala with "Season of the Witch." Donovan's enchanting song has played in a variety of films and TV shows (our favorite has to be Madison Montgomery dancing to it in American Horror Story: Coven). It's sultry, seductive, and will have you picking up on every stitch from cute mortals you see around you.
"You're Dead" - Norma Tanega
This song's risen from the grave thanks to its use in the mockumentary TV series What We Do In the Shadows. Norma Tanega's folksy 1966 jam "You're Dead" is actually a sarcastic take on her struggles to break through in the New York folk music scene. But the ominous lyrics – which mention not standing in the sun and getting ready for the inhuman race – perfectly describe the curse of vampirism. This song will make your heart flutter like a bat in the night.
"Spooky" - Dusty Springfield
Take things slow with the 1968 track "Spooky" by Dusty Springfield. It tells the tale of a girl so infatuated with her lover, she feels like she's in a trance around him. She claims he's a "spooky little boy" and even compares him to a ghost. Falling in love can certainly be a scary feat, and "Spooky" will bring out your inner romantic.
"You're the Devil in Disguise" - Elvis Presley
Even the king of rock 'n' roll has a Halloween song to contribute! Okay, get the image of this song in Lilo & Stitch out of your head. "You're the Devil in Disguise" may be sonically cute, but it can also be creepy for spooky season. It's about the all-too-relatable nightmare of realizing someone we're crushing on actually isn't who we thought they were. Imagine thinking your lover is an angel, only to realize they're actually Satan? Poor Elvis.
"The Addams Family Theme" - Vic Mizzy
The creepy and kooky Addams Family have been around for decades. But they didn't pop up into the mainstream until they got their own TV sitcom in 1964. The original theme song was composed by Vic Mizzy, who also created the music for Green Acres. No need to frown like Wednesday when this iconic theme plays – you'll want to snap along before every chorus. Neat, sweet, petite!
"The Munsters Theme" - Jack Marshall
Okay, let's say you're not into the Addams Family. Want another monster family-themed TV show song to play? Maybe something a little more surf rock and without any lyrics? Try the theme to the sitcom The Munsters. This beloved show also started in 1964 and featured the composing power of Jack Marshall. And yes, the melody in this theme is the same used in Fall Out Boy's awesome 2015 song "Uma Thurman."
"Beware" - Bill Buchanan
In our quest to find 60s Halloween songs, we found what we believe to be one of the most wonderfully corny Halloween novelty songs ever made. And that bop is "Beware" by Bill Buchanan. Ladies, let's face it: we've all experienced what it's like to have a soul-sucking vampire as a boyfriend, right? Maybe the metaphor is a bit abstract, but Buchanan's message on this one is clear as crystal.
"I Put a Spell On You" - Nina Simone
Are you a classy audiophile? You better be blasting "I Put a Spell On You" by Nina Simone during your Halloween party. This is perhaps one of the most beloved songs the songstress ever covered. You'll be transfixed by Simone's jazzy vocals and the noir-esque orchestra behind her. A great song to play during a binding ritual!
"Trick or Treat" - Chuck Berry
It wouldn't be a list of 60s songs without the godfather of rock 'n' roll. We're not sure if "Trick or Treat" can be considered the first modern Halloween song, but Berry certainly nailed the fun that comes with being in love on Halloween. This track was released in 1963, and appeared on the musician's album Chuck Berry on Stage.
"People Are Strange" - The Doors
This song has both an eerie and entertaining cabaret vibe to it. "People Are Strange" came about in early 1967, when Jim Morrison was exhibiting symptoms of depression. At the behest of guitarist Robby Krieger, the two men hiked Laurel Canyon to watch the sunset, where Morrison came up with the lyrics for “People Are Strange.” It's a song about both alienation and watching your back for danger. Keep your eye out for uneven streets and wicked women!
"Black Magic Woman" - Fleetwood Mac
An early Fleetwood Mac jam. Released in 1968, this was the group's first Top 40 single in the United Kingdom. It was written by Peter Green after he’d seen a scary play on TV. The song might have become an obscurity had it not been for Santana’s hit remake two years later, which adhered to the original Fleetwood Mac arrangement. You'll be spellbound by this song's mysterious vibes and oh-so-cool guitar riffs.
"Tombstone Shadow" - Creedance Clearwater Revival
Creedance Clearwater Revival wrote the greatest Vietnam War song ever with "Fortunate Son," but they also have a song appropriate for Halloween, too! It's called "Tombstone Shadow" and there's a lot of spooky imagery in it. You've got a gypsy man, creepy shadows, thirteen months of bad luck, and more. The song was inspired by John Fogerty’s visit to a fortune teller in San Bernardino, which is pronounced “San Berdoo” in the song. The fortune teller told Fogerty he should avoid airplanes, inspiring the line “fly in no machines” lyric. And he also told Fogerty he'd have 13 months of bad luck.
"The Great Pumpkin Waltz" - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Just like with Christmas, there's also Vince Guaraldi Trio Peanuts songs for the Halloween season, too! We particularly love the cool autumn night vibes of "The Great Pumpkin Waltz." It comes from the 1966 Peanuts film It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. A great song to listen to while traipsing through a pumpkin patch. If there's anything the Vince Guaraldi Trio knows how to do, its relax their audience.
"Love Potion No. 9" - The Searchers
Our last witchy 60s song on the list. This one's a surefire classic! It's hard not to love the tale of Madame Ruth. Y'know, that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth? There's been many covers of this tune throughout the years, but the 1964 version by The Searchers remains the most popular. Like the man who looks for the potion, you'll fall in love with this song upon first listen!
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Article Image: A skull dressed up as a 1960s flower child over a bright orange background. (artgrarisstudio.gmail.com via Depositphotos.)
