We've already mentioned some of the best Halloween-appropriate tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Now, we're crossing over the millennium and shouting out the spookiest jams from the early 2000s! In our research for this piece, we were surprised to find many popular artists of the time catered to creepy song demands. In fact, some popular acts of the era – like My Chemical Romance and the early Lady Gaga – made eeriness and a freak factor their whole aesthetic.
Below, you'll find several pop, hip-hop, rock, and alternative hits that probably played at Halloween parties around Y2K. Some of these are even singles you wouldn't normally think of when you think of Halloween tunes, but they definitely have lyrics that work for the season. Most of these songs are tailor-made to those who want to party hard this year. Above all, we hope they make you feel nostalgic for simpler times!
"Disturbia" - Rihanna
Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum. This 2008 Good Girl Gone Bad track has become a Halloween staple. With it's slappy rhythym and unnerving synths, "Disturbia" is a dark pop song for the ages, and one of the best tunes young Rihanna put out. Maybe the scariest part about this song is that it was written for RiRi by a certain Chris-who-shall-not-be-named. But putting that aside, the feeling of mental anguish and confusion in "Disturbia" is perfect for a Halloween dance party.
"Monster" - Lady Gaga
We miss baby Lady Gaga so bad. "Monster" is one of the most Lady Gaga songs to ever Gaga. Not only because of the title (Gaga's fanbase is referred to as "Little Monsters"), but because of this song's eeriness, sonic experimentation, and dark message. "Monster" deals with an uncomfortable sexual situation, and Gaga's feelings of anxiety around sex. This one will hit pretty deep if you're aware of Gaga's past. That creepy "he ate my heart" repeated over and over is the definition of Halloween pop.
"She Wolf" - Shakira
We love howling the lyrics to this tune. "She Wolf" is an uncanny-but-very-popular Halloween song released in 2009. Colombian queen Shakira brings feminine ferocity, synthy discotech, and a little bit of lycanthropy into this song, which has become something of a signature hit for her. "She Wolf" is about letting out your inner animal after getting bored by repetition in a relationship. Bust a move to this banger under a full moon!
"Dracula" - Gorillaz
If you're looking for a spooky indie tune with some surf rock elements, look no further than "Dracula." This Gorillaz song was dropped in 2001 and was included as a bonus track on their debut self-titled album. We'd say this bop is more chill than Dracula's dead-cold vampire skin. And it's pretty relatable to those nocturnal few who party all night and sleep all day. Fun fact: "Dracula" includes a sample of a Looney Toons episode called “Transylvania 6-5000,” released in 1963.
"Monster Hospital" - Metric
Both "Monster Hospital" and "Dead Disco" by Metric are great for Halloween bashes. We picked "Monster Hospital" for this list only because of its more upbeat energy and popularity in the indie rock band's catalogue. Emily Haines brings some spine-chilling vocals into this, and the song's lyrics and guitar riffs will make you feel like you're going crazy in an insane asylum.
"Little Ghost" - The White Stripes
Of course we had to include a certain 2005 tune from an album called Get Behind Me Satan (probably the most Halloween-appropriate title ever). Anyway, The White Stripes' "Little Ghost" is an Appalachian-style tune about a relationship with a woman who is quietly emotionless in a frightening manner. She’s so quiet, only the narrator really notices her. If you're creating an October folk playlist, this song should be the first on your list.
"Sorcerer" - Stevie Nicks (ft. Sheryl Crow)
A magical tune from the great "Rhiannon" singer herself. 2001's "Sorcerer" features both Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow, and tells a tale where Stevie asks a sorcerer to conjure her up a new life so she can leave her broke one behind. It's sort of a reference to the hard times where her and Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham were living in a San Francisco apartment together. We feel "Sorcerer" was made for the witchy girls who want an enchanting tune to show their coven.
"Abra Cadaver" - The Hives
We love classic early 2000s grunge rock, and The Hives bring all of those vibes in their 2004 song "Abra Cadaver." Less than 2 minutes long, the lyrics abstractly paint the picture of a man trying to overcome submission and settling. There's also some spooky imagery, such as the line "they tried to stick a dead body inside of me." As the title suggests, this track is magical, but will also get all the lifeless bodies grooving.
"3 am" - Eminem
Pretty much all of Eminem's album Relapse works for Halloween parties, but we think "3 am" may be one of the creepiest songs Slim Shady has ever put out. It's told from the crazed perspective of a serial killer who has committed mass murder following his escape from a rehabilitation clinic. Relapse may be one of Eminem's weaker albums, but the lyrical complexity found on "3 am" couldn't be more insane. What can we say...this song is a killer!
"Freakshow" - Britney Spears
Britney Spears was the queen of early 2000s pop, so we made sure to include this 2007 song from her underrated and dark album Blackout. We know from history and from American Horror Story that freakshows are places that have a creepy connotation to them. While "Freakshow" has a brisk pace and very danceable energy, there's this underlying sinister tone to it that makes it perfect for a holiday like Halloween.
"Funhouse" - P!nk
With its sunny-ish melody, you may not think P!nk's 2009 song "Funhouse" fits into the Halloween music genre...until you pay close attention to the lyrics. "This used to be our funhouse / But now it's full of evil clowns," she chants in the chorus. It's about the breakdown of a relationship, and exploring an empty house that has since become haunted. Just like P!nk describes, this edgy jam burns the house down.
"Maneater" - Nelly Furtado
Just like the Hall & Oates song of the same name, Nelly Furtado's "Maneater" fits in the Halloween genre. But this song isn't a cover of the 1982 tune, despite being heavily influenced by it. Released in 2006, Furtado's "Maneater" is about a woman with hypnotic influence over the males in her life. With a crazy loud beat by the one-and-only Timbaland, this song will "make you work hard"...on the dancefloor.
"Vampires Will Never Hurt You" - My Chemical Romance
Of course, we needed some early 2000s emo on this list – or "pop punk" to those of you who are emo purists. "Vampires Will Never Hurt You" was actually My Chemical Romance's first recording as a group. Released in 2002, it tells the story of a man who doesn’t want to become a vampire (or, a mainstream member of society). He's willing to rebel and sacrifice himself in order to retain his identity. With suspenseful vocals and instrumentals, this is a great song to sink your vampire teeth into.
"Monster Mash" - Misfits
Tired of hearing the 1960s "Monster Mash" by Bobby "Borris" Pickett every single Halloween? We know we are! If you like the lyrics but just need a new sound, we highly recommend you check out the more hardcore version done by Misfits. Released in 2003, the pace is faster and swingier, the guitars are more roaring, and the vocals have a gruesome edge. Compared to Bobby's version, this "Monster Mash" gets the whole "graveyard smash" sound right.
"Walking with a Ghost" - Tegan And Sara
Tegan And Sara's "Walking with a Ghost" is like the grungier, less-happy version of The White Stripes' "Little Ghost." In this indie rock jam, the "ghost" the speaker is walking with is a metaphor for their ex. They want to talk things out, but the narrator just feels haunted by their presence. The ghost may be out of the singer's mind, but this song won't leave ours.
"Song For The Dead" - Queens of the Stone Age
This is a classic Queens of the Stone Age song, and considered a fan-favorite due to its intensity. Released in 2002, "Song For The Dead" has a mix of hard-hitting guitars, drums, and vocals, and lyrics that conjure up creepy imagery. Dave Grohl's drums on this track are considered one of the best of all time. With its speed and strength, "Song For The Dead" certainly feels death-defying. It will resurrect anyone who is sitting there, tired at your Halloween party.
"Dracula's Wedding" - OutKast
We're ending this list with a beloved bop from the almighty OutKast. In "Dracula's Wedding," André 3000 takes on the role of the famous vampire. He sings about his lover, who he is terrified of despite being a king among monsters. And who plays his queen? None other than R&B singer Kelis! "Dracula's Wedding" is romance-y, fancy, and very dancy.
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Article Image: A vintage Y2K computer with a jack o' lantern on it over a vaporwave-esque background.
