WMSC Music Picks: Halloween Faves 2024

Welcome to WMSC Music Picks, a collaborative collection of WMSC’s music recommendations and reviews. In this installment, members of our station share their favorite spooky releases in our third annual Halloween Picks! 

“fantasyworld” – Quadeca

Review by Andy Cook

Pretend you are a ghost… Where would you go? “fantasyworld” by Quadeca answers that question, evoking emotions into anyone who dares to listen. It’s track nine off of his 2022 critically-acclaimed record entitled I DIDN’T MEAN TO HAUNT YOU which observes the gut-wrenching concept of being a ghost and watching the world carry on without you. The haunting, melancholic vocals with the stellar instrumentation makes this song a must listen for the Halloween season. Earlier in the album we follow Quadeca as he visits his family, friends and places that held importance for him, but “fantasyworld” is about accepting the fact he is a ghost and will only be seen as a memory. It’s almost as if he’s comforting us with his choice to move on to the next plane of existence. “It’s not a ‘Woe is me’ / It’s a hold the door open / That’s a fantasy world / That’s the one that I’ve chosen.”

 

“Wolf Boy” – Cameo Adele

Review by Mia Savidge

This song is simply such a fun time while also delivering on those spooky elements! I first heard this in one of my favorite video games, The Quarry. I immediately fell in love with the song and couldn’t stop listening to it. It has such a lighthearted vibe with incredibly fun lyrics that are not only reminiscent of the season, but are just a joy to listen to overall! I also think it’s extremely creative how there’s a clear story which focuses on werewolves emerging, the main plot of the game. This is definitely a pick I’ll be putting in my Halloween playlist this fall!

 

“Emperor’s New Clothes” – Panic! At The Disco

Review by Genevieve Cai

Panic! at the Disco was probably my number one listened to artist as a wee middle schooler, and Death of a Bachelor was for sure my most played album. Its fourth track and single “Emperor’s New Clothes” remains scary and sinister while simultaneously invoking the feeling of glory and fun. It is very drum heavy and theatrical, with the repeated scream of “Finders keepers, losers weepers” and my favorite Halloween-esque line: “You just might see a ghost tonight!” 

In the music video, Brendon Urie literally transforms into a monstrous devil, embracing his inner dark desires as he’s “taking back the crown.” A choir of animated, singing skulls add an element of humor to the visuals but also reinforces its eeriness. 

“Emperor’s New Clothes” directly follows the events of “This is Gospel” from their previous album, Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die, where Brendon represents goodness and freedom in rebellion, but eventually falls into the netherworld and to the dark side. The overall theme is one of confidence, and the dooming catharsis of sin and power. This fits the song’s title, which is an allusion to the Hans Christen Andersen tale where a vain emperor hires swindlers to make him a new outfit; they con him by claiming it is invisible to anyone but someone as great as he and ends up parading around without clothes like a fool. Urie in the song knows he’s foolish, but he wants it all anyway, even as a demon. Spooky!

 

“Cheekbones” – Arrows In Action

Review by Deepak Sathish

Who doesn’t love a forbidden vampire romance? The first new music the Nashville trio has released in months is a slinky pop rock track showcasing a dangerous love between a vampire and a common man, played by the singer. As the song progresses, frontman Victor Viramontes-Pattison muses on losing control, and the situation getting more and more toxic as the vampire grows in power. By the end, the narrator has joined his lover in vampirism. In just two minutes and fifty seconds, the song tells an entire story within its runtime, while also being one of the catchiest songs of the year. It seems poised to be a modern Halloween classic. I highly recommend this one if you’re a fan of Twilight. 

 

“The Reaper” – MOTHICA

Review by Deepak Sathish

Kissing Death, the album this track is off, has an overarching narrative of being in love with death. Now if that’s not spooky, I don’t know what is. Serving as the fourth single from the record, “The Reaper” tells the story of the singer being in love with the titular Grim Reaper. It’s a very darkly comedic look at death, and a toxic relationship. Instrumentally, it features a shiny, electronic-heavy production, that seems destined for the dancefloor. Between its macabre lyrical content, and EDM-inflected beat, it just seems tailor-made for playing at some Halloween party way too cool for you to attend. 

 

“Stayin’ Alive” – Brian David Gilbert

Review by Deepak Sathish

Okay. Hear me out. This one requires a lot of context. Brian David Gilbert (colloquially known as BDG) is best known as an internet content creator, who’s been involved with a lot of different video projects over the years (he is probably best known for his Polygon series “Unraveled” or as the current fact checker of Dropout’s Um, Actually). However, he is also actually an incredibly talented singer. One of his most underrated projects was in 2021 and 2022, he set out to create covers of popular disco groups’ songs, sung by Halloween villains. In 2021, he did ABBA (which if you have twenty minutes to spare, I’d go check out, if you want). But, in 2022, he tackled the Bee Gees. And what resulted is “Stayin’ Alive” performed by a heartbroken vampire. It is 4 minutes and fifteen seconds of pure disco bliss. It walks the line between being funny and being genuinely good incredibly well. The falsetto run at the end of the last chorus lives is unironically one of my favorite bits of music ever. It lives rent free in my head all the time. I cannot emphasize how actually incredible this is. There’s even a dance break during the bridge. What more could you ever possibly want from a song? 

 

“Dead Man’s Bones” – Dead Man’s Bones

Review by Manda Martinez

This spooky little song describes its title rather repetitively, warning the listener rather desperately that there are skeletons lying under their feet. Like a chant, the singers urge the listener to dig them up, to be aware of their surroundings. This song is such a fun Halloween song. Even more fun, the band itself which shares the namesake with this particular song and album, stars Ryan Gosling. The band was composed of Gosling and bandmate Zach Shields. Formed in 2007, the band put this album together after bonding over a fascination with the supernatural. They disbanded in 2012 as both their careers progressed outside of music.

 

“Hellbent” – Autoheart

Review by Lee Ramrattan

“Hellbent” is the title track of Autoheart’s third album and a personal Halloween favorite of mine. I was never too clear on what this song is about, but my interpretation makes me think of it as being haunted by your past and being able to let it go, while the music video serves more as not knowing who you are. While the concept isn’t spooky on its own, Autoheart does such a great job of making it so with instrumentals that sound like they came straight out of a Halloween party scene in a movie and eerie backing vocals that sound like they’re fighting it. This is the first album of their’s with this kind of sound and I need Autoheart on a fun spooky movie soundtrack ASAP.

 

“Anybody Else” – Dom Fera

Review by Lee Ramrattan

This song, while about a guy singing about a holding onto failing relationship because the guy isn’t over his ex, can be interpreted as a spirit possessing the girl and I become especially obsessed with it around Halloween. The lyrics “She said, I’m older than the golden rule / But we can say I’m new / And she said, I’m in bed in a good girl’s head, and you let me” is why I think of it that way, not to mention the references to “black tattoos, doing voodoo.” About half the lyrics start with “She said-” and are surrounded by spooky instrumentals whenever she speaks, and throughout the song her words get creepier. Another song that I need on a Halloween movie soundtrack!

 

“Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell 

Review by Maci McNeil

This song is the debut of Rockwell, released in 1984. It became a major commercial success worldwide, peaking at Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The funky beat and the spooky-sounding vocals make this a Halloween hit with a vibe similar to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Coincidentally, Michael Jackson accompanies Rockwell in singing the chorus. The song follows “an average man with an average life,” who experiences extreme paranoia as he feels like someone is watching his every move, questioning his neighbors and mailman watching him. Rockwell cleverly references horror TV shows and movies, like The Twilight Zone and Psycho, which adds to his paranoia about being watched. This song is simple but catchy, so singing along to this song this Halloween season will be spooky fun!

 

“Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.

Review by Maci McNeil

This song came from the 1984 hit classic movie Ghostbusters, produced by Ray Parker Jr. “Ghostbusters” became so popular after the movie’s release that this song hit #1 in the U.S. charts in the summer of 1984. This song is so catchy with its synths and saxophones that sound so 80s and made the famous call and response in the song, for when the vocals ask the audience, “Who you gonna call…” and you want to yell enthusiastically “GHOSTBUSTERS!”. This song is essential for your Halloween party playlist, and pretend you are catching ghosts with your Proton Pack just like the Ghostbusters.

 

“Duvet” – Bôa

Review by Dasia Jarvis

This song is absolutely beautiful and perfect for the Halloween season. It has spooky undertones but is deeply soothing and satisfying to the listening ear. There is something about the recurring guitar line that is strangely mystical. I recently went on a fall walk and listened to this song and it perfectly complemented the autumn leaves around me. This song has come to prominence in the past two years thanks to social media, exposing younger audiences to the English alternative band formed in London in the mid 90s. Social media has pushed them to the charts- On 28 September 2023, “Duvet” charted on the official charts years after their release. Duvet peaked at number 18 and charted for two weeks from September 28th 2023 to May 10th 2023. I may be 20 years old, but I plan on trick or treating to this song in my earbuds.

 

“I Put a Spell on You” – Nina Simone

Review by Dasia Jarvis

“I Put a Spell on You” by Nina Simone is one of her most popular, world-renowned songs for the timeless jazz singer. I am a huge fan of Nina Simone. Her sultry and deep vocals are beautiful for the Halloween and autumn season – this song is witchy in a sense, and also mellow and calming at the same time. Nina Simone’s song is actually a cover – “I Put a Spell on You” was written in 1956 and initially recorded by “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins. Hawkins’ original record has been initiated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Rolling Stone magazine’s list has also placed it in The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Halloweenish songs such as these have such specific chords and melodies that make it almost chilling to listen to.

 

“The Wannabe” – Okay Kaya

Review by Dasia Jarvis

Okay Kaya’s experimental album Oh My God-That’s So Me highlights Kaya’s exceptionally unique voice and artistic, eccentric style. The Wannabe is a gorgeous song for the Halloween and fall season that seems to make no sense on the technical music level- it is so elaborate and all over the place that it makes it incredible. Songs like this that are not meant for easy listening make me think about how unique music can be. This song sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard before – Okay Kaya’s style is one that is mystical and haunting. The entire album sounds like a spell – it hypnotizes you, and allows you to walk and listen to every intricate melody and harmony.

 

“I’m a Hex Girl” – Bobby Flanagan and Rick Parnell 

Review by Sean Kuhn

“I’m a Hex Girl,” is a song performed by a fictional Goth band from Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost (1999), called “The Hex Girls.” The song was written by singer and songwriter Bobby Flanagan, alongside Rick Parnell. The vocals for the Hex Girls were performed by voice actor, Jennifer Hale, who voiced the lead singer, Thorn (Sally McKnight). Thorn, the lead singer and half-Wiccan, was particularly captivating, with her mysterious nature, dark clothing, and confident attitude. Boys in the early 2000’s really didn’t stand a chance. Between the Hex Girls in Scooby Doo, Sam Manson from Danny Phantom, Raven from Teen Titans, Gwen from Total Drama Island, and Vanessa Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb, it’s as though these cartoons were trying to get us hooked on goth girls. 

 

“Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell

Review by Sean Kuhn 

“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell is an often overlooked classic spooky song. Released in 1983, the song is a synth-pop disco song produced by Motown records. The track features a catchy hook and lyrics that express feelings of paranoia and unease, as the narrator senses that someone is constantly observing him. Rockwell, the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy, collaborated with Michael Jackson, whose distinctive vocals on the chorus helped propel the song to popularity.

 

“I Will” – Eminem*

Review by Sean Kuhn 

Eminem’s album Music to Be Murdered By is a captivating collection that embodies the eerie essence of the spooky season. Featuring interludes by Alfred Hitchcock, the album creates a chilling atmosphere, particularly in the track “I Will.” With its dissonant beat, “I Will” sets a foreboding tone that complements Eminem’s intense and graphic lyrics. A standout line referencing “the murder of 40 women, distorted and twisted” exemplifies his penchant for shocking imagery. This lyric not only grabs attention but also represents Eminem’s battle against critics, asserting his dominance in the rap game.

Moreover, the imagery of murder allows Eminem to confront his inner demons, externalizing his struggles with anxiety and paranoia. This adds a narrative layer to the song, drawing listeners into a darker story that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Overall, “I Will” showcases Eminem’s ability to blend horror-inspired themes with his rap style, making it a haunting highlight of the album. The graphic content and dissonant production create a tense atmosphere that resonates with the spooky season, reminding listeners of his commitment to authenticity in exploring the depths of human experience through music.

 

“Time Warp” – Richard O’Brien Featuring Patricia Quinn, Charles Gray, and Little Nell

Review by Maci McNeil

This song is from the 1975 cult classic musical movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is such a fun dance number that Riff Raff, Columbia, and Magenta lure Brad and Janet into the chaotic household of Frankenstein Place. With a simple dance, the movie’s ensemble (the Transylvanians) dances synchronically, and the narrator instructs the movie’s viewer to dance along with them as a participant in the dance number. This is a great song to put on at a Halloween party since everyone knows the “Time Warp” dance, and it will bring some laughs. After doing the dance a couple of times, everyone drops to the floor in exhaustion.

 

“Pitchfork Party” – WAKE UP HATE

Review by Jake Pino

When I think of very spooky but also very energizing songs, “Pitchfork Party” comes to mind. The song is a pitchfork party itself with heavily distorted guitar riffs, loud drums, electronic synths, and dark, evil voices to make you feel like the Michael Myers or the Billy the Puppet of your own horror movie. I won’t lie, this song is a go-to for whenever I’m hitting the gym or just feel… mischief… Written in 2021 by the metalcore band Wake Up Hate, this is one of many songs in their discography that will make you feel like you’re in your “villain era.”

 

“Visitation Of The Ghost” – The Brobecks

Review by Jared Tauber (DJ DOCTOR DJ)

This is my favorite Halloween song that isn’t about Halloween. “Visitation Of The Ghost” is one of Dallon Weekes’ best songs period and also comes from one of my favorite albums of all time, Violent Things. I don’t know what this song is about, but it seems like a girl is dead. Halloween enough for me, frankly, besides the fact that it is sonically haunting and totes a bridge that simply repeats “Oh my lord, lord, lord, lord.” Dallon, being the bass man, cooked up a really iconic bass line for this one that is so effective, yet so simple that he used to invite fans onstage at early iDKHOW shows to play his bass guitar for a portion of the song. He has since stopped doing that and now I’ll never get my chance. He re-recorded this back in 2011 with higher production value but never put it out on streaming so I’ve always hoped that he would adopt it into the iDKHOW discography as he has with several other old Brobecks songs that never got their due. At least it is one of the only surviving Brobecks songs on the regular iDKHOW concert setlist. He likes to part the floor audience down the middle during the bridge and walk into the center to chant with the good people. It’s quite the sight to see; bro becomes Moses for a hot second. I’m seeing him so soon, I can’t wait.

 

“bury a friend” – Billie Eilish

Review by Julianna Leigh

Billie Eilish’s sound on her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go is absolutely perfect for Halloween. Especially prominent on this track “bury a friend,” Billie uses haunting chords and melodies to portray her vision for the album. Though the record isn’t a concept album, it is heavily based on Billie’s own experiences with anxiety, night terrors, lucid dreaming, and the unconscious mind. “bury a friend” is a perfect example of this theme by asking the main question of the album: when we all fall asleep, where do we go?

 

Teeth” – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Review by Julianna Leigh

As a long time 5 Seconds of Summer fan, “Teeth” is like no other song the group has ever released. The song starts with a relatively simple but addicting bass line that leads you into Luke Hemmings’ main vocals. The melody is catchy and in your face, with not much production behind it, forcing you to listen to what he’s saying. As the song progresses, the instrumentals build to a massive eruptive chorus. The group’s music video for this song matches its high energy in a really cool lucid dream-type scenario, where the members are faced with different versions of their worst fears. “Teeth” was featured on the 13 Reasons Why soundtrack years ago, and still remains one of their biggest songs to date.

 

“Calling All the Monsters” – China Anne McClain

Review by Julianna Leigh

The halloween song of all halloween songs to ever exist. China Anne McClain debuted this absolute heater of a song on Disney Channel’s “ANT Farm” in 2011. Around the same time, McClain began creating and releasing music with her sisters under the group name The McClain Sisters but, personally, I don’t think any of their music could ever top this national anthem. If this song doesn’t instantly send a shiver of nostalgia down your spine, I don’t know what will. 

 

“How To Hide A Body” – Daisy Grenade* 

Review by Amber Bintliff

Daisy Grenade, a power punk bubble-grunge duo from Brooklyn, New York, have become a staple in the scene over the last few years. Their latest single “How To Hide A Body” features Dani Nigro and Keat Whittaker detailing an abusive ex’s gruesome demise. The revenge-filled track sees the duo asking how to hide the guy’s body as they’ve finally been pushed to the limit amidst all the lies and manipulation they’ve faced. Paired with a fun music video that follows them as they achieve final girl status, “How To Hide A Body” is the perfect track for the Halloween season and for supporting women’s wrongs.

 

“Blood Red” – The Maine

Review by Amber Bintliff

It would be criminal to not mention the masterpiece that is The Maine’s fourth full length record, Forever Halloween, when talking about my favorite songs for the holiday. The album’s seventh track, “Blood Red,” features a darker sound from the band with the subject of the song being a vampire. John O’Callaghan begins to see how dangerous she is, expressing that, “oh you’re blood red baby / it came without warning / you’re so ruthless, darling / now I’m wounded.” “Blood Red” is a perfect example of how Forever Halloween allowed The Maine to experiment with their sound outside of the pop-punk genre. It’s my go-to album every year as soon as the calendar hits October 1st. 

 

You can check out WMSC Music Picks Hispanic Heritage Month here!

Images from Amazon.com; Arrows In Action from YouTube; “Hex Girls” from Wikipedia; The Maine from Spotify.

*Songs contain explicit lyrics.