8 Spooky Albums for Halloween

When Halloween night rolls around, you’ll likely either be passing out candy, braving a haunted house or partying until the break of dawn (sorry vampires). But there’s one secret ingredient you need brewing in your witch cauldron—a Halloween playlist!

If you want a playlist that offers more than “Monster Mash,” we got you covered. Check out these spooky albums that will send a chill down your spine!

Alfred Hitchcock Presents Music to Be Murdered By

Get into the Halloween spirit with an unsettling collection of music chosen by famed filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, the grandfather of horror. Arranged by conductor Jeff Alexander, Music to Be Murdered By will make you feel like the main character in a 1950s horror epic. 

The record features a chilling introduction that’s narrated by Hitchcock himself. “Listening to this record requires a regular phonograph, a 4-inch speaker…and a 38-caliber revolver,” he says. “The record is long-playing—even though you might not be.” Dark.

Filled with orchestral suspense and Hitchcock’s dark humor, Music to Be Murdered By is a treat you’ll enjoy on Halloween night—until the coroner comes.

The Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House

Can you keep your cool when things go “bump” in the night? Test your courage by braving The Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House. 

The Walt Disney SFX Group put this spooky collection of sounds together in 1973. Narrated by writer and voice actress Laura Olsher, this album walks you through a series of terrifying settings, from haunted houses to the cosmic unknown. Every story is painted with a cascade of terror that transforms your home into a frightening-yet-fun backdrop. 

Ascenseur pour l'échafaud — Miles Davis

Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) is a French noir thriller directed by Louis Malle and scored by Miles Davis in 1957. Ten songs from the soundtrack were featured on the album Jazz Track, which received a 1960 Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Performance, Solo or Small Group.

Miles Davis agreed to score the film after meeting Malle and viewing a private screening. A night before the recording session, Davis put together a rough version of the score in his hotel room. His four session musicians showed up to the studio without any preparation or knowledge of the plot. Once the recording began, the band improvised while short clips of the film were looped in the background.

Dark and gloomy, this soundtrack is perfect for murder mystery parties and creepy cocktail nights.

Abigail — King Diamond

King Diamond’s Abigail has no shortage of gloom’n’doom. If you want to be swept away to a sinister destination on Halloween night, King Diamond will take you there on a horse-drawn hearse. 

Imagine the headless horseman signing a record deal with the witches of Salem—they’d record an album like Abigail. Released in 1987, Abigail is a concept album that tells the story of Miriam Natias and Jonathan La'Fey. After moving into a haunted mansion, the duo encounters ghosts, undead horsemen and a terrible prophecy that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. 

Black Sabbath — Black Sabbath

Led by Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osborn, Black Sabbath sent a chill down the spine of every rock lover in the 70s. Their debut album dropped on Friday the 13th, so we naturally had to add this unholy classic to our list. 

Black Sabbath forged a darker style of rock n’ roll that became the standard for heavy metal. Featuring haunting musical elements like the devil’s tritone, Black Sabbath captures the feeling of impending doom. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or need a soundtrack to pump you up before hitting up a haunted house, this record will cast a shadow that’s rough around the edges. 

6 Feet Deep — Gravediggaz

Hip-hop and Halloween aren’t two things you’d normally pair together. But after you hear a few verses from 6 Feet Deep by Gravediggaz, you’ll see why it made our list. 

Gravediggaz is a ‘horrorcore’ super-group featuring rappers Price Paul, Frukwan, Too Poetic and The RZA. Horrorcore (or death-rap) blends gangster rap and horror themes together. Though risqué topics weren’t new to rap, Gravediggaz were the first to pioneer the horrorcore style in the mid-90s.

6 Feet Deep is perfect for hip-hop lovers who want to add some boom-bap to their Halloween playlist. 

The Music of Erich Zann — Mekong Delta (1988)

Released in 1988, The Music of Erich Zann by Mekong Delta is a thrash metal album that’ll send chills down your spine. It takes inspiration from an H.P. Lovecraft horror story about a violinist who uses strange melodies to tame the monstrous abyss that waits beyond his window. Mekong Delta uses grizzly vocals, chaotic guitar solos and heart-thumping rhythm to tell the story of Erich Zann’s mysterious demise. 

Will this record keep the horror away or invite it to your home? Adding this album to your rotation is the only way to find out!

Dead Man’s Party — Oingo Boingo

Oingo Boingo became synonymous with Halloween after releasing their fifth studio album, Dead Man’s Party. Featuring Dia de Lost Muertos-inspired artwork, this classic new wave record from 1985 will raise your spirit—or, at the very least, someone’s spirit—on Halloween night.

Oingo Boingo makes the undead sound like they’re having all the fun. When you hear “Just Another Day,” you’ll know what we’re talking about. Uplifting and eccentric, Oingo Boingo can make the “wallflowers” bloom on the dance floor. 

Songs from Dead Man’s Party can be heard in countless horror films and TV thrillers, including Stranger Things and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. Want more spooky tunes with a similar vibe? Oingo Boingo lead singer Danny Elfman also scored several Tim Burton films, including Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

Raise the Dead Roof!

Listeners beware, you’re in for a scare. We hope these spooky selections serve you well on Halloween night and don’t frighten you too much! Oh, and power up one of our premium Bluetooth speakers to fill your space with the chill—or chilling—tunes of your choice.