Top Spookiest Halloween Albums of All Time
Curate a collection of the spookiest Halloween albums to ensure that every guest will be talking about your party until next October. Playing a mix of creepy tunes and dance beats is one of the best ways to throw a memorable and spooktackular celebration. Gatefolds and stunning Halloween album covers can double as horror decor for the holiday as well. Big Fudge has the resources and products you need to help maintain and display your records in style.
Rocky Horror Picture Show – OST
The Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack is the Halloween album that deserves pride of place on any playlist. It certainly scores high at Big Fudge. Is it even Halloween if you don’t do the “Time Warp?” The fun and freaky musical is a Halloween favorite. We suggest that you arrange a showing of the iconic film to get everyone in the mood for the holiday. But even if you only play the soundtrack at your party, your guests will be transported. Rock out to “Science Fiction/Double Feature” to keep their spirits spooky and have them shivering with anticip… ation.
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Murder Ballads
Nick Cave is a tried-and-true Halloween favorite with that haunting voice and moody melodies. Murder Ballads by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds also has a great Halloween album cover that you can incorporate as part of your party decor. From the name alone, you can tell that the album is the perfect backdrop for a truly frightening time filled with melancholy tunes and chilling imagery.
Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers – The Original Monster Mash
If you’re looking for classic and collectible Halloween albums, then Bobby Pickett is your man. The gatefold alone makes this album a worthwhile score. Your guests will do the Monster Mash like zombies having fun. This timeless record is one you’ll want to keep safe, especially if you’ve acquired an older copy.
Michael Jackson – Thriller
There’s no denying that “Thriller” is one of the most iconic songs and Halloween albums of the spooky season. Ghouls and goblins of all ages are sure to get up on their feet and recreate the iconic moves from the Thriller music video. A Halloween party simply isn’t complete without at least one viewing. In fact, no record collection is complete without Thriller, which is one of several reasons to protect this vinyl against wear and tear.
Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe
Rob Zombie and White Zombie make for pure Halloween fun. You could play just about any White Zombie album and find plenty of scary songs, but we suggest starting withHellbilly Deluxe, his first solo drop. Its unique Halloween album cover features Rob in full zombie makeup. Who needs decor when you can display a selection of ghoulish Rob Zombie album covers? Be sure to play “Dragula” and “Living Dead Girl” at the party for extra creepy vibes. To complement the music, arrange a midnight showing of Rob’s horror film, House of 1,000 Corpses.
The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us
Speaking of Halloween albums that are worthy as wall art during October, you can’t go wrong with The Cramps. They’ll get you into the Halloween spirit regardless of the time of year. Off the Bone is an excellent pick for horror fans. At Big Fudge, we have an affinity for Songs the Lord Taught Us. Nothing will put you in the Halloween mood like this psychobilly masterpiece, which calls to mind the howlers of the 1950s. Invite the crowd to get down to “Zombie Dance” and “I Was a Teenage Werewolf.”
The Misfits – Walk Among Us
Like The Cramps, The Misfits have plenty to offer in the way of Halloween soundtracks. Of all their albums, however, Walk Among Us is easily the eeriest. It’s iconic in both horror and punk scenes because the album seamlessly combines monsters and punks. Consider displaying the Halloween album cover as part of your holiday decor as you delight your guests with “Braineaters” and “I Turned into a Martian.” Everybody is a Misfit on Halloween!
Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party
Given the choice between Dead Man’s Party and The Nightmare Before Christmas, we choose Oingo Boingo every time. Tim Burton’s animated movie is a masterpiece, as is its soundtrack, thanks to Danny Elfman. The esoteric musician is also responsible for Oingo Boingo and its unique sound. The man definitely knows how to give you goosebumps and chill you down to your bones. Dead Man’s Party is a great selection for your monster bash, and you can use the album cover which features dressed-up skeletons as Halloween decor.
John Carpenter – Halloween OST
For the quintessential Halloween album, play the Halloween soundtrack. Most people are familiar with the movie franchise and its unnerving score. Even those who haven’t watched the film can usually recognize the haunting slasher theme. There’s something urgent and foreboding about the synth tones that will give listeners an instant adrenaline spike.
Goblin - Suspiria OST
Did someone say foreboding synth? Go to the heart of this horror score phenomenon in Dario Argento’s Suspiria. The original 1977 soundtrack composed by Goblin’s Claudio Simonetti is a milestone album in horror. Eerie, otherworldly, and experimental synth are made using unexpected instruments. From the first scene of Suspiria to the last, the score follows its main character’s terrifying experience at her dance school from shot to shot. Paired with Argento’s infamous color choices and lighting, the music really does complete the film. This is the score that influenced John Carpenter’s score for Halloween and was one of the earlier examples of experimental synth to heighten the thrills in horror movies. Whether you’re a fan of the original 1977 Italian giallo film with Goblin, or the 2018 “remake” composed by Thom Yorke, Suspiria’s OST creates a nightcap sure to give your guests the chills.
Let us know the Halloween albums that get you in the mood every year. Remember to take care of your records and keep them bootiful. Horror songs sound so much better in hi-fi!
