Lovely Halloween

[2025] Recommended for Halloween Parties! A Special Feature on Western Halloween Songs

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

In recent years, Halloween has become one of the most exciting events of the year in Japan as well!

Many of you have probably gone out in costume or attended a Halloween party at least once, right?

And nothing boosts the Halloween mood like music!

There are plenty of Japanese songs with a Halloween theme, but many people still prefer to choose from Western music.

So in this article, we’ll introduce lots of English-language songs that are perfect for Halloween!

We’ve gathered a wide range—from songs that are directly about Halloween and movie theme songs to tracks about ghosts and tunes with a spooky atmosphere—so be sure to find your favorite one.

[2025] Recommended for Halloween Parties! Special Feature on Western Halloween Songs (41–50)

LullabyThe Cure

The Cure – Lullaby

LullabyThe Cure

There are many New Romantic bands that seem perfect for Halloween.

Among the most iconic is The Cure, and you can really feel the Halloween vibe from the music video for this song! The theme is Spider-Man.

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[2025] Recommended for Halloween Parties! Special Feature on Western Halloween Songs (51–60)

CannibalKe$ha

Kesha – Cannibal

CannibalKe$ha

This is “Cannibal” by American pop singer Ke$ha.

It’s a track packed with everything you want from contemporary Western pop: techno-like sounds, drums with a great groove, and her cute vocals.

The lyrics are quite graphic in their imagery, which gives off a nice Halloween vibe.

The title means “man-eater” or “cannibal” in Japanese, but Ke$ha herself is a vegetarian.

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DisturbiaRihanna

Rihanna – Disturbia

DisturbiaRihanna

If you’re looking for a dance song perfect for Halloween, I recommend “Disturbia.” It’s a track themed around fear and anxiety.

Beyond the lyrics, the screams woven into the song will definitely amp up the Halloween vibe.

The song is by the global superstar Rihanna.

In the music video, she appears in eerie costumes, so be sure to check that out too.

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GhostBombay Bicycle Club

Bombay Bicycle Club – Ghost

GhostBombay Bicycle Club

A track from the debut album by the UK guitar rock band Bombay Bicycle Club, and apparently the band members were still in their teens at the time! Although the song is themed around ghosts, its breathtakingly beautiful atmosphere is overwhelming.

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Emperor’s New ClothesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco: Emperor’s New Clothes [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Emperor's New ClothesPanic! At The Disco

The dark, stylish vibe is perfect for the Halloween atmosphere.

It’s a song by the American rock band Panic! At The Disco, released in 2015.

Many of their tracks suit Halloween, so I recommend them.

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Calling All The MonstersChina Anne McClain

Calling All The Monsters – China Anne McClain | Halloween Music Video | @disneychannelmusic

Calling All The MonstersChina Anne McClain

Sung by China Anne McClain, who gained attention on the Disney Channel series A.

N.

T.

Farm, this track is perfect for livening up a Halloween party.

Set to a 142 BPM beat that fuses dance-pop and electropop, it depicts a fun dance party with monsters.

Released in September 2011, it became a big hit, peaking at No.

86 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The music video, reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, also drew attention, and the song has become a Halloween staple.

It’s a great pick for anyone who wants to dance in costume or is hosting a Halloween party.

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Monster feat. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Bon IverKanye West

Kanye West – Monster ft. Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z & Bon Iver [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Monster feat. Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Bon IverKanye West

A 2012 work by Kanye West, who changed his name to Ye in 2021.

It’s breathtaking how skilled rappers pass the mic in a relay over a classic, tight hip-hop beat.

When we hear “Halloween,” we might think of pumpkins, skeleton ghosts, or bats, but the monsters they rap about are giant kaiju like Godzilla and Nessie! Their powerful stance, marching forward with a strong, thumping rhythm, feels like a distinctly hip-hop take on Halloween.

It’s a bold new proposal for a Halloween that’s intense and macho.

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

Drawing on charts from streaming services and Halloween information sites, we’ve picked classic Western songs that amplify the Halloween vibe. Leveraging experience as a writer who researches music across all genres, we selected a wide range from familiar standards to the latest tracks, and clearly explain what makes each song appealing.

Yuri (accompanying pianist / piano instructor)

KOH-1 (music writer)

[Evidence]

https://dhits.docomo.ne.jp/program/10008816

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

On 2025/10/23: Added/updated one review and refreshed the entire article.
September 4, 2025: Added and updated 15 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
September 6, 2024: Added/updated 15 reviews and updated the entire article.
Added/updated 15 reviews on 2023/9/21.
2023/7/25: Added/updated one review.
Added and updated 6 reviews on 2022/9/7.
September 17, 2021: Added/updated 8 reviews.
September 16, 2020: Added/updated 9 reviews.
Added/updated 8 reviews on 2019/09/11.
September 10, 2019: Added/updated four reviews.
Added/updated 24 reviews on 2017/8/27.
Published the article on 2017/8/1.