Music has always been part of how we celebrate Halloween; it sets the tone, builds atmosphere, and draws us into that mix of fright and fun the holiday is known for.
Spooky songs turn an ordinary night into an eerie experience, whether it’s a creepy synth creeping through the speakers or haunting lyrics that make you look over your shoulder. They tap into the same thrill we get from ghost stories or scary movies, that playful sense of fear that makes Halloween exciting rather than terrifying.
Beyond just the chills, Halloween music carries a sense of nostalgia and imagination. From 1980s horror-inspired pop hits to gothic rock anthems, these songs remind us of classic Halloween memories, trick-or-treating, costume parties, and staying up late watching monster movies.
What makes a song perfect for Halloween?
Each track helps listeners escape reality for a night and step into a darker, more mysterious world where it’s okay to be spooky.
And perhaps most importantly, spooky songs bring people together. They’re instantly recognizable, easy to dance to, and create a shared energy that ties the night together.
Whether it’s “Thriller” blasting at a costume party or "This Is Halloween" echoing down a haunted hallway, these songs make Halloween feel alive. They remind us that even in the darkness, there’s always room for rhythm, laughter, and a little supernatural fun.
Who is Rockwell?
Rockwell, born Kennedy William Gordy, comes from Motown royalty, being the son of the legendary Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records. Despite his family ties, Rockwell was determined to carve out his own path in the music industry without relying on his famous last name.
He adopted the stage name “Rockwell” to distance himself from the Gordy legacy and prove his talent on merit alone. In the early 1980s, as pop and R&B began fusing with electronic production, Rockwell entered the scene with an offbeat, paranoid flair that would define his biggest hit.
"Somebody's Watching Me"
Released in 1984, “Somebody’s Watching Me” blended funky synth lines, new wave textures, and an irresistible hook; famously sung by Michael Jackson, with Jermaine Jackson providing backing vocals. The song was inspired by Rockwell’s genuine sense of paranoia at the time, and it tapped perfectly into the cultural fascination with surveillance, fame, and privacy in the MTV era.
Its music video, filled with haunted-house imagery, flickering lights, and eerie camera angles, became an early MTV classic. The song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of ‘80s pop culture, blurring the lines between paranoia and playfulness.
The music video, directed by Francis Delia, added a cinematic layer to the story. It leaned fully into horror imagery of haunted houses, graveyards, and shadowy figures lurking in mirrors. Rockwell played up the paranoia with exaggerated facial expressions and spooky visuals, making the video an early MTV classic. It stood out because it wasn’t just another love song or dance track; it felt like a short film that could’ve doubled as a Halloween special.
Why it's perfect for Halloween?
Few songs walk the line between fear and fun as well as“Somebody’s Watching Me.” The song’s creepy-cool tone feels tailor-made for the season, and it’s spooky enough to fit any haunted house playlist but funky enough to keep people dancing.
The lyrics tap directly into classic horror themes: the fear of being watched, stalked, or haunted by unseen forces. Lines like“When I’m in the shower, I’m afraid to wash my hair” capture that "tongue-in-cheek" terror that’s more playful than petrifying. It’s paranoia set to a beat, and that makes it timeless.
Over 40 years later, “Somebody’s Watching Me” has never lost its edge. It resurfaces every October, in commercials, playlists, and pop culture references. From social media memes to horror film soundtracks, it remains one of those rare ‘80s songs that feel made for Halloween in an eerie but irresistible way.
Rockwell may have only had one major hit, but it was the right one: a track that turned paranoia into pop art and still makes listeners look over their shoulders with a smile.