The celebration of Halloween is just around the corner, and discussions about the best Halloween songs are heating up. Recently, Billboard released its list of the top 25 Halloween songs based on their Hot 100 performance. This list, however, has sparked debate among music enthusiasts, particularly among the staff of El-Balad.
Billboard’s Top Halloween Songs
The ranking ignited strong opinions from various contributors at El-Balad. Notably, Michael Jackson’s iconic track “Thriller,” which is often considered synonymous with Halloween, was ranked 22nd. This positioning has been met with considerable skepticism.
Staff Reactions
- Jonas Adams: The director expressed disbelief at “Thriller” being so low on the list, stating that this song dominates Halloween celebrations.
- Avery Keatley: Keatley highlighted “Monster Mash,” which took the number one spot. While a classic, Keatley admitted it is not a song he enjoys year-round.
- Kathryn Fink: Fink noted her love for “This Is Halloween” from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” emphasizing its year-round appeal.
Underrated Halloween Tracks
Some staff members pointed out notable omissions from the Billboard list. Keatley praised “I Put A Spell On You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins for its unique witchy charm, despite it never charting on the Billboard pop or R&B charts.
Adams also proposed a different view with his suggestions. He highlighted “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” by Geto Boys, which makes reference to Halloween, and “Freaks Come Out At Night” by Whodini. These tracks resonate with the Halloween theme in unconventional ways.
Conclusion
The Billboard top 25 Halloween songs list serves as a reminder of the diverse musical landscape surrounding the holiday. While some favorites shine in the spotlight, others resonate with fans in more personal, yet significant ways. As Halloween approaches, it’s clear that the conversation about these songs will continue to evolve.
