October, also objectively known as the best month of the year, has hit New Orleans in full swing, as per usual. While Halloween music options are not as extensive as other holidays such as Christmas, there are plenty of ghoulish jams out there to help you embrace the season. Going to haunted houses, decorating dorms and walking on St. Charles Avenue to look at all of our uptown neighbors’ decor is most likely on your spooky-season to-do list. If you are looking for something other than “Monster Mash” to add to your Halloween playlist, check out these spooky song recommendations. 

“Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra

“Witchcraft,” by Frank Sinatra, is about a man who has fallen in love with a woman, and he considers this love and his enamored nature to be due to a spell that has been cast upon him. The most recommended listening environment would entail fuzzy socks, slow dancing and a glass of eyeball punch to share among friends — the kind of environment that would appear in a horror movie before the real action starts. 

“Dream Girl Evil” by Florence + The Machine

The sixth track off of Florence + The Machine’s latest album, “Dance Fever,” “Dream Girl Evil” combines prominent drums with lead singer Florence Welch’s sweetly haunting vocals to create an enchanting dance tune. This song evokes a witchy atmosphere perfect for Halloween. 

“The Witch Queen of New Orleans” by Redbone

“The Witch Queen of New Orleans” is an incredible rock and blues song with encapsulating violin written by two Native American brothers. The song discusses a Voodoo practitioner, known as the “Voodoo queen” of New Orleans, as she holds ceremonies of possessions by spirits. The lyrics are creative and spooky, and if you’re looking for a classic New Orleans blues sound, this song is your new go-to. 

“Graveyard’s Full” by The Growlers

The Growlers deliver a sense of impending doom through this upbeat tune with menacing lyrics. This song can be best described as folksy with a rustic, autumnal feel, fitting for frightening fall activities.

“Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou

Alice Phoebe Lou is a South African musician based in Berlin who has produced multiple studio albums and top hits. Her most popular song, “Witches,” is comprised of fast-paced drums, synths and Lou’s captivating voice. This is a whimsical, folky and addictive song to have in your Spotify-shaped back pocket. 

“Lullaby” by The Cure

Lead singer Robert Smith’s whispery warnings layered with harp-like synths make “Lullaby” a spooky listen. This eerie fantasy highlights the nightmarish world that comes alive when you fall asleep, a concept that is quintessentially Halloween.

“Witch” by the bird and the bee

The bird and the bee have whimsical, deep female voices and story-oriented lyrics. “Witch” is about a woman who attempts to cover up her insecurities by putting on a confident, seductive persona to bring them her way. “Witch” has elements of lyrical pop, alternative dance and hints of jazz. 

“Hour of the Wolf” by Surf Curse

Surf Curse’s “Hour of the Wolf” expresses deep longing through the guise of werewolf metaphors. Soothing and slightly spooky, it is the perfect soundtrack to an indie Halloween.

“Season of the Witch” by Donovan

“Season of the Witch” was first released in 1966 and has an incredible psychedelic sound, with bluegrass, folk, blues, jazz and indie influences. There are different elements of the song that perfectly exemplify all of those genres, for example, the electric guitar gives hints of alternative and folk music, the horn supplies polished blues and the vocals give strong indie hues. 

“Season of the Witch” by Lana Del Rey

In this cover, Lana Del Rey transforms Donovan’s 1966 classic with her soft and soulful vocals. “Season of the Witch” lives up to its name, as the song creates both a gorgeous and ghostly atmosphere. 

“Rattlin’ Bones” by Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Here the Preservation Hall Jazz Band tells a ghoulish story of New Orleans’ undead. Its wailing trumpets and foreboding lyrics emphasize the message that, here in NOLA, “there ain’t no running from the rattlin’ bones.”