This year, since Oct. 31 fell on a Tuesday, many Colgate University students opted to celebrate Halloween the weekend after, but this did not make the festivities any less spooky. In response to the array of creative costumes, smashed pumpkins and bolder weather, this week’s 13 Beats are guaranteed to keep the Halloween spirit alive as Colgate’s campus adjusts to winter. 

1. “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” – Andrew Gold (1996)

This ode to skeletons provides the perfect Halloween vibe. The lyrics, like “They’ll smile and scrabble slowly by and drive you so insane,” describe the both inviting and creepy nature of the iconic Halloween symbol. 

2. “Disturbia” – Rihanna (2008)

“It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you; it can creep up inside you and consume you,” croons Rihanna in this psychologically thrilling track. She describes the negative effects that can come from the greed and thirst for money that many in the music industry possess. 

3. “Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett (1962)

A staple of any Halloween soundtrack, “Monster Mash” tells a story of many different creatures enjoying a Halloween party. Vampires, monsters and werewolves all get their spooky spotlight in this groovy song.

4. “Halloween” – Noah Kahan (2022)

Noah Kahan provides a calmer Halloween sound in this track about the lingering presence of his past lover. “It’s not Halloween, but the ghost you dressed up as sure knows how to haunt,” croons Kahan, emphasizing how his past is haunting him.

5. “Super Freak” – Rick James (1981)

“Super Freak” is a new-wave anthem centered around Rick James’ exciting lover. The lyrics, like “When I get there she’s got incense, wine and candles; it’s such a freaky scene,” describe the spookily fun energy that James’ lover is creating.

6. “vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo (2023)

Olivia Rodrigo provides listeners with a hauntingly sad song about an ex lover. Lyrics like: “Bloodsucker, dream crusher, bleeding me dry like a damn vampire,” describe the draining nature of her relationship.

7. “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift (2018)

“Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time,” croons Taylor Swift in this powerful track about getting revenge on rivals. The eerie synth and instrumentals provide the perfect backdrop for Swift’s comeback.

8. “Calling All The Monsters” – China Anne McClain (2011)

If you grew up watching Disney Channel, this iconic song is for you. The Halloween specials of your favorite shows always provide the best original music, and this nostalgic track is no exception.

9. “Kill Bill” – SZA (2022)

SZA takes on the persona of a jealous ex lover on this creepily calm sounding track. The chorus begins: “I might kill my ex, not the best idea, his new girlfriend’s next […],” in which she describes her “killer” plans.

10. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr. (1993)

“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts,” repeats Ray Parker Jr. throughout this classic Halloween track. Parker Jr. describes the brave nature of the Ghostbusters who are professionals at getting rid of ghosts.

11. “Cannibal” – Ke$ha (2010)

“Cannibal” is an upbeat track about having a haunting obsession with a lover. “Whenever you tell me I’m pretty, that’s when the hunger really hits me,” croons Ke$ha about how her lover’s compliments make her hauntingly enamored.

12. “Somebody’s Watching Me” – Rockwell (2012)

There’s nothing creepier than feeling like you’re being watched. This track pairs spooky organs and synth with samples from Michael Jackson to create a scary — but fun — Halloween energy.

13. “Season Of The Witch” – Lana Del Rey (2019)

Lana Del Rey combines her ethereal voice with haunting lyrics in this cover that pays homage to a classic Halloween figure. “Must be the season of the witch,” repeats Del Rey, emphasizing the strange energy she is picking up.