Nothing screams October like cult favorite “Hocus Pocus,” and now 30 years after the original’s release, with sequel “Hocus Pocus 2” streaming on Disney+, the ideal soundtrack to your month of ghoulish festivities inevitably involves the Sanderson Sisters. Whether you choose to listen while planning your Halloween costume, carving up a pumpkin or finding the hype to scare your sibling, these songs—both new and old—never lose their spooky spectacular magic.
1. “The Witches Are Back” by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kathy Najimy
A parody of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back,” this bop brings the Sanderson trio front and center after the lighting of the black flame candle, which revitalizes them from the dead, and allows the sisters to continue stealing the lives of children to preserve their youth. From the rousing, revitalizing intro preceded by “We’re back, Salem!,” you’ll be sure to play this song on repeat as a never-ending source of motivation and confidence. Recently, I’ve been using “The Witches Are Back” as my alarm for school, and I don’t think it’s mere coincidence that I’ve racked up fewer tardies… or that I’ve managed to get my homework done faster.
2. “Skeleton Sam” by LVCRFT
Considered one of LVCRFT’s most popular songs, “Skeleton Sam” catapults the plot of Hocus Pocus 2 into the present with banging vibes. After a gravelly, ghostly prelude, it launches immediately into an amazing beat that simply makes you want to “dance, dance, dance/until you can’t/shaking every bone like Skeleton Sam.” Describing a graveyard scene with multiple Halloween staples, including werewolves, ghosts and zombies, “Skeleton Sam” begs to be played all year round, regardless of the weather or change of leaves.
3. “Ghosted” by DBone and The Remains
OK, I hate to say it, but this is definitely the most relatable song on this list… While having a literal ghost on your trail might not be the norm (hello, Hammond) most of us have likely experienced a modern digital ghost—the type whose preferred haunting grounds are over text and not decrepit old houses (or the East bathrooms). In any case, “Ghosted” will make you want to dance rather than cry over your busted relationships—teaching us that maybe being ghosted isn’t so bad after all.
4. “One Way or Another” (Hocus Pocus 2 Version) by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kathy Najimy
Based upon Blondie’s original—which I still consider the ultimate stalker song—this punk rock groove tops the list for creepiness. However, it’s decidedly more upbeat than alarming, with witchy revisions including tricks and spells, as well as brews and broomsticks, commencing a dizzying hunt for the Mayor of Salem in the movie.
5. “Somebody’s Watching Me” (Urban Renewal Project Remix) by Rockwell & The Urban Renewal Project
Originally released in 1984, Rockwell’s masterpiece is an obvious classic, easily the most recognizable throwback on this list—right from its hook sung by Michael Jackson. Although the premise of “Hocus Pocus 2” revolves around modern twists on its predecessor, it ultimately sells on its nostalgic ties to the 90s, and this chilling remix celebrates “Hocus Pocus”’s enduring popularity and cultural influence, with modern updates that spell out a whole new meaning for paranoia and enigma.
6. “Afraid of the Night” by DBone and The Remains & Earl St. Clair
Curving its disturbing dissonance into a pop disco beat, “Afraid of the Night” is reminiscent of “Somebody’s Watching Me,” building upon general delusion to produce a neurotic mix. Its medley of creaky door-knob and high-pitched ringing noises make it perfect for any Halloween party, although it is decidedly less catchy than “Somebody’s Watching Me.” In terms of relatability, though, it’s right up there with “Ghosted.”
7. “Hocus Pocus Voo Doo” by Big Bob Kornegay
With a swinging blues, doowop intro, this song is bound to cast a spell on anyone who happens to be within earshot. Light and frolicky, “Hocus Pocus Voo Doo” recalls the 50s with a playful, passionate aesthetic. Personally, however, it is one of my least favorites. Though I enjoy the imaginativeness of “Voo Doo,” it feels a bit outdated, and the creepiness factor could be heightened in place of syrupy lyrics.
8. “Planet Claire” by The B-52’s
Giving simultaneous “Ghostbusters” and “E.T.” vibes, Planet Claire springs from a synth series of alien, emergency sounds resembling those of the paramedics, to the actual verse sung by Fred Schneider. Its long stretch of disorienting sounds without lyrics makes Planet Claire my least favorite; however, maybe that’s because it’s too close to home—sometimes I do wonder if I perhaps hail from a different planet.
