Alice Cooper. Photo by Photographer, Benjamin Tschetter
We are in October and Halloween is eagerly anticipated by the young and the young at heart as one of the year’s most exciting events. It offers a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of going from house to house collecting a variety of candies, sweets, and the occasional strange giveaways. Haha…. On this especially ghoulish night, individuals of all ages (mostly young people) come together for a ghoulish festive celebration, donning costumes ranging from spooky, creative, ugly, and frightening to fashionably weird. Additionally, it’s a time when social norms take a back seat, allowing everyone to fully embrace the joy of the once-in-a-year night without worrying about the judgment of others.
On a more significant note, being a music aficionado, this is the ideal opportunity for me to compile a list of spot-on songs from past decades that encapsulate the essence or are inspired by that of Halloween. Specific special songs that have been abundant over the decades fit this theme, but I have carefully curated a few based on my preferences, the songs that I still listen to, and my vast knowledge of music.
Alice Cooper, the iconic figure behind the song “Poison,” is renowned as the trailblazer of shock rock. For the younger audience, it’s important to note that he predates prominent artists like Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and Slipknot. Interestingly, these artists have openly recognized Cooper’s influence on their work on multiple occasions.
Alice Cooper was a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of artistry and challenging censorship in his music videos long before it became mainstream. Even as he has aged, Alice Cooper continues to grace the stage for special events and performances. Among his repertoire, the iconic “Poison” remains a staple on his set list, cherished by his devoted fans and consistently one of the most requested songs in his catalog.
Released in 1989, “Poison” swiftly became a certified hit single. At that time, Alice Cooper was already considered an esteemed figure in the rock music scene. Despite the song’s commercial appeal, it still retained elements of the classic ‘Alice’ persona, with certain lyrics in “Poison” capable of sending shivers down your spine and evoking a sense of fear. To this day, this is the song that Alice Cooper still gets the biggest reaction from during his live performances throughout different venues, arenas, and music festivals. “Poison” has become one of his must-perform songs from his lengthy stellar music career that began in the 70s. And yes, the living rock legend is still performing.
“More Human than Human” by White Zombie is the second song on my list, a creation of the iconic “post-apocalyptic man,” Rob Zombie. This track was unveiled in 1995 when Rob Zombie and his former bandmates in the now-disbanded White Zombie were a united force, devoid of the animosity that currently exists among them back then and until now.
I vividly recall my childhood when I first watched the music video (“More Human than Human” by White Zombie) of this song on MTV ASIA many years ago. In fact, they only played it a few times during those years. At that time, I was somewhat puzzled by its content, yet I found the melody captivating. Certain parts of the song were undeniably catchy. The music video was a whirlwind of random imagery, featuring pumpkin heads, the “creature from the black lagoon,” witches, robots, and various other elements. From the perspective of a pre-teen, it appeared incredibly bizarre but captivating because I would rather watch this than watch a boy band singing in the rain. Haha….
Reflecting on the past, I can now chuckle at the fact that I was unaware, at the time, that I was not just enjoying a compilation of classic horror films in a music video, but also that the lyrics sung by the lead singer, Rob Zombie, were so twisted that they hardly made sense! Nevertheless, “More Human than Human” is remembered as one of Rob Zombie’s most iconic songs. I recommend listening to it and watching its music video; you will undoubtedly find something appealing about it.
Lately, Rob Zombie has been dedicating his time to directing a series of highly successful horror films that have dominated the box office over the past decade. Notably, Rob Zombie spearheaded the acclaimed reboot of the iconic ‘Halloween’ movie franchise many years ago, bringing a fresh perspective to the infamous character, Michael Myers. For those unfamiliar, Michael Myers is a chilling figure clad in all-black attire, sporting a haunting white mask and brandishing a menacingly long kitchen knife as he terrorizes his victims. Undoubtedly, a character straight out of nightmares, making him a perfect fit for the Halloween season! This reminds me that I have seen a few people dress up as Michael Myers over the last couple of Halloween nights. I would suggest not walking around with a long kitchen knife like he does in the movies.
The song “Salvation” by The Cranberries is not to criticize the band, but even in my youth, even during that decade, I noticed a certain aura around them in the mid-90s that gave off a cult-like vibe. The classic song delves into the theme of wasted youth trapped in dangerous situations due to prolonged drug abuse and struggling to break free from its vice-like grip. The music video for “Salvation” features unsettling imagery that lingers in your mind, prompting reflection on past regrettable choices that would make anyone choose a better path in life.
On a related note, the 1990s marked a challenging period as numerous artists and bands struggled with drug addiction, leading to tragic losses within the music industry. Songs like “Salvation” by The Cranberries served as poignant reminders of the need for the industry to confront this alarming issue. Reflecting on the extensive list of rock artists, stars, and singers who succumbed to addiction during that era is truly sobering. Indeed, while music is a source of enjoyment, it is crucial to stay clear of its associated vices. This is one of those songs that serve as a warning.
Isn’t it intriguing how the music video’s visual impact on discouraging drug use could be effective? Picture this: a sinister version of the clown from Stephen King’s iconic horror film ‘IT’ makes eerie appearances throughout the video, subtly influencing viewers, especially the youth, towards a destructive path. Interestingly, it is a clever tactic, considering that some individuals have a genuine fear of clowns and can’t stand to see them or be near them, so, this was a brilliant move to have a demented clown there. By incorporating this unsettling clown figure, the video not only targets the young but also serves as a cautionary tale for anyone, regardless of age, to steer clear of drugs. Imagine a chilling scene where a nightmarish clown with needles for fingertips administers a fatal heroin dose to an already “spaced out” helpless young woman as “Salvation” plays in the background as you pass out permanently into another reality of your own doing.
In addition to the mentioned Halloween-themed or inspired songs, several other noteworthy songs capture the spirit of Halloween. Some examples include “How Can I Live” by Ill Nino, “Beginning of the End” by Spineshank, “White Wedding” by Murderdolls, “Du Hast” by Rammstein, and “Cold” by Static-X. Give them a chance because you might like them.
Feel free to listen to any of these songs on Spotify and watch their music videos on YouTube.
Go explore a wide array of rock music genres, known for their darker themes and styles, just in time for the Halloween season.