13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies | Playlist 🎧

13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies features songs by Damiano David, Fela Kuti, ILLENIUM, Lady Gaga, The Cranberries, and YUNGBLUD.

Beware! The zombies are out 🧟🧟🧟😱😱😱! Zombies are kind of a big deal when it comes to Halloween and horror in general.  Merriam-Webster has a couple of definitions describing zombies.  Definition 1a defines a zombie as “a will-less and speechless human held to have died and been supernaturally reanimated.” Oh, snap 🫰! 1b defines zombies as “the supernatural power that, according to voodoo belief, may enter into and reanimate a dead body.” Reanimation, huh? That is simultaneously cool and disturbing.  The second definition is also relevant regarding our disturbing and frightening playlist, 13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies: “a person held to resemble the so-called walking dead.” Every song on this playlist MUST feature our keyword, zombie, in its song title.  Zombies being implied is not enough! We need explicitness for this compendium! 13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies features songs by Damiano David, Fela Kuti, ILLENIUM, Lady Gaga, The Cranberries, and YUNGBLUD. So, without further ado, prepare for the zombie apocalypse… in musical form via 13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies, of course!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. ILLENIUM, Excision, Wooli & Valerie Broussard, “Zombie”	2. Lady Gaga, “Zombieboy”	3. Yungblud, “Zombie”
4. Damiano David, “Zombie Lady”	5. Stephanie Mabey, “The Zombie Song”	6. Johnnie Guilbert, “Zombie”
7. Adrianne Lenker, “zombie girl”	8. Max Fry, “zombie”	9. d3r, 6arelyhuman & Pröz, “zombies”
10. Childish Gambino, “Zombies”	11. Weezer, “Zombie Bastards”	12. The Cranberries, “Zombie”	13. Fela Kuti, “Zombie”

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1. ILLENIUM, Excision, Wooli & Valerie Broussard, “Zombie”

“Zombie” » Illenium LLC / Warner » 2023

In 1994, the Irish alternative rock band The Cranberries (R.I.P. Dolores O’Riordan) released a protest song for the ages: “Zombie”.  A fair share of musicians have covered “Zombies,” including Bad Wolves, Miley Cyrus, and dance/electronic musicians ILLENIUM, Excision, and Wooli.  ILLENIUM, Excision, and Wooli tapped Valerie Broussard to channel her inner Dolores O’Riordan on their striking and transformative cover/remix of “Zombie”. Fittingly, “Zombies” in ILLENIUM and company’s hands begin in a foreboding, moody fashion. Early on, you can hear the updated sound palette, which fits a dance/electronic cut.  Broussard shines with her lovely, expressive vocals. Despite the contrast in voices, Broussard does a fabulous job, particularly the vocal nuances that appear during the chorus (lyrics excerpted earlier). Backtracking, the synths that enter during the pre-chorus  (“But you see, it’s not me, it’s not my family…”) add to the colorful musical accompaniment.  Beyond the chorus, the drop is sick, fierce, mean-sounding, and robust; it kicks ass and takes names! More ass is kicked when the super-aggressive, nasty synths arrive after the two-minute mark, built around repeated key lyrics, “What’s in your head?” After drifting from the traditional form, some of the refinement of the original song returns after the 2:35 mark (Broussard sings “eh-oh…”), with the second verse arriving at the 2:50 mark. A sick beat, and calmer, mellower pads and synths anchor the second verse. No worries! The chorus returns in all its glory at 3:37 in.  “Zombie” ratchets up again by the four-minute mark with assertive, harder synths and a heavier beat. At the 4:27 mark, ILLENIUM and company bring it down.  It is an arduous task to reimagine a classic successfully.  That’s what ILLENIUM, Excision, Wooli, and Valerie Broussard do on “Zombie”, 30 years after its arrival.

Appears in:

ILLENIUM, Excision, Wooli & Valerie Broussard, Zombie: Covers No. 25 (2025)  The Cranberries vs. ILLENIUM: Head 2 Head No. 29 (2025)

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2. Lady Gaga, “Zombieboy”

MAYHEM » Interscope » 2025 

Oh, snap, Lady Gaga! The intro sets the tone for “Zombieboy”, the colorful seventh track from the Academy and Grammy award winner’s seventh studio album, MAYHEM. Gaga penned “Zombieboy” with James Fauntleroy and producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut (Henry Walter).  The song was written as a tribute to her deceased friend, Canadian artist, actor, fashion model, and musician Rick Genest (1985 – 2018), nicknamed Zombie Boy.

Gaga’s assertive vocals appear at the top of the record. Following the assertive, commanding intro, an infectious groove is established. The glorious sounds consist of a fat bass line, crisp rhythmic guitar riffs, and picturesque keys and synths. Returning the focus to the star, Lady Gaga, she delivers carefree, playful, talk-sung vocals. She infuses a heaping dose of personality into her performance. “Boy inside a cage, lookin’ angry and tired,” she sings in the first verse, and continues, “Like you’ve been up for days…” In the second verse, she asserts, “Think you’re really sly, like a lion on the hunt for / This kitten over here, this kitten over here (Meow).” Woo! In the pre-chorus, she characterizes Zombieboy as “…an animal / And you’re closing in on me / Yeah, you’re an animal / And it just can’t be this way.” D-d-d-damn! Even with her playful approach, Lady Gaga brings mad pipes – she can sing! Beyond her core vocals, Gaga brings timely ad-libs. The melodies are tuneful throughout, particularly the centerpiece, the chorus!

“Oh, I can’t see straight, and my hands are tied

I could be your type from your zombie bite

No, I can’t see straight, but the feeling’s right

I could be your type from your zombie bite.”

Ultimately, “Zombieboy” is successful, thanks to being fun, outlandish, and over the top, which Lady Gaga excels at.

Appears in:

Lady Gaga, Zombieboy: Wacky Wednesday No. 39 (2025)

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3. YUNGBLUD, “Zombie”

Idols » Locomotion Recordings / Capitol » 2025

YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) released an honest, personal, and vulnerable single with “Zombie”. “Zombie” is the fourth track from Harrison’s fourth studio album, Idols. Harrison sings about losing his grandmother. He penned “Zombie” with producer Matt Schwartz.

@yungblud

zombie. 🤍

♬ Zombie – YUNGBLUD

“Zombie” begins with a rhythmic guitar. Soon, the sound becomes grander, maintaining a dark vibe. Despite the dark vibes, YUNGBLUD delivers beautiful, expressive, and sincere vocals. The melodies are gorgeous during the verses. I love Harrison’s melisma. The lyrics are thought-provoking. “If I was to talk about the words / They would hurt, they would hurt,” he sings emotionally in the first verse, and continues, “So, if you were to ask about the pain / I would lie, I would lie.” Sometimes, the truth is too painful.  In this situation, it feels more fitting to lie to protect loved ones. In the second verse, YUNGBLUD sings, “We could catch a spaceship to the moon / But we’d crash, it wouldn’t last / Because the world is just a figment of the fools.”

Harrison’s vocals are much grittier during the big and powerful, zombie-driven chorus:

“Oh, I know that I can’t live without you

But this world will keep turning if you do

Would you even want me looking like a zombie?

Would you even want me, want me, want me?”

Being a zombie is not ideal.  It is optimal to be alive and well and not the shell of one’s former self. Harrison stated that seeing his grandma’s decline was incredibly difficult. Ultimately, “Zombie”, a four-minute ballad, is a deep, moving, and incredibly powerful song from YUNGBLUD. 

Appears in:

YUNGBLUD, Zombie: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 80 (2025)

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4. Damiano David, “Zombie Lady”

FUNNY little FEARS » Sony Music Italy / Arista » 2025

Noted, Damiano David. The hot 🥵 and talented Italian singer/songwriter piques our ears with “Zombie Lady”, the third track from Måneskin frontman’s debut solo album, FUNNY little FEARS. David, Cleo Tighe, Sarah Hudson, Mark Schick, and Jason Evigan penned “Zombie Lady.” Evigan and Schick produced it. 

“Zombie Lady” begins enigmatically. Soon enough, it settles into a more traditional-sounding, mid-tempo pop/rock cut with its guitars, bass, drums, and keyboard textures.  Damiano David delivers fine vocals. In the first verse, he asserts, “I wanna dress you in white / And see you turn into butterflies tonight.” Noted! He is more assertive in the second verse, memorably singing, “You’ll be my Emily, I’ll be your Victor.” It’s giving Corpse Bride! The memorable chorus with a tuneful melody is the moment and section of the song to beat:

“Don’t stop eating my heart out, baby

Don’t stop giving me yours

Oh, my beautiful zombie lady

The only one I adore

We’ll live on and on and on and on

On and on and on and on

Oh, my beautiful zombie lady

I’m forever yours.”

Interesting, Damiano’s girlfriend, Dove Cameron, sings with him in the final chorus. Cameron’s appearance brings a welcome contrast. The chemistry between the two is sweet! David concludes the entertaining “Zombie Lady”, singing, “Yours, yours / I’m forever yours.” Aww 🥰!

 

Appears in:

Damiano David, Zombie Lady: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 81 (2025)

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5. Stephanie Mabey, “The Zombie Song”

Wake Up Dreaming » Stephanie Mabey » 2012

Stephanie Mabey ate on “The Zombie Song”, PERIOD.  “The Zombie Song” is the fourth track from her 2012 album, Wake Up Dreaming. Mabey penned and produced “The Zombie Song.” “The Zombie Song” starts strong with its electronic intro. Those synths are sweet.  Also, the song has a lightness about it. Even though it is light, it still packs a mean punch.  The melodies, which Mabey brings to life sensationally, are rhythmic.  She sings with incredible ease, delivering a decadent, tasteful performance.  The lyrics are a treat!

“We’d meet at a post-apocalypse / Yeah, I’d be slowly walking / In a group stalking you,” Mabey sings in the first verse, and continues, “You’d be the only man alive / That I could not resist.” Oh, wow! That is zombie-like to the nth degree! Keeping things captivating, in the second verse, she sings “Double-barrel shotgun, taking out the slow ones / Then you’d see the passion burning in my eye.” It should come as no surprise that the chorus is quite tuneful, featuring some of the songs most unforgettable lyrics. “If I were a zombie / I’d never eat your brain,” Mabey sings, and adds, “I’d just want your heart.” The bridge section is a welcome contrast, led by rich piano. Once more, the lyrics catch the ears. “And I’d try not to bite and infect you / Because I’d respect you too much,” she sings, adding after marriage, they’d pick “Off all your friends / And they’d see a love this deep won’t stay buried.” Okay… All told, “The Zombie Song” is a surefire bop from 2012 that hasn’t lost the least bit of its luster.  This song still slaps! 

Appears in:

Stephanie Mabey, The Zombie Song: Wacky Wednesday No. 40 (2025)

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6. Johnnie Guilbert, “Zombie”

Violent Dreams » Johnnie Guilbert » 2023 

Johnnie Guilbert has spoken.  Honesty is the best policy, right? Right! Guilbert released “Zombie” as a single in 2023.  It ultimately appears as the third track from his 2025 album, Violent Dreams. “Zombie” is set in a popular key: F major. It begins with a strong instrumental introduction. Throughout the song, there is a fine harmonic progression: I – V/vi – vi – IV. Guilbert delivers a respectable vocal performance, filled with dark, emo-goth lyricism. “Blood-red sheets are my favorite / I could be your greatest weakness,” he sings in the first verse, and continues, “‘Cause she’s got me so damn nervous / I’m a zombie, baby, what’s my purpose?” The bridge keeps things horror-tinged, as Guilbert sings, “Feeding on your brains now / I’ve got no purpose / Something’s going wrong now / I’ve got a graveyard, she’s got a broken heart.” Oh, snap! In the song’s centerpiece, the chorus, Johnnie sings about his desires, highlighted by the lyric excerpted at the top of this blurb:

“I want your heart, I want your brain, and that body

‘Cause you got me going too insane

You can’t control me

I want your heart, I want your brain, and that body

‘Cause you got me acting like a fucking zombie

Like a zombie.”

Ultimately, “Zombie” is an engaging listen for any time of the year, particularly October and Halloween.

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7. Adrianne Lenker, “zombie girl”

songs » Adrienne Lenker / 4AD Ltd » 2020

Grammy-nominated queer singer/songwriter Adrianne Lenker shines on the sub-three-minute “zombie girl,” the eighth track from her 2020 album, songs. Lenker penned “zombie girl” and produced it with Philip Weinrobe. The goodness of the “zombie girl” begins with the arpeggiated guitar accompaniment. I adore the simplicity of the song. Lenker delivers a sincere performance with her distinct vocals. She never breaks a sweat as she sings, maintaining her poise. Evidenced by the first verse (excerpted above), the lyrics are striking throughout “zombie girl.” “Sleep paralysis, I sworn I could’ve felt you there,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “And I almost could’ve kissed your hair.” Featuring four verses, the chorus arrives between the two sets of verses.  Lenker sings:

“Oh, emptiness

Tell me ‘bout your nature

Maybe I’ve been getting you wrong

I cover you with questions

Cover you with explanations

Cover you with music.”

Beyond the intriguing lyrics that embrace zombie characteristics, “zombie girl” also features memorable melodies.  Capping things off, in the outro, Lenker asks her, “What’s on your mind? / In your mind.”

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8. Max Fry, “zombie”

so close to ok (EP) » Max Fry / Don’t Be Greedy » 2023

Max Fry sings in the first verse of his single, “zombie.” He continues, “Blushed smiling, all that I need / Awestruck, I can’t get over you.” Word. “zombie” is the second track from his 2023 EP, so close to ok. He penned and produced it. The track features an electrifying groove and colorful, detuned synths.  The tempo is quick, contributing to the energetic nature of the song. Fry’s vocals are assertive and distinct.  Notably, they are drenched in reverb. He delivers a playful performance, bringing the tuneful melodies to life from the get-go. He admits in the second verse, “I’m trapped, I can’t get over you.” Damn, Max! In the chorus, he references her zombie stare 👀:

“Dead girl by the bar, all dressed up (I’ve been looking for you)

Pin-up girl, but you’re not her

Dead girl by the bar, all dressed up (I’ve been running from you)

She can’t compare, her zombie stare.”

Although it is brief, “zombie” packs a mean and frightening punch.

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9. d3r, 6arelyhuman & Pröz, “zombies”

“zombies” » euroboyz » 2023

Woo! d3r, 6arelyhuman (they/them pronouns), and Pröz collaborate on the short but potent “zombies”. Pröz produced the minor-key joint. “Zombies” features a quick tempo.  The production sports sleek electronic production touches. A mammoth-like thudding beat anchors the record.  The hyperpop vibes are pronounced, particularly the dizzying synths.  Moving beyond the musical accompaniment, the vocals are fast-paced and rhythmic, serving up unapologetic lyrics.

“I’m a real zombie, pull up on the scene ho / Here’s my bitch, watch her eat your brains, she a freak ass ho,” d3r asserts in the chorus, and continues, “She likes my face, like the way it tastes, she bites it every day / I like the pain, I don’t give a fuck, I’m mentally insane.” He follows with the first verse, dropping gems like, “Zombie bitches give me stitches / Shoot my face and give me kisses,” and, “You could never harm me, I’m off bars, I’m a zombie.” Oh, shit! 6arelyhuman delivers the second verse. “Yeah, I popped up on the scene, and you know I fucking ate ‘em up,” they spit, adding, “If you don’t fuck with me, then I know that you lame as fuck.” D3r closes out with the chorus, excerpted above in all its memorable glory. Ultimately, “zombies” sounds like an adrenaline rush.

Appears in:

d3r, 6arelyhuman & Pröz, zombies: Wacky Wednesday No. 41 (2025)

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10. Childish Gambino, “Zombies”

“Awaken, My Love!” » Glassnote » 2016

Okay… As the lyrics suggest, Grammy-winner Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) dabbles in zombies on “Zombies” from his 2016 album, “Awaken, My Love!”. “They don’t know what happened, they just stay alive.” Yes, zombies are the choice of predator, but Glover is being metaphorical. Those zombies – well, they are people, and very bad people at that. Metaphorical or not, his dramatic performance is a treat. 

Appears in:

Creatures! Ghosts, Monsters, Vampires, and Such (2017)  Zombie: 3BOPS No. 7 (2021)

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11. Weezer, “Zombie Bastards”

Weezer (The Black Album) » Atlantic » 2018

Any time the word ‘bastards’ graces the song title of a pop record, it’s worth checking out. “Zombie Bastards” is definitely an entertaining Weezer record (Weezer (Black Album)) thanks to tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and the great, hipster personality of Rivers Cuomo.  The record isn’t transcendent, but the lyrics are colorful and at times, fun. “Welcome to the jungle, to the jungle / Baby, it’s you and me,” Cuomo sings on the first verse, later adding, “Walk between the raindrops… / Singing along to Queen / My heart pumps Kool-Aid.” Adding to the allure of “Zombie Bastards” is the aforementioned chorus.  Besides its lyrical highlights, “Zombie Bastards” is soundly produced, incorporating guitars, a sick groove, and, of course, some synths.

Appears in:

Zombie: 3BOPS No. 7 (2021)

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12. The Cranberries, “Zombie”

No Need to Argue » UMG Recordings » 1994 

To this day, that’s a truly glorious, timeless chorus – one for the ages. That head– and zombie-driven chorus hails from “Zombie”, a once-in-a-lifetime song from the Irish alternative rock band, The Cranberries.  The Cranberries were fronted by the late Delores O’Riordan, who died in 2018 at only 46 years old. O’Riordan penned this classic, which appeared on the band’s 1994 album, No Need to Argue. Julie Gardner and Stephen Street produced it. 

“Zombie” is not just any kind of song.  It is a protest song that conveys the  unrest between Ireland and England. “It’s the same old theme, since 1916,” Dolores memorably sings in the second chorus.  She adds, “With their tanks, and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns / In your head, in your head, they are dyin’.” Specifically, O’Riordan focuses on a 1993 bombing by the Irish Republican Army that killed two English children. “Another head hangs lowly / Child is slowly taken,” she informs us in the first verse, continuing, “And the violence caused such silence / Who are we, mistaken?” A deep, thought-provoking song, “Zombie” references conflict as well as seeking peace.

 

Appears in:

Zombie: 3BOPS No. 7 (2021)    An Alphabet of Random Songs (2021)     11 Spooky Songs About Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Such (2022)   Irish: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 61 (2023)  13 Songs Courtesy of Musicians from Ireland 🇮🇪 (2023) The Cranberries vs. ILLENIUM: Head 2 Head No. 29 (2025)

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13. Fela Kuti, “Zombie”

Zombie » Kalakuta Sunrise » 1976

Word. Nigerian Afrobeat progenitor Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997) released a surefire masterpiece with “Zombie”.  The 12 ½ minute song is the opener on Kuti’s 1976 album, Zombie. Written and produced by Kuti and performed with his band, Africa ’70,  “Zombie” features an extended instrumental intro featuring marvelous guitar riffs, sick percussion, and an active bass line. Kuti performs a bluesy, colorful, gritty saxophone solo for the ages. When all the horns play, they are assertive, aggressive, and turned up to the nth degree.  The articulation is on point.  A dazzling trumpet solo arrives around the 3:40 mark. The first vocals don’t appear until the 5:20 mark.

“Zombie” features repetitive lyrics, performed in a call-and-response style.  These repetitive lyrics aren’t empty or for nought, but rather, thought-provoking, in the spirit of protest. Two notable definitions of zombie include a will-less and speechless human … held to have died and been supernaturally reanimated, and a person held to resemble the so-called walking dead. Dead is the key word. Zombie is used metaphorically; it’s giving Kadavergehorsam. In “Zombie,” Kuti criticizes the Nigerian military. In the first verse, he sings, “Zombie o, zombie (Zombie o, zombie) /… Zombie no go go, unless you tell am to go (Zombie) / Zombie no go stop, unless you tell am to stop.” The soldiers follow their orders relentlessly without dissent or protest. “Tell them to go straight, na joro, jara, joro / No break, no gear, no sense, joro, jara, joro,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “Go and kill! (Joro, jaro, joro) / Go and die! (Joro, jaro, joro) / Go and quench! (Joro, jaro, joro) / Put am for reverse! (Joro, jaro, joro).” As with any song, the chorus is a big deal, with repetition of the titular word continuing by the (response):  

“Attention! Quick march! (Zombie)
Slow march! Left turn! (Zombie)
Right turn! About turn! (Zombie)
Double up! Salute! (Zombie)
Open your hat! Stand at ease! (Zombie)
Fall in! Fall out! (Zombie)
Fall down! Get ready! (Zombie).”

Repetitive those lyrics are, they are a key part of “Zombie.” Distinct synthesizer ostinatos appear at 9:16.  The vocal outro appears before the 10-minute mark, uttering the most important word of the song, “zombie.” Kuti delivers an expressive, electrifying, and playful saxophone solo, followed by dramatic horns that conclude this juggernaut. “Zombie” is phenomenal.  It is one of the most powerful protest songs of all time, and its scathing review of the military didn’t go unnoticed. His Kalakuta Republic commune was attacked, and his mother was killed.

Appears in:

Fela Kuti, Zombie: Throwback Vibez No. 127 (2025)

 

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13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 4AD Ltd, Adrienne Lenker, Atlantic, Capitol, Don’t Be Greedy, euroboyz, Glassnote, Illenium LLC, Interscope, Johnnie Guilbert, Kalakuta Sunrise, Locomotion Recordings, Max Fry, Stephanie Mabey, UMG Recordings, Warner; AcatXIo, Dmitry Abramov, Fabien Huck, friendlystock-team, HANSUAN FABREGAS, JL G, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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