15 Not-So-Scary Songs for Any Time of the Year → Playlist

15 Not-So-Scary Songs for Any Time of the Year features songs by Dermot Kennedy, H3adband, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, RAYE, and Rob Zombie.

“Dead, I am the dog / Hound of hell, you cry / Devil on your back / I can never die.” OH, SNAP 🫰! Rob Zombie said what he said on his ear-catching ‘90s gem, “Dragula.” As for the talented British singer-songwriter RAYE, she described a dude as “Just skin (Just skin), and bones (And bones) /… And a nose (And a nose), and no brain / He’s insane ‘cause he thinks he can make love / Without having to love me.” D-d-d-damnnn! As for rapper H3adband, he went G-H-O-S-T, like BOO! “Nigga, boo, boo, boo, boo / Boo, boo, boo, hop out.” Interestingly, while all three of the songs feature spooky, Halloween-related words in their title, and even in their song lyrics, none of the songs are particularly scary.  And that’s the theme of this list – 15 Not-So-Scary Songs for Any Time of the Year!

Halloween and scary words are welcome; however, the songs are not-so-scary. Hence, these songs are appropriate for any time of the year! 15 Not-So-Scary Songs for Any Time of the Year features songs by Dermot Kennedy, H3adband, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, RAYE, and Rob Zombie. So, without further ado, get ready to NOT BE SCARED!!!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. Michael Jackson, “Thriller”	2. Lady Gaga, “The Dead Dance”	3. Tame Impala & JENNIE, “Dracula”
4. RAYE, “Skin & Bones.”	5. Rob Zombie, “Dragula”	6. Dermot Kennedy, “Funeral”
7. H3adband, “BOO”	8. The Cranberries, “Zombie”	9. Florence + The Machine, “Everybody Scream”
10. Rockwell, “Somebody’s Watching Me”	11. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”	12. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”
13. Joe Simon, “Music in My Bones”	14. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”	15. Donovan, “Season of the Witch”

 

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1. Michael Jackson, “Thriller”

Thriller » MJJ Productions » 1982

“It’s close to midnight / And something evil’s lurking in the dark.” Oh, snap! Michael Jackson, the late, great King of Pop, had 30 top 10 hits during his lifetime. One of his biggest NOT to reach number one on the pop charts was “Thriller”.  “Thriller” marked the seventh single from the biggest album of Jackson’s career, Thriller, released in 1982.  “Thriller,” the song wasn’t released as a single until November 1983. It didn’t reach its peak, number four on the Billboard Hot 100, until March 1984. Since its release, “Thriller” has been certified diamond by the RIAA.  Beyond being a marvelous pop song written by prolific English songwriter Rod Temperton and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, “Thriller” spawned a historically important music video.

“Thriller” is more than four decades old 🤯.  Despite this, the song feels as F-R-E-S-H as the day it was released. The musical accompaniment and production are top-notch. What makes the music sweet in an occult way? It’s the percussive groove, the sound effects, the synths, the winds and horns, the active bass line, and the guitar riffs that play a crucial role in the song’s success. The instrumental fuels MJ’s fire.  He sings the rhythmic melody in a breathy, enigmatic way (“You hear the door slam / And realize there’s nowhere left to run / You feel the cold hand / And wonder if you’ll ever see the sun”). Eventually, he shows off his formidable, dynamic pipes during the song’s crowning achievement, the chorus:

“‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night

And no one’s gonna save you

From the beast about to strike

You know it’s thriller, thriller night

You’re fighting for your life inside a killer

Thriller tonight.”

Jackson’s artistry is on full display, selling this Grammy-winning pop cut (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male) like a champ. The bridge distinguishes itself from the three verses and memorable chorus. Speaking of distinguishing itself, what about that expensive, legendary music video – specifically, the iconic dance? “Thriller” is one of MJ’s most memorable songs – a big reason why Thriller (the album) was the sugar-honey iced tea.

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Jackson, Thriller: Throwback Vibez No. 160 (2024)

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2. Lady Gaga, “The Dead Dance”

“The Dead Dance” » Interscope » 2025

“You stole my thoughts before I dreamed them / And you killed my queen with just one pawn.” Oh, snap, Lady Gaga! The Academy Award- and Grammy-winning musician excels at dance-pop and dance music.  Once more, she hits the dance floor with a potent, striking single, “The Dead Dance”. Lady Gaga penned and produced “The Dead Dance” with Andrew Watt and Cirkut (Henry Walter). Mother Monster brings ample personality, mad vocals, and tuneful, irresistible melodies and lyrics.

Lady Gaga is accompanied by a minor-key backdrop that slaps. The groove is the perfect catalyst for the dance floor. The keys (pads and synths) are picturesque and punchy, the rhythmic guitar is crisp, while the bass provides a mighty anchor.  Beyond the sick instrumental, Lady Gaga compels lyrically, melodically, and vocally. The second verse is shorter than the first (excerpted earlier), continuing the dark, deadly tone(“Now, I’m haunting your air, your soul, your eyes”). The pre-chorus masterfully sets up the chorus. “This goodbye is no surprise,” she sings, and adds, “This goodbye won’t make me cry.” The chorus is the section to beat, dead dancing and all:

“Yeah, I’ll keep on dancin’ until I’m dead…

‘Cause when you killed me inside, that’s when I came alive

Yeah, the music’s gonna bring me back from death

I’m dancin’ until I’m dead…” 

Established in her career, Lady Gaga continues to wow. “The Dead Dance” is a surefire bop from the get-go.  Following that celestial, enigmatic intro, Mother Monster goes off!

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3. Tame Impala & JENNIE, “Dracula”

“Dracula – JENNIE Remix” » Columbia » 2026

“So run from the sunlight, Dracula.” Woo! Psychedelic rock project Tame Impala dropped one hell of a banger with “Dracula” in 2025.  By my estimation, Kevin Parker, the brainchild of Tame Impala, dropped one of the best songs of the year.  What could make a banger bang even harder? A remix, of course.  Tame Impala taps JENNIE for the “Dracula – JENNIE Remix”, and it’s sweet! Parker penned “Dracula – JENNIE Remix” with JENNIE, Sarah Aarons, and Carly Gibert.  Parker produced it.

“Dracula – JENNIE Remix” maintains the original selling points.  The production STILL kicks ass and takes names.  The groove takes the cake as the best instrumental moment from the accompaniment.  The keys, synths, and programming are all on point, too! During the intro, Kevin Parker and JENNIE both sing, setting the tone for the vampirical experience! Kevin Parker draws first blood in the first verse, like the original.  The contrast comes with JENNIE, who sings the second half of the first verse. She complements Parker superbly (“The shadows, yeah, they keep me pretty like a movie star…”). Parker performs the refrain, with a few ad-libs from JENNIE.  Parker, once more, takes the lead in the second verse, impressing with his “Now I’m Mr. Charisma, fuckin’ Pablo Escobar” lyric. JENNIE performs the third line, while both conclude the verse (“I just wanna be right where you are”). Kevin and JENNIE perform the second refrain and chorus, where they run from the sunlight, Dracula. JENNIE gets her biggest solo moment performing the third verse, which is new. Here, according to JENNIE, is “Lip-stain on the rim, bass is ‘bout to blow / Sinking in my teeth, I buy time.” Gah-day-um! Kevin performs most of the bridge himself before they rejoin forces in the final refrain and chorus, with select moments where they sing separately.  All told, “Dracula – JENNIE Remix” is as fun, if not more fun, than the original.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from February 2026 Tame Impala vs. Tame Impala & JENNIE: Face Off No. 6 (2026)

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4. RAYE, “Skin & Bones.”

THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. » RAYE / Human Re Sources » 2026

“He’s insane ‘cause he thinks he can make love / Without having to love me.” British singer-songwriter RAYE (Rachel Keen) makes her point loud and clear on “Skin & Bones.” These men are something else. “Skin & Bones.” marks another standout from her 2026 album, THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. Interestingly, it arrives deep into the album, as the 12^th track. RAYE, Mike Sabath, and Pete Clements wrote this funked-up, get-these-men-together bop, while RAYE and Sabath produced it.

“Skin & Bones.” Is superbly produced.  Notably, it samples an Aretha Franklin classic, “Rock Steady”. This only amplifies the funkiness. The beat is electrifying. Also, there is no shortage of instrumental personnel – this is a big ol’ track! Trumpets! Trombones! Saxophones! RAYE delivers a high-flying vocal performance, one of many from THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. The vocal arrangement is ornate. The melodies are tuneful and incredibly rhythmic. RAYE sets the tone with the chorus, the crème de la crème:

“Just skin (Just skin), and bones (And bones)

And lungs (And lungs), and a heart (And a heart)

Two eyes (Two eyes), and a liver (And a liver)

And a nose (And a nose), and no brain

He’s insane ‘cause he thinks he can make love

Without having to love me.”

Ooh-wee! From there, in the first verse, RAYE is looking for a real man: “Was wondering if you could / Point me the direction of / A gentleman.” In the pre-chorus, she cries foul regarding the non-gentlemen’s intentions: S-E-X.  In the second verse, RAYE is none too happy with these fellas either: “You want to want and need me / And then to up and leave me / And then to maybe call me in a week / But you’ll see how you’re feeling.” Thumbs down 👎, no good! In the bridge, another thrilling section from the song, she asserts, “He thinks we should make love (Ah, oh-oh) / I think he should leave.” A clear contrast in opinions! RAYE concludes the epic “Skin & Bones.” with the outro, which is the chorus, one final time.  Well written, well performed, and well produced, RAYE put her foot into this one and tore those terrible men to shreds in the process!

Appears in 🔻:

RAYE, Skin & Bones.: Bangerz N Bopz No. 57 (2026)

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5. Rob Zombie, “Dragula”

Hellbilly Deluxe » Geffen Records, Inc. » 1998

“Dead I am the rat / Feast upon the cat / Tender is the fur / Dying as you purr.” Damn! More like, damned! That’s what hard rocker Rob Zombie (b. 1965) seemed to be going for on his banger, “Dragula”. “Dragula” was both a single and the third track from his 1998 debut album, Hellbilly Deluxe. He wrote it with Scott Humphrey. Question: What the hell is a Dragula, exactly? Good question! It’s the coffin-shaped dragster from the iconic 1960s sitcom, The Munsters.  That makes sense, especially considering the chorus: “Dig through the ditches and burn through the witches / I slam in the back of my Dragula.” Wow!

“Dragula” begins with unsettling synths and boisterous sound effects 😱.  Following the enigmatic intro, the sleek musical backdrop settles in.  Things grow louder and more rhythmic, while retaining a dark, eerie feel.  Aww, there’s nothing like a hard rock song set in a minor key. As for Rob Zombie, he keeps the same energy, delivering assertive vocals.  His vocals never enter ‘unclean’ territory, but his bite and edge are undeniable.  Even though the lyrics are far more hellish than celestial, there is a beauty about “Dragula.” The melodies, even with coarse vocals, are, dare I say, tuneful.  See the final two verses:

“Dead, I am the life

Dig into the skin

Knuckle, crack the bone

Twenty-one to win

 

Dead, I am the dog

Hound of hell, you cry

Devil on your back

I can never die.”

As the eyebrow-raising lyrics ‘tell you,’ Don’t get it twisted; Rob Zombie easily meets his hellish, horror-led mark with “Dragula.” A late ‘90s classic, had it never been covered, the original, in its circa 3:45 glory, would have proved enduring and incredibly satisfying. But in 2025, Kid Souf recorded his own captivating rendition.

Appears in 🔻:

Rob Zombie vs. Kid Souf: Face Off No. 16 (2026)

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6. Dermot Kennedy, “Funeral”

The Weight of the Woods » Riggins Recording / Interscope / Island » 2026

“Standing on St. Brigid’s Road / Where we finally let it go.”Um, okay.  So, Dermot Kennedy, where is that? Dublin, Ireland.  That tracks! Kennedy is from Rathcoole, County Dublin, Ireland. Location aside, the talented Irish singer-songwriter shines on “Funeral”, the promo single and the fourth track from Kennedy’s third studio album, The Weight of the Woods. Sure, the title sounds morbid, but this is a funeral you can definitely get behind. “We set a fire to our sorrow / And watched the hurt go up in flames.” Word! Kennedy wrote “Funeral” with Aldae, Carrie K, and producer Gabe Simon.

“Funeral” commences with an enigmatic organ-like patch. Soon enough, drums enter the mix and establish the tempo.  Do you know who else enters the mix? Why Dermot Kennedy, with his clear, expressive, and radiant vocals!  Kennedy maintains poise during the first verse (“Not even poetry can fix this / Right now, we both need more than words”), and later, the second (“Grief is such a solid promise / Joy just leaves you in the rain / Sadness waits down in the lobby / Solace stood you up again”). The pen is nothing short of impeccable and thought-provoking. During the chorus, Kennedy ups the ante, giving his all with every gritty note.  It’s a thing of utter beauty. Basically, what I’m saying is, my guy does his big one during the centerpiece of the song! The section is tuneful, with even more memorable lyrics.

“We held a funeral for heartache

We buried trouble in the grass

We didn’t bother buying roses

‘Cause we ain’t ever going back

I don’t know nothing ‘bout tomorrow

I barely know about today

We set a fire to our sorrow

And watched the hurt go up in flames.”

By the time the second chorus arrives, “it’s on like Donkey Kong” until the end of the song. Dermot is turned up, and it is easy to lean on every sincere lyric and note that he sings. On the bridge, he proclaims, “Oh, no-no / We ain’t never going back.”  The Irishman does the damn thing on “Funeral”, no cap! Epic vocals,  memorable songwriting, tuneful melodies, and sound production.  What more could you ask for?!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from February 2026

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7. H3adband, “BOO”

“BOO” » WatchDatBaby Records / Hitmaker Distro » 2025

“Don’t get scared now, I tell the people they been sleepin’ / I been countin’ dead, now that shit getting scary, niggas creepin’.” Woo! Baton Rouge rapper H3adband delivered a scary-good rap banger with “BOO”. “BOO” was released in mid-October 2025. That’s fitting, given its spooky references. “Wake him up, he in a dream, Freddy Krueger, horror movie,” he raps in the first verse, and continues, “He smart as Chucky, make him scream, set ‘em up with Barb Boujee.” H3adband wrote and produced it.

“Boo” is short, running under two-and-a-half minutes, but utterly sweet. Take one listen to “Boo,” and it should come as no surprise why this was a viral hit. Beginning with the music, the single thrives on its striking musical accompaniment.  The keyboard chords and synths are bouncy and hypnotic.  The beat slaps. All told, the backdrop is dark, set in a minor key, yet V-I-B-R-A-N-T.  H3adband has a sublime instrumental to fuel his fire.  Not to be outdone by the production work, he delivers an infectious, personality-filled performance. He exudes plenty of confidence. “He come, sit down for the show, add some popcorn to it,” he raps in the first verse, and continues, “Mad at me, he cuffed the ho’, she said she like how ‘Band do it.” Ooh-wee! Beyond his confidence, he showcases a compelling cadence and flow. “They need some titties in this bitch, these hoes ain’t lackin’ from the ass,” He spits in the second verse, and continues, “Scared of pussy, they get scared feelin’ this print, I’m tryna blast.” D-d-damn! More like Gah-day-um! Beyond his intriguing rhymes during the verses, the chorus, in all of its simplicity, is the crème de la crème – incredibly irresistible!

“Nigga, boo, boo, boo, boo

Boo, boo, boo, hop out

Boo, boo, boo, boo

Boo, boo, boo, hop out.”

All told, H3adband put his foot into “BOO”.  No extensive analysis or complex explanation is necessary. The song (and dance) speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

H3adband, BOO: Bangerz N Bopz No. 27 (2026)

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8. The Cranberries, “Zombie”

No Need to Argue » UMG Recordings » 1994

“In your head, in your head / Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie / What’s in your head, in your head? / Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie-ie.” 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 both conflict and the desire for 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) 13 Spectacular Songs About Zombies (2025)

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9. Florence + The Machine, “Everybody Scream”

Everybody Scream » Universal Music Operations Limited » 2025

“Get on the stage (Dance) / And I call her (Sing), by her first name (Groove) / Try to stay away (Move).”Musical, Florence + The Machine. “Everybody Scream” marked the lead single and opening song from the collective’s sixth studio album, Everybody Scream. Florence Welch, Mark Bowen, and Mitski (Mitski Miyawaki) penned “Everybody Scream.” Welch, Bowen, James Ford, and Aaron Dessner produced it.

“Everybody Scream” opens up with an enigmatic intro.  Lovely, lush singing graces the intro, on the syllable “ah.” 45 seconds in, the drums and screaming sound effects enter the mix. As always, Florence Welch delivers an expressive, nuanced vocal performance. She sounds commanding and powerful. The verses feature tuneful melodies and memorable, music-related lyrics, as excerpted earlier. “But I will come for you in the evening, ragged and reeling,” Welch sings in the second verse, and continues, “Shaking my gold like a tambourine.” I love the change of pace during the pre-chorus, where Florence sings, “Everybody dance (Ah) / Everybody sing (Ah) / Everybody move (Ah) / Everybody scream.” The chorus, the centerpiece, returns to the original tempo and vibe (“Aren’t you so glad you came? / Breathless and begging and screaming my name / Screaming my name”).  It’s giving fans! After the second chorus, there is a bridge, featuring similar lyrics to the pre-chorus, and an outro. Fittingly, the last line of the song is… “Everybody scream!” Ultimately, “Everybody Scream” is a winner! Great vocals, memorable songwriting, and epic production.

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10. Rockwell, “Somebody’s Watching Me”

Somebody’s Watching Me » Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1984

“Who’s watching? / Tell me, who’s watching? / Who’s watching me?”Well, shh-, I dunno, Rockwell (Kennedy William Gordy, b. 1964)!  Rockwell, the song of Motown founder Berry Gordy, did his big one back in 1984.  That is when the enigmatic, paranoid, five-minute-long “Somebody’s Watching Me” was released. “Somebody’s” is the opening track from his 1983 gold-certified album, also titled, Somebody’s Watching Me. This marked his highest charting hit. “Somebody’s” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.  Rockwell wrote the song himself.  He produced it with Curtis Anthony Nolen.

“Somebody’s Watching Me” stands out from the get-go. Pummeling drums set the tone.  Soon enough, an enigmatic, electronic groove follows. The palette comprises sleek synths and keys.  The sound is 1980s to the nth degree. There is plenty of time for the instrumental elements to shine aside from the vocals.  Worth noting, during the intro, the excerpted robotic-sounding vocals appear (vocoder), establishing a feeling of those inescapable eyes 👀.  Rockwell comes on strong during the first verse, delivering a playful, tongue-in-cheek vocal performance. Pitch is unimportant given his quasi-rapped, talk-singing. He oozes with personality.  “All I want is to be left alone in my average home,” he sings, and adds, “But why do I always feel like I’m in The Twilight Zone?”  The reference to The Twilight Zone and the metaphor seem to fit perfectly here.  The fear and paranoia are even more pronounced in the second verse. “When I’m in the shower, I’m afraid to wash my hair / ‘Cause I might open my eyes and find someone standing there,” he sings, and continues, “People say I’m crazy, just a little touched / But maybe showers remind me of Psycho too much, that’s why.”  Crazy or not, that’s a killer reference to the shower scene in the Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980) classic, Psycho.  The chorus is infectious and irresistible with Michael Jackson-like sung vocals.  Oh, yeah, that’s because it features The King of Pop (1958 – 2009). Rockwell also sings:

“I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me

And I have no privacy (Oh-oh-oh)

I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me

Who’s playing tricks on me?”

Notably, Jermaine Jackson (b. 1954) also contributes vocals to the track. “Somebody’s Watching Me” is an enigmatic, fun, and one-of-a-kind Motown classic from the 1980s.  There is no way not to be entertained by this paranoid, non-private R&B joint. Rockwell prayed for a hit, and his prayers were answered!

Appears in 🔻:

Rockwell, Somebody’s Watching Me: Throwback Vibez No. 19 (2026) Watch: 5 Gems No. 11 (2026)

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11. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”

Abraxas » Columbia » 1970

“Got a black magic woman,” Gregg Rolie (keyboards and lead vocals, b. 1947) sings on the Santana classic, “Black Magic Woman”.  Rolie adds in the first verse, “Got me so blind I can’t see / That she’s my black magic woman / She’s tryin’ to make a devil out of me.” Oh, snap! The beloved, popular Santana cut is a cover 🤯. Peter Green (1946 – 2020) wrote “Black Magic Woman”… for Fleetwood Mac, who originally recorded it.  That said, Carlos Santana (b. 1947) and company made the song, the second track from their 1970 album, Abraxas, into a hit. How big of a hit? “Black Magic Woman” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.  Also, it should be noted that their version incorporates the 1966 song, “Gypsy Queen”, by Hungarian jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó (1936 – 1982).  The song on the album is fully titled “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen”. Fred Catero and Carlos Santana are credited as producers.

“Black Magic Woman” is a vibe from the get-go.  It is set in the dark, foreboding key of D minor. The intro is enigmatic, setting the tone with the organ, guitar, and rhythmic percussion. The robust bass line provides a great anchor. Gregg Rolie shines with a nuanced, solid, and well-rounded vocal performance.  “Don’t turn your back on me, baby,” Rolie sings in the second verse, and adds, “Stop messin’ ‘round with your tricks.” Ooh-wee! In the third, he acknowledges, “Got your spell on me baby /… Turnin’ my heart into stone / Need you so bad, magi woman / I can’t leave you alone.” Word! Another member of Santana deserves recognition: Carlos Santana, of course.  He impresses with his consummate guitar playing and soloing, which matches the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies.  Approaching 60 years later, “Black Magic Woman” remains a big-time bop.

Appears in 🔻:

Santana, Black Magic Woman: Throwback Vibez No. 142 (2025)  13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs (2025) Magic: 5 Gems No. 7 (2026)

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12. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”

Gloria » Capitol » 2023

“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot / At the body shop / Doing something unholy.” Gah-day-um! “Unholy” arrived as a single in 2022 by Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary singer/songwriter, Sam Smith.  From the first note, it was clear that Smith was tweaking their sound and evolving. In the Grammy-winning single from their 2023 album, Gloria, Smith is assisted by German pop singer, Kim Petras, who fits the unholiness perfectly. “Unholy” commences unexpectedly with big, a cappella vocals by Smith (with vocal effects).  Unknowingly, upon first listen the intro is the eventual chorus of the record.  The chorus ends up being a vibe that you can’t get unstuck. Besides the epic intro and alluring chorus, “Unholy” features sleek production work by Smith, Ilya, Cirkut, Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and Jimmy Napes. Although the chorus fabulously sums up the sus happenings, verses by Smith and Petras fill in the blanks.  In the first, Smith sings, “Dirty, dirty boy / you know everyone is talkin’ on the scene / I hear them whisperin’ bout the places that you’ve been / And how you don’t know how to keep your business clean.” As for Petras,  in playful and sassy fashion, she asserts, “You gon’ need to bag it up ‘cause I’m spendin’ on Rodeo (Woo) / You can watch me back it up, I’ll be gone in the A.M.” “Unholy” is short but ultimately sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: September 2022   14 Exceptional LGBTQ Songs from 2022   50 Best Songs of 2022  11 Songs Where Spirituality is Sus… (2023) 13 Compelling Holy Songs (2024) 15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un- (2025) An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs (2026)

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13. Joe Simon, “Music in My Bones”

Get Down » Ace Records » 1975

“I want everybody to put your dancin’ shoes on / I want you to clap your hands right here.” Woo! If you say so, Joe Simon (1936 – 2021)! The Grammy-winning soul musician possessed an incredible instrument, drenched in S-O-U-L.  After a successful career in secular music, where he charted 31 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, he became a minister and focused on gospel music. But before exiting the secular music world, Mr. Simon had “Music in My Bones”! “Music in My Bones” is the feel-good, call-and-response-styled fourth track from his 1975 album, Get Down. Simon and Raeford Gerald wrote and produced it.

“Music in My Bones” is ready-made for the dance floor period – it’s relentless, baby! Once the opening note of “Music” plays, it totally sucks you in, and there’s no getting out! There is NO way you won’t move some part of your body, particularly those feet.  Interestingly, this track sounds quite similar to the album’s big hit, “Get Down, Get Down”, also written by Joe Simon and Raeford Gerald. Running nearly a minute and a half longer than his top 10 hit, the good vibes continue, with that ultra-enthusiastic E-flat major key. The music and lyrics are infectious – funky to the nth degree.  “Oh, I’m trying so hard to make it to my seat,” he asserts, but the problem? “Music in my bones, and I can’t sit down.” That music is something else: “I like the groove, and I like the blues / I like music that puts me in a mood / Oh, excuse me while I do my thing, y’all.” Word. The production is bright, led by a locked-in rhythm section, and accentuated by the horns. Simon brings plenty of attitude and personality; he is incredibly commanding. He also brings an utterly sublime soulful vocal performance.  Though it only performed modestly as a single (number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100), “Music in My Bones” remains fun, fun, fun to this day!

Appears in 🔻:

Joe Simon, Music in My Bones: Throwback Vibez No. 81 (2026)

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14. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”

Talking Book » Motown » 1972

“Very superstitious / Writing’s on the wall / Very superstitious / Ladder’s about to fall.” Stevie Wonder (b. 1950) had quite the “Superstition” back during his Talking Book days. The superstitious gem is the sixth track from his 1972 album. Wonder wrote and produced this must-hear, funk essential. A major pop hit, “Superstition,” spent one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.  It was one of 10 career number-one hits by the iconic musician.

So, what makes  “Superstition” the sugar, honey iced tea? There are a multitude of things that make this song awesome! It all starts with the man himself, Stevie Wonder, who delivers expressive, high-flying vocals.  Wonder’s tone is beautiful and pure – once in a lifetime.  He brings ample grit, soulfulness, and sincerity. The melodies he sings are striking and tuneful, while the lyrics are memorable to the nth degree. The first verse, excerpted earlier, sets the tone.  Wonder adds, superstitiously, “Thirteen-month-old baby / Broke the looking glass / Seven years of bad luck / The good things in your past.” Oh, snap! The second verse is thought-provoking. It is more subject to interpretation: “Keep me in a daydream / Keep me going strong / You don’t want to save me / Sad is my song.” Of course, the chorus represents some of Wonder’s best moments:

“When you believe in things

That you don’t understand

Then you suffer

Superstition ain’t the way.”

Beyond superb vocals, tuneful melodies, and memorable and thoughtful lyrics, the musical accompaniment is fantastic.  That is an understatement.  Friends, this is funk at its effin’ funkiest – NO CAP!  The drumming sets the tone, providing a firm foundation – quite an anchor.  Then, a sickening, rhythmic clavinet propels the funk, and most of all, the instrumental, to higher heights. Stevie builds something timeless, which later adds bright, articulated, mean-sounding horns. The arrangement is on point. This perfectly complements his A+ vocal performance.  Five decades-plus after its release, “Superstition” still slaps!

Appears in 🔻:

Stevie Wonder, Superstition: Throwback Vibez No. 175 (2025)

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15. Donovan, “Season of the Witch”

Sunshine Superman » Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. » 1966

“When I look out my window / Many sights to see / And when I look in my window / So many different people to be / That it’s strange, so strange.” Strange indeed, Donovan (Donovan Leitch) – witchy! “Season of the Witch” was written and performed by the Scottish musician. It appears as the sixth track on his 1966 album, Sunshine Superman. Produced by Mickie Most, “Season of the Witch” exemplifies 1960s psychedelia. Amazingly, Leitch charted 17 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including four top 10 hits. “Season of the Witch” was NOT one of them 🤯.

One aspect of “Season of the Witch” that stands out is its harmonic progression.  It’s simple, featuring three chords: A (I), D (IV), and E (V). Of those three chords, the dominant, E, appears the least, and only in the chorus. The simplicity is part of the charm.  Vocally, Donovan sounds authentic and expressive as he sings the paranoid lyrics, evidenced in the first verse.  The second verse is much like the first: “When I look over my shoulder / What do you think I see / Some other cat lookin’ over / His shoulder at me / And he’s strange, sure is strange.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is energetic to the nth degree.  Donovan sings, “You’ve got to pick up every stitch,” adding the titular lyric, “Must be the season of the witch.” Also adding to the allure of this witching classic is the instrumental, which includes an organ solo.  Ask yourself: what is more psychedelic than an organ? “Season of the Witch” is nothing short of epic – a 1960s rock classic!

Appears in 🔻:

Donovan vs. Palaye Royale: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2024) Incredible Songs: 1960s, Vol. 4 (2024) 15 Totally Witchin’ Witch Songs (2024)

 

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15 Not-So-Scary Songs for Any Time of the Year (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace Records, Capitol, Columbia, Geffen Records, Inc., Hitmaker Distro, Human Re Sources, Interscope, Island, MJJ Productions, Motown, RAYE, Riggins Recording, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc., WatchDatBaby Records; Burak Evlivan, Caique Araujo, Carlos Misael Cruz López, Dobromir Dobrev, Fernado Paleta, Moisés Fonseca, Sukontip Pumtong from Pexels; Gordon Johnson, Ivana Tomášková, PixelLabs from Pixabay]

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