The brain is a crazy thing. As with smells and most of your other senses, hearing a specific sound or song can take you back to another time and place, hopefully evoking a fond memory. Even in the world of horror, certain songs can take us back to a pivotal moment in cinema. I’m talking about songs, though, not scores from John Carpenter or Harry Manfredini. Actual written and sung tracks with instrumentals.
What are some of your favorite popular songs used in horror films? Comment here and on social media to vocalize your thoughts! Here’s what I came up with off the top of my head.
“Mr. Sandman” – The Chordettes : Halloween II (1981)
Getting shot in the eyes and burned alive is usually one way to stop a serial killer… unless you’re Michael Myers. He comes back a handful of years later for revenge. For now, though, roast some marshmallows and enjoy the smell of burning flesh with this throwback from The Chordettes. “Mr. Sandman” hit #1 in America in 1954.
“Call Me” – Blondie : Bride of Chucky (1998)
Sensual, wicked and deadly… Don’t know if I’m describing Debbie Harry or Chucky’s beau, Tiffany. Watch the pint sized terror go from good girl doll to horror vixen set to this rockin’ tune. “Call Me,” from the band Blondie, went to #1 in America in 1980.
“Helena” – My Chemical Romance : House of Wax (2005)
Surprise! I remember watching this noncanonical remake in theaters and thinking it was halfway decent. Then, “Helena” came on to introduce the closing credits and I liked it just a little more for that. The song went to #33 in 2005 America and received a gold certification from the RIAA.
“Hold Tight” – Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich : Death Proof (2007)
Definitely drunk, maybe a little bit stoned, “Hold Tight,” is definitely the perfect song to die to… especially when cruising down the hallway in a beautiful, classic car. This is still one of my summer road trip jams despite the fact that it came out in 1966; and although it never charted in America, it did make it to #4 in England and #8 in New Zealand.
“Miss Murder” – AFI : My Super Psycho Sweet 16 (2009)
Another song from my wanna-be punk rock days, “Miss Murder” was another song that came on during the last few shots of the MTV produced horror film, My Super Sweet 16. You survived a real life horror film? March to safety to this song which went to #24 in America 2006.
