Throwback Thursday: Spooky Season Edition

Photo: CUBE Entertainment

Now that we have set foot in October, it’s time to get a little spooky. Back in 2023, we wrote and published a series of articles about spooky tracks, but so many tracks out there capture that spooky feeling that the topic warrants revisiting. Those tracks are perfect for planned costume parties, or for anyone who just likes that eerie sound in music. So, let’s take it back and talk about some tracks perfect for the spooky season. 

HOSHI - “Spider” 

On April 2, 2021, SEVENTEEN member and Performance Unit leader HOSHI released his first official solo track “Spider.” When the news broke that HOSHI was releasing solo music, CARATs shouted from the rooftops that they were ready. Knowing HOSHI’s bubbly personality, many wondered what this release could sound like, and we were in for a surprise. “Spider” is a groovy R&B track with an eerie but sensual sound. The track is upbeat and showcases HOSHI's vocal and dance skills. “Spider” switches between genres and sounds while keeping an eerie feel. The verses showcase the R&B sound, and HOSHI's smooth vocals match the tempo perfectly. The chorus is hard-hitting, and his vocal intensity rises with each verse. The choreography for the track is intricate. Utilizing a bar, HOSHI choreographs a dance that has him swinging from bars, hanging upside down, and creating illusions. The dance commands viewers' attention. “Spider” is the perfect track for the spooky season. The track's spooky sound and upbeat instrumental make it well-suited for Halloween parties or those moments when you just want to dance around. 

TXT (Tomorrow x Together) - “Can’t You See Me?”

On May 18, 2020, Big Hit Entertainment/HYBE's well-known boy group TXT (Tomorrow x Together) released their iconic, highly loved EP The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY. The EP features six tracks, each carrying a distinctly eerie tone. The EP has six songs, all with that spooky sound. Picking just one from this EP is hard when tracks like “Puma,” “Fairy of Shampoo,” and “Maze in the Mirror,” for example, are also on the EP, but one track that captures that eerie sound particularly well is the title track, “Can’t You See Me?” “Can’t You See Me?” is a beautiful song that takes that chilling sound and utilizes it to its highest potential. The boys match the ghostly sound throughout the song not only with their body language, acting, and choreography, but also with their vocals. Their smooth falsettos, ghostly whispers, and breathy harmonizations create this haunting sound that makes this track perfect for the spooky season. “Can’t You See Me?” is a highly praised track from TXT, and the track consistently draws strong audience reactions in performance. It’s a track that gives listeners chills but also makes you want to sing along. 

i-dle - “LION” 

On April 6, 2020, the striking girl group i-dle released their very hard-hitting EP I trust. With five songs, the release blends haunting atmospherics with empowering themes. i-dle is known for making tracks that empower those around them, and with this EP, they did exactly that. One song that carries that message while sending a chill down listeners' spines is "LION." That strong message, and also sent a chill down the backs of every listener, is their track, “LION.” The track pairs a forceful message with commanding vocals and a driving instrumental. Heavy percussion and horns throughout create a bass-driven sound that builds as the song progresses. The vocals are commanding, and each belt and high note lands with a force that resonates long after the track ends. Throughout the song, the once-high-energy instrumental is at times replaced by a spooky beat that creates a supernatural feel. With this track's mysterious theme, it suits the spooky season well.