Have you heard? Coastal summer is out and 80s slasher summer is all the rage. And what’s summer without a good playlist? Never fear — I’ve got you covered with five scream-worthy songs to kick off your slasher summer extravaganza.
First things first: what is a slasher summer? For the answer to that question, look to the movies!
The idea of a “slasher summer” comes from a genre of horror most commonly seen throughout the ’80s (but pretty popular from the ’50s to the ’90s). Slasher films typically involve a group of protagonists and a masked murderer wielding a sharp weapon (hence the slashing part).
Some good examples include Madman (1981), Friday the 13th (1980), and Twisted Nightmare (1987). Yes, all three films are set at a summer camp. Those are the vibes we’re going for, after all.
Of course, to have an ’80s slasher summer, you don’t need to outrun a serial killer. You just need to embody the aesthetic. The fashion is fun and the energy is high. But you’re here for the music. Don’t worry, that’s my favorite part, too.
1. Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
If ever there was an 80s slasher anthem, it was ‘Psycho Killer.’
Released in 1977, the song features lyrics emulating the thoughts of an imaginary serial killer. Spooky — but quite the catchy beat. According to the lead singer David Byrne, the song (which went through many revisions and demos), originally drew inspiration from DC’s Joker and Hannibal Lecter.
The lyrics of the bridge are actually in French and are translated as: “What I did, that evening / What she said, that evening / Fulfilling my hope / Headlong I go towards glory…OK.” Chilling, no?
Fun fact: the song appears in Stranger Things season 4! Listen for it in episode 2.
2. Should I Stay or Should I Go – The Clash
Speaking of Stranger Things, I couldn’t talk about 80s-inspired soundtracks without bringing this one up.
‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ is perfect for the slasher summer energy. An exciting drum beat, engaging guitar riffs, and the edgy vocals? I mean, c’mon.
Despite the song’s popularity now, when it was released in 1982 it didn’t even reach the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, in the ’90s, the song was used in a jeans commercial and got some more attention. Who knew?
In case you weren’t aware, the background vocals to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” are in Spanish! It’s a fun detail that gives the song an extra layer.
On the spur of the moment I said ‘I’m going to do the backing vocals in Spanish … We needed a translator so Eddie Garcia, the tape operator, called his mother in Brooklyn Heights and read her the lyrics over the phone and she translated them. But Eddie and his mum are Ecuadorian, so it’s Ecuadorian Spanish that me and Joe Ely are singing on the backing vocals.
Joe Strummer – The Austin Chronicle, 1991
3. Never Let Me Down Again – Depeche Mode
Bit of a new wave inclusion, here. I had to!
‘Never Let Me Down Again’ was released in 1987 as the second single to Depeche Mode’s 6th studio album, Music for the Masses.
Contrary to what the lyrics may suggest to some listeners, the song has nothing to do with relationships. Martin Gore, songwriter, claims the song is about “fleeing from reality,” in whatever way the listener interprets.
The song is a fan favorite and is featured in both Euphoria and The Last of Us, popular Max (formerly HBO) series.
There’s also a really good cover of ‘Never Let Me Down Again,’ performed by The Smashing Pumpkins. Give it a listen!
4. I Was a Teenage Werewolf – The Cramps
Released in 1980, ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ is the fourth track on The Cramps’ debut album, Songs the Lord Taught Us.
The Cramps have been praised for their brave merging of garage punk and rockabilly sounds. When the band emerged in the ’70s, they did so with howling and stomping. At the time, the New York punk scene hadn’t seen anything quite like them.
‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ is a great addition to the slasher soundtrack. It has just enough tension, just enough twang.
You might also recognize ‘Goo Goo Muck,’ from The Cramps’ second album Psychedelic Jungle. The song was recently well-known for its feature in Tim Burton’s Wednesday series on Netflix.
5. Fire in Cairo – The Cure
Finally, on the frontlines of the post-punk movement in the U.K., The Cure is well-known for songs like ‘Boys Don’t Cry,’ ‘Friday I’m in Love,’ and ‘Just like Heaven.’ Don’t get me wrong, those are all bangers. But I think ‘Fire in Cairo’ is underrated.
The song appears on The Cure’s 1979 debut album, Three Imaginary Boys. Many have interpreted the song to be about passion and a certain — ahem — interaction between the speaker and a woman.
However you look at it, the energy of the song is groovy and perhaps a little more lighthearted than the other songs on this list.
Perfect for all your summer activities (hopefully none of which include abandoned cabins, masked killers, or mysterious phone calls)!
Happy listening!
