5. (Don't Fear) The Reaper — Blue Öyster Cult (1976) — 5. (Don't Fear) The Reaper — Blue Öyster Cult (1976)

Rather than announcing Halloween outright, this recording adds a reflective, ominous stretch to the playlist.

Its steady build works after playful monster songs and before a final run of theatrical favorites. That ability to deepen the mood without stopping the set is why it ranks this high.