When October comes around, people often declare it ‘Spooky Season.’ For whatever reason, my mind goes with ‘Crucible Season’ in reference to Arthur Miller’s 1953 play that I first read in my high school literature class. 

“The Crucible” is Miller’s creative take on the Salem Witch Trials, serving as a metaphor for the ‘witch hunt’ that was taking place during the Second Red Scare after World War Two. Whether back during the Salem Witch Trials, into the 50s or now people who have different opinions can find themselves being labeled as ‘other,’ ‘scary’ or ‘bad.’

Below are 15 songs that are perfect to listen to when you are accusing a woman who has an opinion of witchcraft. 

Now for a little bit of history. In summary, the second Red Scare has been referred to as ‘McCarthyism’ due to US senator of Wisconsin Joseph McCarthy, fueling fears of treason, communism and anarchy, partially stemming from the Soviet Union and the nuclear threats that were taking place. 

According to Merriam-Webster, McCarthyism is defined as a “political attitude characterized chiefly by opposition to elements held to be subversive, and by the use of tactics involving personal attacks on individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations, especially on the basis of unsubstantiated charges.”

And another definition for you is ‘subversive.’ This means seeking or intending to change or disrupt in some way an established system or institution. 

So imagine it’s the late 40s, into the 50s in the US Senate. Given the definition of subversive I feel like it’s safe to say that anything folks in positions of power considered to be a threat to their “ideal” way of life could be brought into question, which is what Miller noticed. 

While accusations were widespread, there was a concentration on people in Hollywood. Miller was an established playwright at this time and seeing this firsthand reminded him of what took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1692.

Miller traveled to Salem to do research and wrote “The Crucible.” While it can now be considered a staple in some school curriculums, the play was poorly received as viewers found it boring and flat. Without the context of what was going on at the time and thinking critically about the social commentary, I can see that. 

The US government, however, did not find it boring. They clearly saw the bigger picture that Miller was trying to convey and resulted in him being summoned to Washington for a hearing before the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 

While Miller answered the Committee’s questions honestly, he refused to the share names of others, resulting in his 1957 conviction for Contempt of Congress. At this time, he was married to Marilyn Monroe, and she risked her career by accompanying him to Washington and speaking on his behalf, arguably helping to keep him out of prison. 

It sure does look like history repeats itself, whether it’s Salem in 1692, Washington in the 50s or in 2022, when things just happen every day.

Here are some tracks for you this Crucible Season.

‘Dream Girl Evil’ – Florence + The Machine

According to Genius, this track is a satirical response to the expectations that society places upon women. Florence Welch can see herself as both an angel and the devil, possibly feeling a pull and responsibility to balance the expectations of others for neglecting her own comfort. 

‘I Put A Spell On You’ – Annie Lennox

‘I Put A Spell On You’ is the type of song that excites me for the fact that if you ask a group of people who they think it’s by, you’ll likely get a variety of answers. Originally by Screamin’ Jay Hawks, it has been covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Nina Simone, Annie Lennox and more.

‘Lullaby’ – The Cure

Please refer to the video thumbnail. I have nothing else to add.

‘Witches’ – Alice Phoebe Lou

In this one the artist claims to be a witch. Simple as that.

‘Sea, Swallow Me’ – Cocteau Twins, Harold Budd

You’ll want some headphones for this one to feel the full spooky ethereal vibes that the Cocteau Twins are known and loved for.

‘Vampire’ – Okay Kaya

While obscure, this track along with most of Okay Kaya’s work is brutally honest. If you want to feel confused and called out at the same time, this is for you.

‘Crazy In Love – Remix’ – Beyoncé

While it might feel out of place to have Beyoncé in the land of the Crucible, I promise its not. Legend has it that she received a restraining order from a drummer in her backup band for practicing “vindictive witchcraft” against her.

‘Season Of The Witch’ – Lana Del Rey

While the Beyoncé situation is just an accusation, this one is not. In 2017 Lana Del Rey proclaimed that she had hexed Donald Trump.

‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ – Lorde

This Tears for Fears cover alone would’ve landed Lorde in big trouble in Salem due to its ghastly vibe. If that weren’t enough, her 2017 claim of being connected to the ghost of David Bowie for sure would.

‘Me And The Devil’ – Soap&Skin

This track by Soap&Skin is a rendition of ‘Me and the Devil Blues’ by Robert Johnson. Born in 1911, Johnson’s life was not well documented allowing room for legend. The most notable being the selling of his soul to the devil for success in his music. He died at age 27 and some say began the ‘27 Club.’

‘Sacrilege’ – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

‘Heads Will Roll’ by Yeah Yeah Yeahs was mashed up with Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ on Glee back and the day and for some is now associated with Halloween. For me ‘Sacrilege’ ones up ‘Heads Will Roll’ in terms of spooky and fun.

‘Laughing with a Mouth of Blood’ – St. Vincent

I could leave you with the title but after watching St. Vincent’s mocumentary I feel confident saying that she is a witch.

‘Bury A Friend’ – Billie Eilish

While Billie Eilish hasn’t faced widespread accusations of witchcraft, creative choices and unsettling sounds in her production give some… interesting vibes.

‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)’ – Kate Bush

The song of the summer is on this list for its lyrics and beautiful story told by the legendary Kate Bush. How far would you go to have things be different?

‘Rhiannon’ – Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks is a witch. I said it.

Honorable Mention: Anything released by Machine Gun Kelly since dating Megan Fox