You remember the summer of 2015. It was the era of peak girl group energy, specifically the kind Fifth Harmony was pumping out before things got, well, messy. Right in the middle of that whirlwind, they dropped a track that felt like a total left turn from their usual pop-R&B fusion. It was catchy. It was spooky. Most importantly, it was the anthem for Hotel Transylvania 2. I’m talking about I’m in Love With a Monster.
If you haven’t heard it in a while, go back and listen. It’s weirdly sophisticated for a kids' movie soundtrack. While most animated film tie-ins feel like rushed afterthoughts, this one had teeth. It tapped into a 1960s soul-pop vibe that felt more like Motown than Radio Disney. Honestly, it’s probably the best thing to come out of that entire movie franchise, and it’s definitely one of the most underrated moments in the Fifth Harmony discography.
People still loop this track every October. It’s become a permanent fixture on Halloween playlists, sandwiched between "Thriller" and "Monster Mash." But there’s more to its staying power than just seasonal vibes.
The Retro Soul Magic of I'm in Love With a Monster
The song doesn't sound like "Work from Home." It doesn't even sound like "Worth It." That’s because the producers—Harmony Samuels and the team—decided to lean heavily into a vintage aesthetic. It uses a driving, brass-heavy arrangement that feels incredibly tactile. You can practically hear the grit in the horn section.
The vocals are where the magic really happens. This was Fifth Harmony at a point where their individual textures were starting to shine through. You have Dinah Jane’s powerhouse belt, Normani’s silkier tones, and Ally Brooke’s high-energy runs. It’s a masterclass in vocal layering. The song demands a certain level of "growl" that most pop stars can't pull off without sounding forced. Here, it sounds authentic. It sounds like they’re having a blast.
Why does this matter? Because pop music in the mid-2010s was becoming increasingly synthesized. To have a track driven by what sounds like live instrumentation was a breath of fresh air. It gave the song a "timeless" quality. If you played I'm in Love With a Monster in 1965, people would have danced to it. If you play it in 2026, people still dance to it. That is the definition of a well-crafted pop song.
Breaking Down the Hotel Transylvania Connection
Context is everything. You can't talk about this song without acknowledging Drac and the gang. Sony Pictures Animation needed something that bridged the gap between a "scary" monster aesthetic and a family-friendly vibe.
The lyrics are clever because they play on two levels. On the surface, it’s about being attracted to a literal monster—perfect for a movie about vampires and werewolves. But on a deeper, more relatable level, it’s about that universal experience of falling for someone who is "bad" for you. We’ve all been there. We’ve all dated someone our friends warned us about. The "monster" is a metaphor for the chaotic, unpredictable partner who keeps things interesting.
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The music video doubled down on this. Shot at the Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, it features the girls in 1940s-style "glam-horror" outfits. It’s campy. It’s fun. It’s exactly what a movie tie-in should be. It didn't take itself too seriously, which is exactly why it worked.
Interestingly, the track actually outperformed many of the movie's other promotional materials in terms of cultural longevity. While the plot of Hotel Transylvania 2 might be a bit fuzzy for most people now, the chorus of this song is likely stuck in their heads.
The Technical Polish
Let’s get nerdy for a second. The track is written in a minor key, which provides that "spooky" undertone, but the tempo is high. This creates a tension. It makes you feel slightly uneasy but also makes you want to move.
- BPM: 117 (Perfect for a fast-paced strut)
- Key: C# Minor
- Standout Element: The rhythmic handclaps and the "hey-hey-hey" chants in the background.
These elements aren't accidental. They are classic songwriting tropes used to build energy. The song never lets up. From the first beat to the final note, it’s a sprint.
Why it Outlasted the Group
Fifth Harmony eventually went their separate ways. Camila Cabello left first, then the remaining four went on hiatus to pursue solo careers. Some of their hits have aged better than others. Some feel very "of their time."
I'm in Love With a Monster feels different. It’s an outlier. Because it wasn't chasing the specific radio trends of 2015—like the ubiquitous "tropical house" sound that was everywhere back then—it hasn't dated in the same way. It exists in its own little bubble of retro-cool.
Also, the "spooky season" economy is real. Every year, when the leaves start turning brown, streaming numbers for this song spike. It’s become a "utility" song. It’s used in TikTok transitions, drag performances, and cheerleading routines. It has a life of its own outside of the Fifth Harmony brand.
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There’s also the nostalgia factor. Gen Z, who grew up watching the Hotel Transylvania movies, are now the primary drivers of music trends. To them, this song represents a specific, happy part of their childhood. It’s their "Monster Mash."
The Complexities of "Monster" Love in Pop Culture
The theme of loving a "monster" is as old as time. From Beauty and the Beast to Twilight, we are obsessed with the idea of finding the humanity in something dangerous. This song captures that thrill. It’s not a ballad about pining away; it’s an upbeat celebration of the danger.
"He's a beast / He's an animal / He's a monster."
These lyrics are blunt. There’s no subtlety here. And that’s why it’s great. Pop music doesn't always need to be a deep dive into the human psyche. Sometimes, you just want to sing about being in love with a guy who’s a bit of a freak.
Critics at the time were surprisingly kind to it. They noted that the song allowed Fifth Harmony to show off a grittier side that their bubblegum tracks didn't always permit. It proved they could handle more complex arrangements. It showed they had range.
Does it hold up in 2026?
Actually, yeah. In a landscape where "vintage" sounds are constantly being recycled—think of the recent success of artists like Stephen Sanchez or even the retro-pop pivots of Dua Lipa—I'm in Love With a Monster sounds remarkably current. It fits right in with the current obsession with "organic" sounding pop music.
It’s also worth noting the production quality. Harmony Samuels is known for a very specific, punchy sound (he worked on Ariana Grande’s "The Way"). The mix on this track is incredibly clean. Every vocal part has its own space. Even on cheap headphones, you can hear the intricacies of the harmonies.
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What You Should Do Now
If you’re a fan of the song or just rediscovering it, there are a few ways to really appreciate what went into it.
First, look up the live performances. Fifth Harmony performed this on The Late Late Show with James Corden, and the energy was electric. Seeing them execute the choreography while hitting those high notes proves they weren't just a studio creation. They were real performers.
Second, check out the "isolated vocals" versions on YouTube. When you strip away the horns and the drums, you can hear just how tight their harmonies were. It’s a reminder of why they were the biggest girl group in the world for a minute.
Third, if you’re making a party playlist, don't just save this for Halloween. It’s a high-energy track that works for workouts, pre-games, or just cleaning your house. It’s a mood lifter.
Finally, keep an eye on the solo projects of the former members. You can hear echoes of this "soulful" influence in Normani’s solo work and even in some of Lauren Jauregui’s jazzier tracks. The DNA of this song lives on in their individual artistic identities.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Playlist:
- Pairing: Play this right after "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. The tempo and brass sections complement each other perfectly.
- Vibe Check: Use it for high-energy social media content. The "monster" hook is perfect for reveal videos or makeup transformations.
- Deep Listen: Pay attention to the bridge. The way the vocals stack and then drop off is a textbook example of how to build tension in a 3-minute pop song.
The reality is, I'm in Love With a Monster isn't just a movie song. It’s a testament to a specific moment in pop history when five girls from a reality show proved they could tackle a difficult, retro-inspired sound and absolutely nail it. It’s fun, it’s fierce, and it’s still a bop. Ten years later, we’re still obsessed. And honestly? We probably will be for another ten.