A good summer Barbecue playlist is essential. But, a special playlist for the one day where everything is about fireworks, food and friends is even more essentials.
If it has “America,” “American” or “U.S.A” in the name and it has a beat perfect for a party, then it’s on this list.
Here are the top eight songs you should have on your Independence Day playlist.
“Born in the U.S.A.” — Bruce Springsteen
You can’t get much more American than this Bruce Springsteen 1984 classic. His raspy voice, those light wash Levi’s and an anthem of a song just make America seem so much better than it really is. “Born in the U.S.A” makes you want to dance and sing along to every key.
“American Girl” — Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This 1976 hit is just what an Independence Day party needs — some light rock and Tom Petty. It’s a pop-classic that will probably be forever timeless and forever played on the Fourth of July. But, it’s a hit that should be played just about every other day, which makes it even better.
“American Boy” — Estelle, Kanye West
A playlist with “American Girl” isn’t complete without “American Boy.” Remember when Estelle and Kanye West created one of 2008’s best beats? Well, “American Boy” is it. This track is funky and very mid-2000s in the best way possible.
“American Pie” — Don McLean
A full eight minutes of Don McLean crooning into the mic is just what your Independence Day playlist needs. This track topped the charts in the early ‘70s and it’ still a favorite today.
If you listen closely, “American Pie” is a melody and a story. McLean’s depict the deaths of other classic performers like Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper.” It all sounds a little morbid, but it’s history spun in a Rock & Roll sound.
“Rocket Man” — Elton John
Yes, it’s a song without the words American or America in it. But, play this one while fireworks light the sky and stars, and you’ll realize just why you pressed play.
Another song big in the early ‘70s, Elton John created a classic with “Rocket Man.” With this track, it’s just hard not to sing along.
“She’s American” — The 1975
Why not let a British pop group have its turn on your Americana playlist? The 1975 is known for its synthy pop sounds, and “She’s American” gives off just the right vibes.
The lyrics might poke fun at the cultural differences in America, but it’s a 1975 song you just can’t keep from pushing play.
“This is America” — Childish Gambino
After a short wait, we finally have a new Childish Gambino song to add to our summer playlist. This track just so happens to be perfect for an Independence Day celebration.
Gambino’s lyrics stirred commentary all over social media when the song dropped and it’s still doing just that.
It’s a great commentary on the state of the country and the beat is addictive — what else could you ask for in a good American song?
“National Anthem” — Lana Del Rey
America’s national anthem has churned out some controversy over the last year, but this version probably won’t. Very different from “The Star-Spangled Banner” Lana Del Rey, like always, gets weird with this track in all the right ways.
The indie pop star put out this track in 2012, but it’s still making the rounds as one of her best.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at Hailey_ann97