Besides hamburgers and hot dogs, no 4th of July barbecue would be right without the proper tunes.
Whether it’s patriotic jams or bops about fireworks, we’ve got the songs to make sure your holiday cookout gets lit way after the last charcoal burns out.
Here are 11 tracks that go perfectly with your aunt’s macaroni salad to put you in the Independence Day spirit.
Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s monster hit from 1984 is widely considered one of the most patriotic jams for its bombastic chorus, yet the lyrics throughout warn about the effects of the Vietnam War and the treatment of veterans. Still, few can’t resist but wave their fist in the air while singing along.
Firework – Katy Perry
The title alone made sure Perry’s #1 hit would be a July 4th staple for years to come. Throw in the empowerment lyrics and a catchy beat and it’s no wonder the dance pop anthem lets you “own the night like the Fourth of July.”
Proud to Be an American – Beyoncé
A cover of Lee Greenwood’s seminal 1984 hit “God Bless the U.S.A.,” Beyoncé’s smooth hip hop version was released in 2011 as a charity single. All proceeds went to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children Fund.
American Pie – Don McLean
Released in 1971, the song spent four weeks at #1. While the song has many nostalgic themes and references the ‘day the music died’ when Buddy Holly’s plane crashed, McLean has been evasive about the lyrics saying, “they’re beyond analysis.”
Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
Considered vintage Miley at this point, the 2009 hit harkens back to a simpler time before the pop singer courted controversy and discovered twerking. The bubble gum jam may be a bit corny, but few can resist to follow along as Miley sings, “Yeah, it's a party in the USA.”
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Fourth of July – Fall Out Boy
Thanks to Fall Out Boy’s 2015 track, your summer party is a perfect time to break out the guyliner and reminisce about the one that got away. Now go get another drink!
American Boy – Estelle ft Kanye West
The British singer’s 2008 breezy disco funk bop about dating an “American Boy” will get everyone dancing, just as long as you put your 2019 feelings about Kanye aside.
Pink Houses – John Mellencamp
The 1983 hit about the lives of everyday Americans has been used in three presidential campaigns and was ranked as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone. Ain’t that America, indeed!
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American Woman – Lenny Kravitz
While the original 1970 version by Canadian group The Guess Who was reportedly meant to be a tribute to Canadian women, Kravitz’s 1999 Grammy-winning remake celebrates the “American Woman,” especially Heather Graham.
Kids in America – Kim Wilde
The 1982 hit serves some serious synthesizer beats that will remind fans of a certain age of their new wave days. But as the song has recently appeared on both "Riverdale" and Netflix’s "Wine Country," the teenage anthem is being discovered by a new generation of kids in America (whoa)!
4thof July (Fireworks) – Kelis
After enjoying seconds and thirds of the barbecue fixings, Kelis’ 2010 electro bop is the perfect way to dance off all those extra calories.
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