The 4th of July – our nation’s commemoration of the Declaration of Independence – is now uniformly celebrated with hotdogs, American Pie (whatever flavor that may be), and fireworks.
But let’s be serious, is it really a 4th of July Party if there’s not good music to go along with it?
If you’re scrambling to put a solid playlist together, you can stop panicking, because we’ve got the ultimate 4th of July set list for you. It spans time, genre, and levels of patriotism you didn’t even know existed.
American Woman – Lenny Kravitz
It’s Party Time – Bobby Womack
Get in the mood with a good throw back, join the party people, and get prepped to move while you’re wavin’ your flags. This playlist doesn’t allow for any wallflowers.
Rockin’ In the Free World – Neil Young
Neil Young must have representation on every 4th of July playlist and what better song than Rockin’ In the Free World.
Freedom – Beyoncé (featuring Kendrick Lamar)
No playlist is complete without a Beyoncé track. And this particular song slays. Only Queen Bey can incorporate inner, emotional, and social freedom, racial oppression, and female empowerment in one song flawlessly – how can we celebrate a national independence without it?
New Americana – Halsey
Even if you don’t identify with the New Americana, get high on legal marijuana, or like Biggie and Nirvana, you can still get down to this Halsey jam.
Firework – Katy Perry
If you don’t imagine being one of the brilliant fireworks rocketing off and making a bang of brilliance during whatever show you watch at the end of the 4th, you need to listen to this song at least a billion more times, you gorgeous, glow-y firework.
We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
Ok, so this song doesn’t necessarily relate to just the U.S.A., but it’s boiling over with life changing people, events, and creations that shaped our world. Independence Day definitely constitutes (haha) a part of that list.
Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen
We’re pretty sure there’s a law somewhere saying that you have to play Bruce Springsteen during the 4th of July. So, to opt for a lesser played but still fun, traditional diddy, we chose to keep you dancing in the dark, preferably under some fireworks.
Free Fallin – Tom Petty
We’ve all had the heartbreak. America has had that heartbreak. Let’s heal together while singing this song loudly and slightly off-key.
Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band
It wouldn’t be an accurate representation of a U.S. celebration if there weren’t at least one country song in here. And honestly, this one is so reminiscent of some of the tastiest food, it should be in every playlist (and belly).
R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A. – John Cougar Mellencamp
mean, the title says it all: “R.O.C.K in the U.S.A”!
Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
If you’re going to rock in the U.S.A., then you sure as heck better party, too. Miley may not be your favorite, but this D.J.’s playin’ her song.
THE ENTIRE HAMILTON SOUNDTRACK
You are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t even try to listen. It basically tells the story of the founding of the U.S.A. And if you listen enough times, I guarantee it will help you answer at least five trivia questions at your next trivia night.
