Every 4th of July party needs a good playlist. We know you need to tailor whatever playlist you make to the crowd, which we respect. So instead of providing a one-size-fits-all playlist, here are some tunes both obvious and under the radar we suggest you include.
Miley Cyrus—“Party in the USA”
Temporarily putting aside our beef with Miley, this song still bangs for a summer BBQ. Its simple chorus—“So I put my hands up, they’re playing our song”—makes everyone want to sing along.
Bruce Springsteen—“Born in the U.S.A.”
Any American holiday playlist needs a little Bruce. You know why this song is necessary for any 4th of July.
Funkadelic—“One Nation Under A Groove”
George Clinton knows how to unite us through grooves. Even if this is your first or fiftieth time hearing it, you can’t stop yourself from dancing.
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Lana Del Rey—“National Anthem”
I’ll let Lana tell it: “Summer’s in the air and baby, heaven’s in your eyes / I’m your national anthem.” I’ll salute to that.
Jay Z & Kanye West—“Otis”
You’d think the obvious pick would be “Made in America” from the duo’s Watch The Throne collaboration. Nah. It’s a celebration, bitches, and this song is celebration music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers—“Dani California”
Watch how a crowd reacts when the kick drum starts and as the introduction builds with those guitar chords. Feel-good rock for a feel-good day.
Billy Joel—“We Didn’t Start The Fire”
Though Joel himself might dismiss the song as novelty music, it still works.
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Sly and the Family Stone—“Everyday People”
A reminder of your cross-cultural brethren on the holiday.
Hamilton Mixtape—“Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)”
You could really just play the whole Hamilton mixtape and musical instead if you wanted. Might be cornball for some, but it fits two musts for any 4th of July playlist—it’s undeniably American and it bangs.
