7 Songs for your 4th of July playlist

The 4th of July aka Independence Day is just around the corner, a day that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence as the United States officially separated itself from the British Empire.  It is a day that is typically celebrated with picnics and barbecues, concerts and fireworks.  Indeed, I have many fond memories of celebrating the holiday by watching fireworks over the Manhattan skyline while enjoying a good old fashioned American barbecue.

So, American friends, if you are looking for some 4th of July-themed songs for your party playlist, look no further.  Here are seven songs to add a little spark to any holiday party (an aside: Katy Perry’s Firework did not make the list because it’s just too obvious).  Feel free to add your own songs in the comments section.

National Anthem by Lana Del Rey

Patriotic title aside, this is one of my favourite LDR tracks from the Paradise album, released in 2012, if only for these lyrics:  “Red, white, blue is in the sky / Summer's in the air and Baby, heaven's in your eyes”.  The perfect song to kick off your holiday celebrations.

Party in the USA (Wideboys Club Mix) by Miley Cyrus

I love this club mix of the classic Miley hit (yes I am referring to a 2009 track as a classic) because it adds a little more of a party vibe to an already great song.  How could you not put your hands up and nod your head, like “yeah!”?

Holiday by Madonna

An iconic song of celebration that goes back to basics:  “If we took a holiday / took some time to celebrate / just one day out of life / it would be, it would be so nice”.  This song seems to be a favourite of Madonna’s as well, since she has performed several versions of it on various tours throughout her career, most recently on the Rebel Heart Tour when she performed the song wrapped in an American flag.

Red, White and Blue by Steve Grand

Openly gay country artist Steve Grand’s foot-tapping number with its “oh oh oh” refrain makes it onto the playlist even though the song is more about heartache than it is about patriotism.  It still makes a good 4th of July party track nevertheless.

Soak up the Sun by Sheryl Crow

This song remains one of the all-time best summer anthems and, since the 4th of July typically heralds the start of the freedom and parties of summer, it seems appropriate that it should feature on this playlist as well.  Sheryl reminds us to soak up the sun and tell everyone to lighten up.  It is summer after all!

Living in America by James Brown

Again, not necessarily a song about the 4th of July but it’s funky, it’s James Brown and the chorus concludes with “I got to have a celebration”.  Yes you do!

Fireworks by Roxette

This is one of my favourite tracks from the Crash! Boom! Bang! album.  The chorus should also put in you a 4th of July mood with its allusion to fireworks - and some summer lovin':
“Checkin' in checkin' out
Making love I like watching all your fireworks
I like it when I light those stars in your eyes
Just like fireworks in the sky"