Freshen Up Your 4th Of July BBQ Playlist With These 8 American Jams

Idolator Staff | July 1, 2010 5:04 pm

We know you must be giddy about your upcoming three-day weekend, filled with all the burgers, booze and fireworks our forefathers hoped you’d be enjoying while celebrating America’s 234th birthday bash. And what’s a party without music?

In anticipation of the 4th of July, we’ve rounded up the perfect tunes to rock out to all day long, whether you’re lounging poolside or stuck in horrible traffic on your way to the beach. We’re limiting our list to pop songs recorded in the last decade instead of reaching far back into America’s musical songbook— just like Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Declaration of Independence posse, we’re in the mood for something fresh. (We’ve still included a Brit on our list, just to be nice.) Our patriotic playlist awaits you below!

Kelis – “4th Of July (Fireworks)” Obvious choice, but perfect nonetheless. Plus, Kelis knows how to make one helluva 4th of July picnic basket!

Kelly Clarkson – “Miss Independent” Surely Kelly is singing about the pilgrims traveling to America seeking independence from the tyrannical British government?

Estelle feat. Kanye West – “American Boy” Estelle might be a Brit and a bit out of place on our U.S.-centric list, but we love her ode to American men and all the lovely places to visit in our kick-ass country.

The Drums – “Let’s Go Surfing” Replace Jan & Dean’s “Surf City” in your iPod playlist with this track by The Drums. It’s almost hard to believe this Cali-vibing ode to catching a wave was written by a Brooklyn band.

The Bird And The Bee – “4th Of July” This beautiful love song off of their Interpreting The Masters album is the perfect tune to have on just after the sun has set and you’re splitting a piece of apple pie with your main squeeze.

Drake feat. Alicia Keys – “Fireworks” The sound of fireworks opens this Thank Me Later track. And it certainly wouldn’t be the 4th of July without sparklers in the sky.

Jason Mraz – “The Remedy” It’s easy to forget the summer jams with the subtle Independence Day references. Jason’s song starts off with the lyric “Well I saw fireworks from the freeway / And behind closed eyes, I cannot make them go away / Cause you were born on the Fourth of July”.

Miley Cyrus – “Party In The U.S.A” A party taking place in the good ole US of A? Sounds like the definitive 4th of July song to us!