The essentials for your Independence Day playlist

A patriotic mix

While you’re downing Sam Adams’ and chasing each other with Sparklers (not recommended), put on this playlist of tunes that have become the unofficial theme songs of our country. Enjoy memories of the good ol’ days of youth and patriotism, as well as similar song titles.

Neil Diamond, “America”

James Brown,
“Living in America”

Dave Matthews Band, “American Baby”

Woody Guthrie,
"This Land is Your Land"

Ray Charles, “America the Beautiful”

Kim Wilde, “Kids in America”

Don McLean, “American Pie”

The Beach Boys, “Surfin’ USA”

Kate Smith,
"God Bless America"

Shooter Jennings and George Jones, “Fourth of July”

John Mellencamp, “R.O.C.K. in the USA”

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “American Girl”

Simon and Garfunkel, “America”

Lenny Kravitz, “American Woman”

Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the USA (Proud to be an American)”

Rebels for a cause

Here’s an alternative soundtrack to the radio’s playlist for the traditional fireworks display that offers different and often controversial views of life in America. 

U2, “One”

Billy Joel, “Allentown”

John Lennon, “Imagine”

Prince, “America”

Shyne, “Dear America (Intro)”

David Bowie, “Young Americans”

DJ Drama and Lil Wayne, “Georgia…Bush”

X, “Fourth of July”

Johnny Cash ft. Marty Robbins, “Song of the Patriot”

Lupe Fiasco, “American Terrorist”

2 Live Crew, “Banned in America”

Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the USA”

Eminem, “White America”

Notorious B.I.G. ft. Faith Evans and The Game, “1970 Somethin’”

Talib Kweli, “Beautiful Struggle”

Jimi Hendrix, “Star Spangled Banner” (Live at Woodstock)

Green Day, “American Idiot”