Top Ten Patriotic Songs for Your July 4th Party

Are you prepared for this year’s July 4th BBQ? Hot dogs, check… Beer and soft drinks, check…, charcoal or a refilled propane tank, check…Your Itunes play list updated with the top ten July 4th songs, no!!! Well here is a list that will not only be perfect for your party, but will bring out those patriotic feelings in your guests. Don’t be surprised when they are singing these songs out loud in the back yard or at the beach!

10.Kansas “Song for America”- The sweeping title track from the band’s second album is the often regarded as the band’s signature progressive rock tune. Released in 1975, the song still gets major play on all classic rock stations, even though “Carry On My Wayward Son”, and “Dust in the Wind” are more popular.

9. Simon and Garfunkel “America”- Released as a single in 1972, “America” tells the story of two people searching for the meaning of America. The song has been covered numerous times, most recently by David Bowie, in The Concert for New York City in response to the September 11th attack.

8. Neil Young “Keep on Rocking In A Free World”- Released right before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, Neil Young claims to have been inspired to writhe this song after he saw the people of Iran burning American flags at the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeini. Use it in your play list as as the lyrics are sure to fire up some political discussions.

7. Neil Diamond “America“- Released in 1980 on The Jazz Singer soundtrack, the immigrant themes and references to the Pledge of Allegiance, mixed with Diamond’s power vocals make this song a must for the July 4th play list.

6. John Mellencamp “Pink Houses”– Released in 1983 on his Uh Huh album, Pink Houses seems to represent Ronald Reagan’s America. Houses, vacations and prosperity for everyone in America. Include this uplifting beat, because whether you like Mellencamp or not, you know the words!

5. James Brown “Living in America” – Remember in Rocky IV, when Apollo Creed enters the ring to this song? Well the Godfather of Soul rode this release to a Grammy for Best Male Performance in 1985. This is the perfect song for getting everyone at the party hopping.

4. Ray Charles “America the Beautiful” – Released in the Bi-Centennial year of 1976, Ray Charles spun his unique take on this classic song we all sang in grade school. His powerful voice and style makes this a patriotic classic. When you think of the song, this is the version that comes to mind.

3. Lee Greenwood “God Bless the USA” – Originally recorded in 1984, “God Bless the USA” is heard anytime there is a need for patriotism. Even if your guests are not country fans, it is pretty hard to dislike this song, as it is a current standard for patriotic songs.

2. Bruce Springsteen “Born In The USA” – Released in 1984 on the album of the same name, the song was a smash hit for Springsteen. The Boss’s uncanny knack for writing songs pegs him as a true American song writer. The driving beat and anthem lyrics have brought in massive crowds who sing along with him when he pulls this one out in concerts. A July 4th must!

1. Jimi Hendrix“Star Spangled Banner” – 1969 live at Woodstock. If you do not know what I am referring to here, please destroy your Ipod, end your party, and send everyone home, because you are not worthy of a July 4th party.

Hope everyone has a safe and rocking good July 4th!

Dates, Songs, and Albums checked on Wikipedia