An array of patriotic Fourth of July songs will bring your celebration together—and help you appreciate the gathering after last year's celebrations were likely more muted than usual. To ease the stress of musical curation, we've compiled a playlist of the top Independence Day-themed songs—from pop country to classic rock to hip-hop—complete with plenty of tracks that'll make you "proud to be an American" (yep, that one's on there, too).
Obviously, we have covers of timeless records, including Whitney Houston's stirring take on "The Star Spangled Banner" that went double platinum, and Beyoncé's "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," which was performed during her iconic 2018 Coachella set. Records like Lana Del Rey's "American" and Gary Clark Jr.'s "This Land" offer a more contemporary, youthful perspective on American life. Others, such as Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A." and Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." are just plain fun, great tracks to sing along to with close friends.
However you're planning on acknowledging the Fourth of July, we're sure this playlist has some beats for you.
1
"The Star Spangled Banner" by Whitney Houston
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It doesn't get more traditional than "The Star Spangled Banner." But we'll never get tired of Whitney Houston's famed chill-inducing rendition of the American anthem from 1991's Super Bowl XXV.
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Lana Del Rey captures the hope and dreams of JFK's Camelot and translates it into a very modern song. Both the music video and the tune ooze patriotic Fourth of July passion.
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Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A. (Official Video)
Cyrus' catchy 2009 pop track is one of the ultimate patriotic songs of the 21st century. It's hard not to belt out the lyrics as the songstress channels that feeling we all know too well. You know, that moment when the Britney song is on...and we just can't help but put our hands up... because they're playing our song... so we just have to party... in the U.S.A.? (Just us?)
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Estelle may hail from the U.K., but her soulful 2008 chart-topper has cemented itself as a U.S. mainstay with its playful lyrics about a girl from across the pond who gets acquainted with the states thanks to help from a charming "American Boy."
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There's no better marker of a good 'ol American get together than a Red Solo Cup, and Keith completely communicates its importance to the culture with this rousing country ode to the crimson, plastic beverage holder.
"American Girl" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
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While it was initially slow to gain acclaim after first being released in 1977, today this nostalgic song is known as one of Petty's greatest hits and defining track for American classic rock.
"Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue" by Toby Keith
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Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) (Official Music Video)
Keith's 2002 debut single "Courtesy of The Red, White, and Blue," was written in response to the 9/11 attacks. While still one of his greatest hits (and credited as a rallying cry for US troops) its lyrics didn't come without controversy.
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Also known as the Black National Anthem, Beyoncé performed the patriotic song during her celebrated 2018 Coachella set, later releasing the track in her 2019 album "Homecoming" after streaming her beloved Netflix documentary of the same name.
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Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (Official Video)
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Just imagine watching your Fourth of July fireworks while actually listening to Perry's "Firework," and try not to tear up. OK, maybe we're being a little dramatic, but this inspiring song will never fail to hit us in the feels.
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Kim Wilde - Kids In America (Official Music Video)
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.