Photo Credit: Morguefile

1.“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen

No holiday is complete without the Boss. No, seriously. He owns Christmas with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” and he champions the Fourth with this tune. If you don’t hear it this Saturday, we’ll be shocked.

2. “Summertime” by Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff

A summertime classic, you’ll have a lot of fun with this one. We’re sure of it!

3. “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

They don’t make songs like this anymore. It’s quick, powerful, and a summer barbecue must. There are very few people out there who don’t like this song. When you find ten, report back to me and watch my jaw drop.

4. “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz

It’s smooth, fun to listen to, and the chorus is surprisingly catchy. You’ll be trying to eat your burger, but you won’t be able to stop with the, “American woman, stay away from me-eee.”

5. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with Keys, who is practically the human equivalent of a musical firecracker? It’s an easy-to-listen to summer tune that will get you singing along with all your friends.

6. “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus

It doesn’t matter how old this song gets. It doesn’t matter how much Cyrus grows and changes as an artist. You need this song like a fish needs water. In other words, very badly, or you will die.

7. “American Pie” by Don McLean

Not the happiest of tunes, but you probably like it, anyway. You’ll sing along to it so seamlessly you probably won’t even notice you’re doing it. Wait a second, you’re doing it right now, aren’t you? Caught you!

8. “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago

It’s especially perfect this year because the Fourth of July is on a Saturday. You don’t even have to think it was the Fourth of July. Isn’t that grand?

9. “Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts

Admit it, your barbecue celebration wouldn’t be the same without this guilty pleasure tune. It’s the kind of song that even if you don’t like it, you love it.

And, of course…

10. “Firework” by Katy Perry

If anyone tries to tell you that this song is lame or overplayed, walk away and delete their contact information from your phone. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine…