Patriotic tunes to bump as you don your best red, white & blue for Murica's bday.
The United States of America turns another year older, and it's time to celebrate. As we put together our best red, white and blue outfits and get ready for that BBQ or pool party, we need some great tunes to put us in the celebratory mood. But if you're not sure what to play, don't worry we've got you covered. Here are 8 tunes that are not only great songs but also put the US of A in the spotlight. Check them out below.
"Made in America" - Jay Z and Kanye West f/ Frank Ocean
Jay Z and Kanye West's 2011 collab album, Watch the Throne, was one of the championed records that year. And "Made in America" was one of the tunes that really made an impact. Aside from the fact we got Jay and Ye as well as Frank Ocean providing the sweet hook, the song tells yet another story about living out the American Dream. Each of the rappers express their past experiences and thoughts about their lives as they were rising up in the ranks. Meanwhile Frank pays homage to the historical figures including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Corretta Scott King, Malcolm X and Jesus Christ. One of the softer songs on that album, "Made in America" shows us a lot of heart and is just a great tune to listen to, especially today.
"Party in the USA" - Miley Cyrus
Before she rocked a super blonde pixie cut and bared it all, Miley Cyrus was the girl next door who had one set of pipes and was set for pop star status. And one of the songs that really topped the charts was 2009's "Party in the USA." Although the song delves into leaving her Nashville roots and moving to Los Angeles, the lightheartedness of the tune and the catchy chorus made (and still makes) it a staple in many people's party playlists—no matter what the occasion.
"American Woman" - Lenny Kravitz
From the moment you hear the opening chords of "American Woman," there's just something in the sound that sounds like it was written on American soil. But actually the original version of the tune was by Canada's The Guess Who. Regardless of who wrote the tune, it's a big one to rock out to. And Lenny Kravitz's version, which you can see above, may be a bit slower. But it's by slowing down the tempo that we get the impact of that raw and gritty rock and roll vibe that make us love it. And sure, seeing Heather Graham whip her hair back and forth on top of an old bus is great, too.
"God Bless Amerika" - Lil Wayne
Not to be confused with Kate Smith's 1938 rendition of Irving Berlin's 1918 song, Lil Wayne released "God Bless Amerika" in 2013. But despite the more uplifting songs on this list, this might have a more grim take on the US. Touching on his own experiences as well as those of his New Orleans friends, the lyrics convey the hardships of living in America. Despite the lyrics serious tone, "God Bless Amerika" is a great song that just shows a different side of "the Land of the Free."
"American Oxygen" - Rihanna
Rihanna isn't a stranger to making hit songs. However, she really struck a chord with her 2015 single, "American Oxygen." Viewed as a great depiction of the 21st century immigrant story, RiRi sings about how we "sweat for a nickel and a dime" to reach our American dreams. And people from all over the world moving to the US for a better life, she perfectly encapsulates what America looks like today by singing "This is the new America / We are the new America." Regardless of the current political climate in the US, "American Oxygen" gives us a picture of what the country is like today while still having a sick beat.
"I Love the USA" - Weezer
Nothing gets more patriotic than a song entitled, "I Love the U.S.A." And while there have been many bands and artists in the past who have showed their love for America, Weezer went straight for it by releasing a song with this exact title last week. And it just encapsulates that sentiment. Sure, technically this is to celebrate the Juno's July 4th landing on Jupiter, and NASA kindly asked the guys to write the tune. But space talk aside, all you need to hear is Rivers Cuomo sing, "I love the USA / Fuck yeah, this place is great!" And soon you'll be putting your hand over your heart and feeling proud to be an American.
"American Saturday Night" - Brad Paisley
The United States of America has been widely known as a melting pot—opening its doors to people from all over the world to settle. And there's no better song that reflects that idea than Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night." The country singer conveys how people from all over the world who immigrated to the US have influenced our every day lives. The upbeat, guitar-driven tune makes you kick your heels up, and the lyrics points out to all the things that we eat, use or see every day that actually came from somewhere else.
"There's a big toga party tonight down at Delta Chi / They've got Canadian bacon on they're pizza pie / They've got a cooler full of cold Coronas and Amstel Light / It's like we're all livin' in a big ol' cup / Just fire up the blender, mix it all up / It's a French kiss, Italian ice / Margaritas in the moonlight / Just another American Saturday night," he sings.
"Born in the USA" - Bruce Springsteen
Of course, we couldn't have a list of songs showcasing American patriotism without including Bruce Springsteen's 1984 hit, "Born in the U.S.A." Though it was originally written to pay homage to the New Jersey rockstar's friends who had experiences dealing with the Vietnam War, the song definitely resonated with many people in the US at the time and still continues to hold meaning today. Regardless of whatever one's politics are, there is a very strong sense of patriotism and pride in being in the U.S.