The Perfect Fourth of July Playlist ⋆ College Magazine

Hard pressed for a quick playlist for your Independence Day blast? Driving an incredibly boring and grueling distance to see relatives? Just spending time with the fam? Whatever your Fourth of July entails, a great playlist is always necessary. Luckily, College Magazine is saving you the time and effort of finding a good batch of tunes.

1. American Boy” by Estelle (feat. Kanye West)

Estelle stole the hearts of Americans with this song; take a page from her book and celebrate the best our country has to offer (cough cough Kanye).

2. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

This song just puts a bounce in your step, and is perfect for summer. Don’t believe me? Just watch.

3. “Bad Habit” by The Kooks

Now that summer is in full swing, I know all of you have fallen into your bad habits—oversleeping, letting your parents cook all your meals, that old flame from high school… The Kooks understand, and so do I.

4. “Sugar” by Maroon 5

Maroon 5 has so many great hits that making a choice on which to include was hard, but “Sugar” just puts a smile on my face that rivals the beautiful summer weather.

5. “Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage the Elephant

Driving down sunny back roads, shooting off fireworks… it’s the perfect summer song.

6. “A Summer Song” by Chad & Jeremy

You know what I said about that last song? I was wrong; “A Summer Song” is NAMED for being just that, and it could probably make someone in the freezing rain feel like they were at a barbecue.

7. “In the Summer” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Celebrate with a wonderful mixed drink, sit down in the lovely July weather and kick back to Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros’ amazing sound.

8. “Ooh La La” by Faces

This one’s an oldie, but a goodie. Maybe you recognize it? It was featured on Wes Anderson’s movie “Rushmore.”

9. “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys

Could I even call myself American if I didn’t give this classic a shout out? Put on your best bikini or board shorts and go tackle some waves.

10. “Summer Holiday” by Wild Nothing

Maybe you’re still at your college, doing research, working, or taking summer classes? Get a dose of the summer holiday this Fourth of July.

11. “Living in America” by Dom

The chorus is literally, “It’s so sexy living in America.” What else is gonna get you as pumped to be a citizen?

12. “Good for You” by Selena Gomez

Let’s be real—former Disney stars are what make America great.

13. “Birthday Sex” by Jeremih

Happy birthday, motherland; celebrate with style.

14. “Sunny Afternoon” by The Kinks

Whether lazing around your backyard, chilling with your friends in the air-conditioned heaven of your home or shooting fireworks with swarms of distant relatives, whatever is floating your boat this Fourth of July, The Kinks are a great companion.

15. “I’m Ready” by AJR

Watch the video, please. It’s the quintessential millennial experience, with social media and SpongeBob references abound.

16. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

Just do as Walk the Moon says this Fourth of July, shut up and dance!

17. “Party In the USA” by Miley Cyrus

This Miley classic is necessary for literally ANY American party.

18. “Never Work” for Free by Tennis

“Never Work For Free” is my gift to all of you out there working unpaid internships. I know you’re getting mad skills, but I also know your wallet isn’t thanking you.

19. “What You Don’t Do” by Lianne La Havas

“What You Don’t Do,” USA—you don’t infringe on my freedom of speech, you don’t tell me who I can marry… I’m loving you more every day.

20. “You Don’t Own Me” by Grace (feat. G-Eazy)

This is for you, Britain. Can’t celebrate our independence without this feminist anthem.

21. “Hey Ya!” By Outkast

Andre 3000 is the only way to celebrate America’s independence; he’ll get you up and make you shake it like a polaroid picture until you’re red, white and blue.

22. “7/11” by Beyoncé

Our national treasure had to make this playlist—Bey will be at your Fourth of July party, even if it’s only in music (Why won’t she answer my Facebook invites?).