Get Your Independence Day On With This Summer Playlist Inspiration

What's a Fourth of July BBQ without Bruce Springsteen?

Sure, you've got "Born in the U.S.A." covered on your weekend party playlist, but let us help you ring in the summer holiday with a fool-proof mix of old and new faves. Plus, what better way to test this year's crop of Song of Summer contenders than with friends, adult beverages and the volume turned all the way up?

WATCH: How Beyonce, Ariana and Katy Dress for the 4th!

The way we see it, there are three key factors to creating the perfect July 4th playlist (and remember, not all songs need to be star spangled).

Hit the comments below and tell us: Which songs will you add to your weekend mix?

The Staples:

Bruce Springsteen: "Born in the U.S.A."

Self explanatory.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: "American Girl"

It's a classic (and, full disclosure: it's our favorite).

Neil Young: "Rockin' in the Free World"

Unless you're Donald Trump. Then maybe skip this one

Bryan Adams: "Summer of '69"

If you don't sing along to this song at least once, did summer ever really happen?

Joan Jett: "I Love Rock and Roll"

Frankly, it's not a party without some classic Joan Jett.

Fleetwood Mac: "Go Your Own Way"

Sing-a-long time! "You can go your own waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy....."

WATCH: This Is How Blake and Miranda Celebrate the 4th

The Throwbacks:

Miley Cyrus: "Party in the U.S.A."

Ahh, 2009 -- the golden age of Miley. On the brink of leaving Hannah Montana behind, not quite ready to ride naked on a wrecking ball. Plus, the song was co-written by Jessie J. (Get well soon!)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince: "Summertime"

Not quite a staple (yet), but we challenge you to find one single '90s kid that doesn't instinctively sing along to this jam. You just can't help it!!!

Team America: World Police: "America (F**k Yeah)"

It's not for the faint of heart, but it will liven up any party.

Lenny Kravitz: "American Woman"

The "American Girl" is all grown up.

Nelly: "Hot in Herre"

Well, it is hot in here -- and this song is guaranteed to bring you right back to 2002. A simpler time... amirite?

Shaggy: "In the Summertime"

Did you know that Shaggy is still making music? Because he totally is

The Newbies:

Rihanna: "Bitch Better Have My Money"

This song has been out for a minute, BUT CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT THIS MUSIC VIDEO?!

Kelsea Ballerini: "Dibs"

She's been called the next Taylor Swift, and it's not hard to see why. Her songs are catchy as hell, and she's the first woman to hit No. 1 on the country chart with her debut single since Carrie Underwood did it in 2006. (Not even Swift has that milestone!) Get familiar with her next single, "Dibs," before it blows up.

Demi Lovato: "Cool for the Summer"

Does it sound like Jessie J or Katy Perry? You be the judge. Either way, we're into this jam.

Fetty Wap: "Trap Queen"

You can feel confident knowing you're a better dancer than Tom Brady.

Walk the Moon: "Shut Up and Dance"

Take your cue from the lyrics: shut up and dance.


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