Celebrate Freedom: Top Ten July 4th Party Songs

When you think of Fourth of July, the images of fireworks and barbecues flood your senses. Although many people forget why we're celebrating. July 4th - Independence Day - is about Americans celebrating our freedom. Specifically our freedom from Great Britain, but freedom these days means many things to many people. So while you're noshing on barbecued ribs and throwing that Fourth of July party, let me bend your ear to some songs about freedom.

Freedom by Richie Havens
Who could forget this on-the-fly song from Woodstock? Richie Havens was the opening act for Woodstock in 1969, and the second artist, Santana, was missing. Havens was asked to stay on stage, and after three hours of singing, he had gone through every song he knew several times. This ad-libbed song has gone down in history as perhaps the most well-known freedom call.

Freedom by Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5 celebrates the independence from slavery and poverty, the freedom of choice and hope. Your Fourth of July barbecue party would benefit from the powerful words and jazz-meets-hip hop tune of Freedom by Jurassic 5.

Freedom by Pete Murray
This Australian rock crooner brings the idea of independence alive with his acoustic guitar. The American audience may not have heard of him, but all three of his albums have reached the number one slot in Australia. His take on freedom is a definite must for this Fourth of July.

Freedom by Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is a classic and can't be left off this list. Thankfully, he had a song named 'Freedom'. Hendrix is singing about independence from either an oppressive government or a bad relationship, but it's freedom nonetheless. Make sure to include this on your Fourth of July party play list.

Freedom by Paul McCartney
Leave it to the former Beatle to pen a song so poetic and powerful. McCartney's voice and simple acoustic guitar is a must-have addition to this Fourth of July songlist.

Freedom by Madonna
"Madonna can guide us all to freedom and to the real American Dream. She is our last hope to happiness," Roland Michel Tremblay wrote in his Atlantic Free Press article 'George W. Bush against Madonna'. The Material Girl urges people to say 'yes' to freedom and justice in this terrific song for Fourth of July.

Freedom by Simply Red
Even English pop bands make this Fourth of July party song list. This jazzy 'funk' rock mix is an upbeat call for freedom to joke, hope, and win.

Freedom by George Michael
I think George Michael is talking about independence from stereotypes, especially as he sings the line "Sometimes the clothes do not make the man." But when I was composing this list of songs for Fourth of July parties, George Michael's hit was the first one that came to mind.

Freedom by Alice Cooper
From Alice Cooper's 1987 album 'Raise your fist and yell' comes this great Fourth of July freedom anthem. Don your black leather jackets and silver chains and rock out as you celebrate American independence.

Freedom by Stratovarius
With insane drum and electric guitar licks, this super fast power metal song by the Finnish band Stratovarius is perfect musically and lyrically for setting the mood for your Fourth of July barbecue.

Sources:

Roland Michel Tremblay, "George W. Bush against Madonna", Atlantic Free Press
"Pete Murray", "Simply Red", "Stratovarius", Wikipedia
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