What to Listen to During Your Fourth of July BBQ

Everyone has their own opinion of what it means to be an American. Americans are wealthy, poverty-stricken, successful, down-trodden, joyful, hardworking people. On the Fourth of July, music should celebrate the American experience-after all, we've earned it.

1. "America the Beautiful"-Ray Charles
Written by a Wellesley professor in 1893, this song has been covered by many people, but no one captures the essence of it quite like Mr. Charles. This song also makes a great complement to a fireworks display.

2. "Proud Mary"- Creedence Clearwater Revival
Many Americans work hard to make ends meet, and this song is for them.

3. "Boys of Summer"- Don Henley
The song is about looking back at one's youth, and perhaps partygoers can reminisce about Fourth of July's when they were kids. It also has an upbeat, summerlike melody.

4. "Our Country"-John Mellencamp
This is something that people with differering political views can agree on-that this is a great country with the potential to be even greater if we all work together.

5. "Sweet Home Alabama"- Lynyrd Skynyrd
Even if you don't live in the South, there's something special about paying homage to one's home state.

6. Bon Jovi "It's my Life"
"I just want to live while I'm alive," Bon Jovi sings, evoking the American spirit of seizing the moment and living life to the fullest.

7. "Summer of '69"- Bryan Adams
Another song about looking back on the past, about the "best days of my life," this song celebrates the good times of youth.

8. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"- Toby Keith
Toby Keith is proud to wear his colors, and he convinces us that we should be, too.

9. "Surfin' USA"- The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys present a laid back, idyllic view of America with this song. A lot of people flock to the beach on the holiday, and this song is the perfect soundtrack.

10. "Cheeseburger in Paradise"- Jimmy Buffett
The man sings about America-food, random experiences, alcoholic beverages-but nothing is more American than a cheesburger, as long as it has pickles, tomatoes and french-fried potatoes!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_the_beautiful