The Perfect 4th of July Playlist

You know I love a theme! And what better theme than America?

4th of July is quickly approaching and every good Independence Day get together or backyard barbecue needs some good tunes.

Billboard.com put together a list of '20 Awesome American Songs'. Keep in mind, not all these songs are super patriotic. Some are a little more critical of the USA, but I think it's great that we live in a country where our art can reflect our frustrations with our government and the social injustices. I think the important thing, especially now, is that we can reflect, learn, and grow from the past.

So, here is Billboard's list:

1.  "Party in the U.S.A.",  Miley Cyrus

2.  "Born in the U.S.A.",  Bruce Springsteen

3.  "God Bless Amerika",  Lil Wayne

4.  "American Idiot",  Green Day

5.  "American Girl",  Bonnie McKee

6.  "America",  Simon & Garfunkel

7.  "American Life",  Madonna

8.  "Amerika",  Young the Giant

9.  "American Girl",  Tom Petty

10.  "American Saturday Night",  Brad Paisley

11.  "Made in the U.S.A.",  Demi Lovato

12.  "American",  Lana Del Rey

13.  "White America",  Eminem

14.  "American Woman",  Lenny Kravitz

15.  "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.",  John Mellencamp

16.  "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue",  Toby Keith

17.  "Living in America",  James Brown

18.  "American Pie",  Shea Diamond

19.  "American Pie",  Don McLean

20.  "Kids in America",  Kim Wilde

I would like to add to the list, "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, "Firework" by Katy Perry, "God Bless The U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood, and "America" by Neil Diamond.

On the more political side of songs about America, I would add "This is America" by Childish Gambino and "American Privilege" by Allen Stone.

Also, I think there should be a section for the best cover of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America The Beautiful." And I give those awards to Whitney Houston and Ray Charles.

Also, pretty much all of the music from Hamilton tells the story of the founding of America, so let's add that to the list too!

There. That is the perfect 4th of July playlist! You're welcome.