10. "Young" by Kenny Chesney
Okay, so "Young" is the oldest song on our list, but it deserves to be here. This country hit is Kenny Chesney at his best and is great for family gatherings around the grill: Parents will be scolding the kids about how they have it so good “these days” and reminiscing about when they were in a band in no time once this tune comes on. Play it and remember your golden days as you soak up some golden rays.
9. "Burnin' Up" by the Jonas Brothers
We know, we know: The Jonas Brothers aren’t exactly what you imagine playing at your BBQ this weekend, but trust us when we say that this song will be a hit. The JoBros highest charting single (and their only top 5 single on Billboard’s Hot 100) is great for BBQs because "Burnin' Up" is all about turning the temperature up (it even has a reference to lava - Now that's hot). It’s summer: The sun’s hot, the grill’s hot, and so is this song. So turn it up loud and see if everyone doesn’t start singing along – We dare you.
8. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncè featuring Jay-Z
As Jay-Z put it, “History in the making” as he and future wife Beyoncè go in on their first song together. Everyone knows "Crazy in Love" and the chorus is an easy sing-along; plus it's by Beyoncè, meaning it’s a dance scene provoker. Within the first 5 seconds of hearing the tune, at least half your party will be dancing like Beyoncè herself had possessed their bodies. Even the old folks won’t be able to resist tapping their feet along to the beat. And when the bridge hits, all bets are off.
7. "How Do You Sleep (Remix)" by Jesse McCartney featuring Ludacris
"How Do You Sleep" is perfect for summer with an uppity beat, Jesse’s smooth vocals, and lyrics lamenting about lost love and awesome cars. Ludacris’ rap comes in at the perfect time and the rapper does not disappoint, reminding the world to show a little love this summer (and maybe a little skin too). For an alternate #7, you should check out Jesse's "Leavin'," another song that's perfect for summer BBQs. So stop sleeping and start dancing, summer only lasts so long and the grill is just waiting to be fired up to this song.
6. "Knee Deep" by the Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett
Country music is known for encouraging its listeners to grab a beer, some SPF, and a guitar that you just so happen to have laying around. In “Knee Deep,” the Zac Brown Band does just this, praising the beauties of the summer beach and the feel of that ocean better. So what could possibly be better than grilling and tossing a few back by the pool? Grilling and tossing a few back on the beach! Plus, the song features the Jimmy Buffett, need we say more? We think not.
5. "And Be Loved" by Damian "Junior Gong" Marley
Need we remind you that it’s summer, and summer is never complete without some form of Marley. In this case, we went for the son of the deceased Bob Marley, Damian Marley. Maybe you don’t know the song, that’s okay. "And Be Loved" is an easy beat that sounds just like any other Marley song. Plus, it appears in Blue Crush, the ultimate summer beach movie. So whether you’re going to be lighting up the grill or lighting up something a little more illegal on your trip to the beach this summer, this song will be sure to take you high…
4. "Tonight, Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae
"Tonight, Tonight" is the most recent song on our list, but trust us when we say you need this song at your BBQ. This song was on every radio station last summer and is infectious in the best possible way. It perfects the mixture of pop and rock that Hot Chelle Rae continues to use in “I Like It Like That” (a possible alternate if you’re somehow not a fan of this song). It’s a great sing-along and dance song that will have everyone raising their glasses saying it doesn’t matter, even the white kids.
3. "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae
Corinne Bailey Rae has the perfect voice for sweet summer melodies. It’s like we can feel the hot concrete as we cut open a watermelon and run through the sprinkler. While this track starts a little slow, "Put Your Records On" picks up in the chorus where Corinne encourages the world to let its hair down as it turns up its favorite record. Well, we’re in front of the picnic table, our hair is down, and we’re cranking this slow jam up as we take our first bites of summer. Mmmm, juicy sweet.
2. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
Technically any Jason Mraz song would work on a summer BBQ playlist, but this song is hands down Jason’s best known. Whether your lunch guests are 40 or 4, chances are that they can sing some part of this song. "I'm Yours" is a perfect doo-wop to sing and sway to as you flip burgers, toss salads, and pour a tall glass of lemonade in your cut off shorts, flip flops, and Hawaiian print shirt. Notice: Fedoras are not required for this song, but they are highly encouraged. Just keep scatting.
1. "Party in the U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus
If your BBQ is for July 4th, then you MUST include this song (no, seriously, we’re pretty positive it’s in the constitution). Whether you’re a Miley fan or not, you cannot resist this chart topping summer hit. From Nashville, to L.A., to Wisconsin (shout out to Wisconsin – I guess), barbeques all across the country will be cranking "Party In the U.S.A." this summer as we salute our great country and the great music and food it produces. Now put your hands up and nod your head like yeah, because we’re about to party in the U.S.A. God bless America.
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