The Fourth of July is one of the more low-pressure holidays. No need to wrap presents or construct an elaborate costume, just gather for good food, good friends, good tunes. If the last part is leaving you feeling a little unprepared, consider busting out this Fireworks Playlist consisting solely of songs with the word "firework" in the title. Can you add songs that mention independence or freedom? Sure! But we writers like to be pedantic.
STARTING SLOW
The start of a party is all about establishing the ~vibes~ for the evening. You don't want to turn it up to 11 from the get go; you have to ease your way there so your guests don't crash out too early. As the first few guests begin to arrive, start with songs that are chill but still bright to set the tone. Quiet enough that you can hear what your conversation partner is saying, but loud enough to start to create a buzz.
JOSEPH - "FIREWORKS"With the fizzy and fun "Fireworks," Portland folk-pop group Joseph has an anthem for those who aren't looking to accept "muted bliss." "I don't wanna just settle now / Put my fire underground / Just 'cause it's easy" the sister group sings.
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - "FIREWORKS"
The version of "Fireworks" on Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam clocks in at nearly seven minutes, but live versions have been known to stretch to more than 10, so it's up to you how much time you want to spend with the Baltimore-born experimental pop/rock group. No matter which version you choose, there's a rousing, near-revolutionary drum line that should get guests tapping their toes if not fully out of their seats.
THE TRAGICALLY HIP - "FIREWORKS"
Is it strange to listen to a song about Canada versus U.S.S.R. hockey, Bobby Orr, the Kremlin and the Canadian national fitness test on a day that's supposed to be about all things 'Merica? Maybe, but who cares? This song by the beloved Canadian rock band from 1998's Phantom Power is too fun to skip.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX SOUNDTRACK - "FIREWORKS"
Composer Nicholas Hooper teamed up with conductor Alastair King and the Chamber Orchestra of London at the legendary Abbey Road Studios to record this wizarding score, which opens with "Fireworks." The track starts off jauntily enough before making room for a brief classic rock guitar solo. The two elements melt together about 30 seconds before the end of the song and continue intertwining till the triumphant final note.
(Also consider: "Fireworks," the closing track to alt-rockers The Gin Blossoms' debut album, and the pleasant instrumental "Fireworks" from Moby's 18.)
PEAK OF THE PARTY
The mingling is over, the plates are piled up in the kitchen, drinks have been refilled. It's time to dance.
HOLLYWOOD PRINCIPLE - "FIREWORK"Those who played the 2015 video game Rocket League (which tasked players with using rocket-controlled cars to score soccer goals) will recognize Hollywood Principle's "Firework," which features vocals from then-member Kayla Hope. Those who haven't will dig the energetic track for making a backyard hang feel a little like an EDM festival at the Gorge.
KATY PERRY - "FIREWORK"
Stupid American Beauty allusion aside (What does it even mean to feel like a plastic bag?), it's hard to deny the sing-along-ability of "Firework," from Perry's megahit 2010 album Teenage Dream. Everyone knows every lyric, whether they'd like to admit it, and there's a satisfying build to the song that's bound to get people moving.
SAWYER BROWN WITH ROBERT RANDOLPH - "MISSION TEMPLE FIREWORKS STAND"
The title track from country band Sawyer Brown's 15th album starts with a killer pedal steel guitar riff and a "C'mon y'all," from Randolph as he invites Sawyer Brown and a gospel choir to join him. Lead singer Mark Miller sings of a Black man holding a Bible in one hand and a sparkler in the other — tending to both a tent revival and a firework stand — and the song only gets funkier from there.
KELIS - "FOURTH OF JULY (FIREWORKS)"
Kelis's "Fourth of July (Fireworks)" is such a textbook electro/house song, that you might miss that it's about Kelis's experience becoming a mother. "Nothing I'll ever say or do / Will be as good as loving you," she sings over a nonstop beat that samples a Lioness remix. It's simultaneously a high-energy dance track and a love song.
(Also consider: Blue Oyster Cult's toe-tapping "Fireworks"; electronic duo the Whitest Boy Alive's just plain groovy "Fireworks" is just plain groovy; the pop rock of pre-"Hey There Delilah" Plain White T's on "Fireworks"; a country twist on the party via Ronnie Milsap's "Fireworks"; "Firework Faygo" from the late Chicago rapper Lil Scoom89; and Purple Disco Machine's funky "Fireworks," which features Moss Kena and the Knocks.)
GOING HOME
New Year's Eve fireworks tend to inspire reflection upon the year that's nearly done while also excitement for the year being rung in. Fourth of July fireworks can have a similar effect. A little over halfway through the year, are you still bright-eyed and bushy tailed about 2025 or are you feeling like you haven't accomplished enough? If fireworks get you in your feelings, these songs can help you work through them, while also letting people know the party's winding down.
JIMMY EAT WORLD - "JUST WATCH THE FIREWORKS"Towards the end of the night, "Just Watch the Fireworks" (from 1999's classic Clarity) feels like a last hurrah. It starts soft and slow before growing into a massive alt-rock track. You'd think the energy of the song would keep emotions in check, but hearing Jim Adkins wailing about how he'd "Stay up as long as it takes," plus strings from cellist Suzie Katayama and violinist Joel Derouin, are bound to bring up old memories. The song ends on a big note, so chances are people won't hear you sniffle as you brush away tears.
YOU ME AT SIX - "FIREWORKS"
Is your summer fling no longer flinging? Commiserate with this tune from English pop-punk band You Me at Six. Like all good 2010s pop punk songs, there's a chance to yell a little towards the end as singer Josh Franceschi sings "I don't know who you are" to someone who broke his heart.
DRAKE AND ALICIA KEYS - "FIREWORKS"
Over a sparse beat, Drake gets personal on this 2010 track off Thank Me Later, rapping about his gratitude for mentor Lil Wayne, his then on-again, off-again relationship with Rihanna, his parents' divorce and his hope of being able to witness love up close. Alicia Keys sings "All I see is fireworks / Every night it's fireworks" throughout the song, before closing the song with soft "Oh ah ohs."
MITSKI - "FIREWORKS"
"Fireworks," off Mitski's fourth album Puberty 2, starts softly, but there's a slow simmer to it thanks to a relentless acoustic strumming and vocals that build to a bright crescendo. Mitski understands fireworks can trigger long-buried thoughts, singing "And then one warm summer night / I'll hear fireworks outside / And I'll listen to the memories as they cry, cry, cry." If Mitski can let herself cry on the Fourth, so can you.
(Also consider: "Fireworks" by Swedish sister folk duo First Aid Kit, "Fireworks" by indie rock standouts Radiator Hospital, and Elvis Costello's "Indoor Fireworks," another one for the heartbroken.) ♦
