Last week, I made a list of the "Top 10 Films You Have To Watch If You Are New To America." In the list, I selected ten films that give insight into the recent history and culture of the United States. The list serves as a guide for people new to America or American culture. This week, in honor of our Independence Day, I decided to continue the trend with fifteen essential songs every American, new or life-long citizen, should know by heart.
As with the last list, while many of these songs are critically acclaimed, the songs are not ranked based on quality. Rather, they express patriotism, give valuable insight into American culture, or were highly influential and impacted generations of American musicians that followed. Also, the national anthem, "God Bless America," will not be included since it officially represents the United States.
1. Sweet Home Chicago - Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was an extremely talented blues singer and guitarist, but its his influence on American Rock-and-Roll that makes "Sweet Home Chicago" a true classic. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, most notably Eric Clapton and The Blues Brothers.
2. This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie
"This Land Is Your Land" is easily one of America's most recognizable folk songs. It also serves as a criticism to our national anthem, Irving Berlin's "God Bless America." Guthrie believed that the beauty of our nation should be enjoyed by anyone without, "a big high wall," and a sign reading, "Private Property."
3. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
Similar to Robert Johnson's influence on American Rock-and-Roll, Chuck Berry's sound gave way to artists such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. More importantly, "Back to the Future" wouldn't have been the same without "Johnny B. Goode."
4. Blowin' In the Wind - Bob Dylan
The 1960's saw a great upheaval in the social climate of the United States. With public approval of our involvement in the Vietnam War sharply declining, many Americans were trying to find an answer, but didn't know where to look. Bob Dylan gave us an ambiguous one that probably makes the most sense: If we search hard enough, we will find an answer, but we need to hold off on killing each other first. The message resonated with those in favor of peace, and became an anthem for anti-war protests across the nation.
5. Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys
There's nothing like surfing in "Californi-a." With references to the most popular surfing spots in the US, "Surfin' USA," is a timeless American summertime classic.
6. The Times They Are A-Changin' - Bob Dylan
Further addressing the changing climate in the 60's, Dylan made it clear that this isn't the same world we've been living in years ago. While the song can be taken from a universal perspective, it is truly the rapid change in American culture that makes this song relevant to this day. To think that Steve Jobs quoted the song twenty years after its release to unveil the first "Macintosh" computer really says something.
7. American Pie - Don McLean
From the death of Buddy Holly to Bob Dylan to the British Invasion, Don McLean's masterpiece about music and growing up in the 50's and 60's is truly insightful to some of the largest cultural impacts in US history.
8. Sweet Home Alabama
While Robert Johnson found comfort in Chicago, Lynyrd Skynyrd called Alabama their home. This is the essential jam to blast during any American road trip.
9. American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Even though the song is surrounded by a myth that it was written about the suicide of a UF student from the 60's, you cannot deny the beauty and pain that steams from Petty's vocals and lyrics. Also, the song was cut on the Fourth of July. I don't know what could be more American than that.
10. Jack & Diane - John Mellencamp
Jack and Diane represents the All-American couple with big dreams that never become a reality. "Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill, of living is gone," is also a solid lyric showing how it feels to have your best years behind you.
11. Born In the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen's song sounds like an anthem celebrating the U.S., but really serves as a sharp criticism to the military complex and how we treat our soldiers. While Dylan sang about the harm the Vietnam war was causing, "The Boss" depicts the aftermath for our own soldiers.
12. Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams' reflection on the best American summer of his life is a song that anyone can connect to. I'm sure you can remember that one summer that beats the rest.
13. God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
The first time I heard this song as a youngster, I mistook it for our national anthem. It certainly oozes patriotism, but after listening to it more and more, I respect the fact that it properly acknowledges those who have served in the armed forces and, even though the U.S. isn't a perfect nation, it is still one of the best places to live.
14. Walking In Memphis - Marc Cohn
"Walking in Memphis" is a truly uplifting song, paying tribute to one of the most historic towns in America.
15. Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning? - Alan Jackson
Of all of the songs that came out as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York, Mr. Jackson's was truly the finest. The message of switching to peace instead of getting angrier is extremely positive and should have been taken into better consideration when we entered the war in Afghanistan.
If there are any American-made songs you feel I should've included, let me know in the comments below. I wish everyone a safe and joyous Fourth of July!
