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Even though it awkwardly sits in the middle of the week this year, the Fourth of July remains the most ideal holiday: There’s no psychological trauma surrounding giving the right gift, you usually don’t have to travel to fully enjoy it, and there’s no somber occasion that makes you feel guilty about getting a day off from work. It’s simply an excuse to go outside, put meat on fire, and watch colorful things explode.

Of course, it’s also important to crank up some music as loud as humanly possible in order to fully enjoy the Fourth of July. That’s why EW has put together a special Spotify playlist for Independence Day, which features 29 killer songs sure to upgrade your backyard barbecue. There are odes to the summer months (Will Smith’s “Summertime,” Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime,” Flaming Lips “It’s Summertime”), hat tips to the home of the brave (Neil Young’s “Keep On Rockin’ in the Free World,” Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom), and some actual songs called “4th of July” by the likes of Aimee Mann, X, and Bruce Springsteen.

You’ll also find a handful of tracks about partying, one or two shout-outs to the backyard, and Sweet’s “Fox On the Run” (because you can’t have a party without “Fox On the Run”).

Check out the playlist below, and please remember to handle your fireworks carefully. Happy Fourth! READ FULL STORY »