Memorial Day Playlist 2016: 18 Summer-Themed Songs To Celebrate The Holiday

The summer is finally here! Memorial Day weekend will kick-off summer 2016, as hundreds of people flock to the beach to enjoy the holiday. In case you’re looking for some music for your trip down the shore or for a weekend barbeque, here are 18 songs to not only get you in the mood for Memorial Day, but also for the upcoming season:

1. Drake — “Summer Sixteen”

Although “Summer Sixteen” didn’t make it onto Drake’s latest album “Views,” the track is still a strong contender for song of the summer. The track is perfect to get you excited for the holiday weekend and the upcoming season. You can expect to see his lyrics “All summer sixteen, playing dirty not clean,” on social media photos throughout the next couple of months.

2. Justin Timberlake — “Can't Stop The Feeling”

Justin Timberlake has made a triumphant return to music with his single “Can’t Stop The Feeling.” The song has been making waves on the radio since its release on May 5 and should be a song that’s heard on Top 40 stations throughout the summer.

3. Lee Greenwood — “Proud To Be An American”

The main reason Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. Take a moment to honor their memory with Lee Greenwood’s patriotic anthem “Proud to be an American” this weekend.

4. LFO — “Summer Girls”

LFO reminds you that “New Kids On The Block had a bunch hits” and that “Chinese food makes them sick” on this summer hit from 1999. The song went on to be one of the biggest singles for the band and it can still be heard being played during the summer today.

5. Bryan Adams — “Summer of '69”

Take a trip down memory lane with Bryan Adam’s 1983 track about summers from yesterday.

6. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg — “California Gurls”

Do your best left shark impersonation as you enjoy Katy Perry’s song about how “unforgettable” California girls are. The Beach Boys originally had a song called “California Girls” in 1965 and Perry decided to make her own version of the song that fits right in with the season.

7. Zac Brown Band — “Toes”

Memorial Day weekend usually kicks off beach season. Pack up your beach bag and listen to Zac Brown Band’s “Toes” as you dig your feet into the sand and let go of your worries.

8. Chuck Ragan — “Something May Catch Fire”

Hopefully this song doesn’t apply to those trying to grill this weekend. Chuck Ragan’s “Something May Catch Fire” is a catchy country/folk song that’s bound to get you in a summer mood as the temperatures continue to rise and the weather gets nicer.

9. The Beach Boys — “Surfin' USA”

Realistically, if you’re looking for summer music, all you have to do is play anything by The Beach Boys. Many of their songs talk about summer and doing things outside. One of their biggest songs is about picking up your surfboard and catching some waves in “Surfin USA.”

10. Weezer — “Island in the Sun”

Weezer might have been motivated by The Beach Boys when they made this next song. “Island in the Sun” describes a perfect place you can escape to “play and have some fun.”

11. Nelly — “Ride Wit Me”

While some may look to “Hot in Herre” as Nelly’s summer anthem, “Ride Wit Me” is also another solid choice. Enjoy one of Nelly’s first hits from his 2000 album “Country Grammar.”

12. Smash Mouth — “Walkin' On The Sun”

Warm weather vibes can be found throughout most of Smash Mouth’s music. “Walkin’ On The Sun” is a fun song by the California band that can sum up how people will feel when temperatures get too hot this summer.

13. Sum 41 — “Summer”

There’s nothing like a fast, fun punk rock song to get the summer started. Sum 41 has mastered making this kind of music and “Summer” from 2000’s “Half Hour of Power” is a good example of this.

14. Blink-182 — “Bored To Death”

Blink-182 will return with their first studio album in nearly five years on July 1 and will also head out on a major summer tour. To celebrate the return of the beloved punk band, enjoy their latest single “Bored to Death” off their new record “California,” as you enjoy the warm weather this weekend.

15. The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain — “I’m On A Boat”

Many will head out on their boats this weekend to celebrate the holiday. Whether you’re fishing or simply soaking up the sun, enjoy The Lonely Islands boastful rap about being on a boat.

16. Don Henley —​ “The Boys of Summer”

Don Henley’s Grammy-winning hit from 1984 is a staple on any summer playlist. Henley sings about the past, especially memories of summer love, on the song.

17. Sheryl Crow — “Soak Up The Sun”

Sheryl Crow released “Soak up the Sun” in March 2002 and the song quickly stormed up the charts. The song was not only great for summer 2002, but it’s a track that can be played for any summer when people enjoy the outdoors and the warm sun.

18. Weezer — “Holiday”

Weezer is no stranger to making songs that are fitting for summer. “Holiday” is a song about going somewhere far away for a holiday, which many will do not only this weekend, but throughout the summer.