The Ultimate BBQ Playlist For Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is upon us... which means Memorial Day barbecues are going to be taking over the backyards, parks, and rooftops of this nation sooner than you think. And what's the most important thing to have under control at a Memorial Day barbecue? An amazing Memorial Day playlist, of course. Oh, and probably some bomb hot dogs, hamburgers, and a plethora of fresh toppings and sauces — but you knew that already.

A great playlist is inclusive of a wide variety of artists, and let's be honest, it's usually pretty pop-driven. Get ready for some Tay Tay and Queen Bey. Hey, trendy music is easy to sing and dance to, and when you're chugging Coronas and hanging out in the weekend sun, there's really nothing better than belting from your lungs and busting out some of your best moves.

Mostly sticking with newer beats, but throwing in a couple oldies for good measure, this ultimate BBQ playlist will have your guests jumping up from their chairs when they hear the first few notes of each song. In fact, you can probably get away with putting these 10 tunes on repeat for a couple rounds before turning on a Pandora station. Get ready to have some fun.

1. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

"I'm too hot... hot damn." If every member of your barbecue isn't lip-syncing this chorus, then you might as well turn off the beats, because they've got no soul and don't deserve a hot dog or hamburger.

2. "Break the Rules" by Charli XCX

The best part of Iggy Azalea's quick rise to fame? The discovery of Charli XCX for most of America. What can she say? She just wants to break the rules.

3. "Hey Ya!" by OutKast

Because every barbecue needs a little old school OutKast. Now shake it... shake it like a polaroid picture.

4. "American Oxygen" by Rihanna

Forget "Bitch Better Have My Money," and play the freshest RiRi you can. Besides, the title has the word "American" in it, which feels appropriate on Memorial Day.

5. "I'm Not The Only One" by Sam Smith

It's OK to slow down the playlist so long as it's with Sam Smith. Everyone needs a good croon into their empty beer bottles about halfway through a BBQ.

6. "7/11" by Beyonce

Let's face it — it's not a barbecue playlist without Beyonce. Hell, it's not a playlist period without Beyonce. All hail the queen, as usual.

7. "Style" by Taylor Swift

Now that she's officially dating Calvin Harris, she's automatically cool by association. That's how that works, right? Right.

8. "Stronger" by Kanye West

Sorry Yeezus, but you were way more fun when you had flying teddy bears on your album covers... and before you were a Kardashian.

9. "Bang Bang" by Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

Hands down the best collaboration in the past year. Put it on your playlist. Just do it.

10. "i" by Kendrick Lamar

When Kendrick Lamar's album was leaked early this year, it was the best day ever. Revive those feelings by topping your BBQ list off with this sick beat.

Image: Sony