Happy 4th of July from Red Karaoke
Ah, Independence Day, how I love it. And really, what´s not to love? Hot dogs and hamburgers grilling while kids work up an appetite in the pool. Groups of friends out fishing on thier annual 4th of July camping trip. College kids thowing back a few beers as they claim their spot on the beach to catch the fireworks. Old couples remembering the good old days when people really knew the value of their country´s day of birth. It´s a beautiful holiday in the good old US of A, and there isn´t really much to complain about… except maybe the music.
Say what you will, but our country´s patriotic tunes aren´t the best in the book. Then again, I guess its hard to find a national anthem with even a little bit of style anywhere in the world. From the Star spangled banner to, yes classics, but still all together way too cheesy songs, like Proud to be an American, I´d have to say the only thing to complain about on the 4th of July is the lack of musical selection.
Sure, I could switch the station from some routine version of My country tis of thee and listen to Born in the USA if I want to get down a little this Independence Day, but I decided on something better. Because even though some of the USA´s most patriotic tunes may also be some of the most cringe worthy, I still would like to belt out the lyrics to God bless the USA while the sound of exploding fireworks drown out my horrible voice. Luckily enough, our country has produced some fine musical masterminds who have turned these banner waving USA pride classics into some truly soulful music worth downloading to your itunes.
Here are Red Karaoke´s top choices for renditions as far as USA pride go:
Aretha Franklin´s soulful, though widely debated, My country tis of thee, performed at one of the most historical and profound moments in American History, Barack Obama´s inaguration. I don´t care how old she is or what anyone thinks, Aretha is the wo-man when it comes to heart thrashing soul and this made me want to cry (in the good way).
When you´ve got it, you´ve got it, and Marvin Gaye has got it. He can apparently turn any song into a let´s get it on seduction scene, even the Star spangled banner at the 1983 NBA All star Game.
All American Bruce Springsteen´s moving performance of This Land is Your Land renders this song practically unrecognizable when compared to the original, a plus in my book.
Of course I couldn´t make it through this whole list without naming at list one divalicious pop star´s performance, and though Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey certainly have delivered their fair share of heartfelt superbowl and commemorative patriotic performances, Celine Dion wins with her rendition of God Bless America.
Make that two divas. Beyonce is all over Youtube with all kinds of R&B versions of these patriotic classics, mostly having to do with Obama´s inaguration this year, but her album release of Proud to be american tops my list.
Maybe I´m biased due to his balad to my home state of Georgia, but anything Ray Charles touches is gold, including America the beautiful, which just barely challenges Georgia on my mind in my own heart.
Of course, Red Karaoke has its own collection of talented singers who put their own spin on these patriotic classics. Check out the forum, pick your favorite I love the USA tune and share it with the rest of Red Karaoke to celebrate this year.
Happy 4th of July!
