Fire Up the Grill: 29 Best BBQ Songs to Get the Party Started

Updated at: 04/12/2024

Firing up the grill? Then get ready to fire up your playlist! This isn't just any barbecue; this is a celebration of feel-good summer anthems that will keep the party going long after the last burger's been devoured. We've curated a collection of tracks that perfectly capture the vibrant energy of a summer gathering, blending infectious grooves with singalong choruses – the kind of music that transcends generations and instantly elevates the mood. From irresistible funk that gets everyone moving to uplifting pop anthems that spark joy, this playlist offers a diverse range of sounds to soundtrack your perfect outdoor feast. This isn't simply a list; it's an invitation to rediscover the magic of timeless tunes, ensuring your next barbecue is remembered for its unforgettable atmosphere and killer soundtrack.

This carefully curated selection of songs speaks to the enduring power of music to bring people together. Think of the infectious energy of a certain funky track, the irresistible urge to dance to that electrifying party anthem, or the sheer joy of singing along to a power ballad that captures the spirit of celebration. Whether you're a seasoned BBQ pro or a grilling newbie, this soundtrack will transform your backyard into a vibrant, musical haven. The songs chosen represent the best in upbeat, celebratory music, designed to create a memorable experience for everyone involved – a testament to the power of music to enhance any occasion. So, grab your tongs, your drinks, and get ready for the ultimate summer soundtrack.

Fire Up the Grill: 29 Best BBQ Songs to Get the Party Started
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars 5B+
2. Party Rock Anthem LMFAO 2B+
3. Wake Me Up Avicii True 2B+
4. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! Justin Timberlake TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2B+
5. Firework Katy Perry Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection 1B+
6. Cheerleader OMI Me 4 U 1B+
7. Happy Pharrell Williams G I R L 1B+

1. Uptown Funk

Released in 2014, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars is a timeless party anthem that earned numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Its infectious groove and irresistible energy make it a perfect fit for any barbecue. The upbeat tempo and funky rhythm create a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere, ideal for encouraging socializing and singalongs. The song's catchy lyrics and memorable chorus are easy to pick up, fostering group participation. Its undeniably fun genre perfectly complements a relaxed BBQ setting, functioning equally well as background music or a high-energy dance-starter. "Uptown Funk" effortlessly blends into the backdrop of conversation and games without overpowering the ambiance, making it a truly unforgettable choice for summer gatherings.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars is a groovy and infectious tune that will get everyone moving at your barbecue. If you're looking for other catchy party anthems, check out 25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010 for a list of the best songs from the 2000s and 2010s.
Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

2. Party Rock Anthem (LMFAO - 2024)

From the infectious opening beat, LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" instantly sets a celebratory mood. Its relentlessly upbeat tempo and catchy chorus are perfectly suited for a barbecue atmosphere, creating an energetic and fun environment ideal for socializing and good times. The singalong potential is undeniable; the simple, repetitive lyrics are easy for even casual listeners to pick up, encouraging group participation and a feeling of collective joy. The genre, a blend of electro-hop and dance-pop, avoids anything overly aggressive or melancholic, making it ideal background music for a BBQ. It's lively enough to maintain energy but not so loud as to drown out conversation or other activities. This classic summer anthem remains a timeless choice for any party, guaranteeing a high-energy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed get-together.

Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO is a classic Electronic Dance banger that will get your party started with its infectious beats and party-starting lyrics. If you're looking for more Electronic Dance tracks to keep the party going, be sure to check out The 28 best dance bar music playlist songs for a playlist of the best dance bar music to keep the energy high all night long.
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

3. Wake Me Up

With its uplifting melody and blend of acoustic guitar and electronic beats, Avicii's "Wake Me Up" instantly creates a feel-good atmosphere. Aloe Blacc's soulful vocals add a layer of warmth, making it perfect for a relaxed yet energetic BBQ setting. The song's singalong potential is high, encouraging group participation and fostering a fun, inclusive environment. Its genre, a blend of folk and electronic dance music, avoids being overly aggressive while remaining engaging enough to provide a lively backdrop without overpowering conversations or outdoor games. "Wake Me Up" strikes the ideal balance between background music and a lively party starter, making it a standout choice for any summer barbecue playlist.

For those who want to keep the party going after the sun goes down, check out The 28 best dance bar music playlist songs for the ultimate dance bar playlist, featuring high-energy tracks that will get everyone on their feet.
Wake Me Up - Avicii

4. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! (Justin Timberlake)

Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling!" is a quintessential BBQ anthem. Its infectious beat and upbeat tempo create an undeniably fun and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for mingling and good times. The song's singalong potential is high, encouraging group participation and boosting the celebratory mood. Its funky groove, reminiscent of classic summer hits, fits seamlessly into the background without being intrusive, making it ideal for both lively conversations and quieter moments. This feel-good track, originally featured in the Trolls soundtrack, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming any barbecue into a joyful event.

The irresistible dance number from Justin Timberlake not only captures the essence of a lively barbecue party but also reminds us of the timeless hits that ruled the early 2000s. For more tunes to add to your BBQ playlist, don't miss our article on 25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010, where we curate an unforgettable lineup of songs that will keep your guests dancing all night long.
CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Justin Timberlake

5. Firework (Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection - 2024)

While other anthems of the 2000s celebrated fleeting moments of joy, Katy Perry's "Firework" offered a deeper, more enduring message of self-belief. Released in 2010 as part of her hugely successful Teenage Dream album, the dance-pop track quickly became a global phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and garnering critical acclaim, including a Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Its inspirational lyrics, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength, resonated deeply, providing comfort and motivation to countless individuals facing personal struggles, from battling illness to navigating career transitions. The song's enduring popularity, evident in continued streams and its lasting impact on listeners, solidifies its place as a truly unforgettable hit of the decade.

"Firework" an iconic anthem that ignites the party spirit, is a testament to the power of music to evoke joy and celebration. If you're looking for more unforgettable party hits, be sure to check out OUR_25 Unforgettable Hits: The Best Songs of 2000 to 2010, where we've compiled the best songs that shaped the 2000s and 2010s music scene.
Firework - Katy Perry
  • Cheerleader
    6

    Cheerleader

    OMI

    2014

    Me 4 U

  • Happy
    7

    Happy

    Pharrell Williams

    2013

    G I R L

  • The Fox
    8

    The Fox

    Ylvis

    2013

  • Umbrella
    9

    Umbrella

    Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

    2007

  • Can't Help Falling in Love
    10

    Can't Help Falling in Love

    Elvis Presley

    1961

    Blue Hawaii

  • Watermelon Sugar
    11

    Watermelon Sugar

    Harry Styles

    2019

    Fine Line

  • I Want to Know What Love Is
    12

    I Want to Know What Love Is

    Foreigner

    1985

    Agent Provocateur

  • Let It Go
    13

    Let It Go

    Idina Menzel

    2013

  • Don't Stop Believin'
    14

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

  • Best Day Of My Life
    15

    Best Day Of My Life

    American Authors

    2014

    Oh, What A Life

  • Summer Of '69
    16

    Summer Of '69

    Bryan Adams

    1985

    Reckless (30th Anniversary / Deluxe Edition)

  • All Summer Long
    17

    All Summer Long

    Kid Rock

    2008

    Rock n Roll Jesus

  • Brown Eyed Girl
    18

    Brown Eyed Girl

    Van Morrison

    1967

    Blowin' Your Mind!

  • Walking on Sunshine
    19

    Walking on Sunshine

    Katrina and the Waves

    1983

  • Sweet Home Alabama
    20

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1974

    Second Helping (Expanded Edition)

  • Island In The Sun
    21

    Island In The Sun

    Weezer

    2001

    Weezer

  • Surfin' U.S.A
    22

    Surfin' U.S.A

    The Beach Boys

    1963

    Surfin' USA (Remastered)

  • I Love Rock 'n' Roll
    23

    I Love Rock 'n' Roll

    Joan Jett , the Blackhearts

    1981

  • Shake It Off
    24

    Shake It Off

    Taylor Swift

    2014

    1989

  • Good Vibrations
    25

    Good Vibrations

    The Beach Boys

    1966

    Purple Rain

  • California Girls
    26

    California Girls

    The Beach Boys

    1965

    Summer Days (And Summer Nights) [Remastered]

  • Margaritaville
    27

    Margaritaville

    Jimmy Buffett

    1977

    Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes

  • Summertime Blues
    28

    Summertime Blues

    Eddie Cochran

    1958

  • Rockaway Beach
    29

    Rockaway Beach

    Ramones

    1977