30 Best Tailgating Anthems: Ultimate Playlist for Game Day

Game day is almost here, and that means one thing: tailgating! But what's a tailgate party without the perfect soundtrack? Finding the best songs for tailgating can make or break the pre-game atmosphere, transforming a simple gathering into an unforgettable celebration. Whether you're a seasoned tailgater or a first-timer, choosing the right music is crucial for setting the mood, boosting morale, and getting everyone pumped for the big game. This isn't just about throwing on any old playlist; it's about curating a collection of anthems that will have your crew singing along, dancing, and feeling the excitement build. From classic rock anthems to modern country bangers and upbeat pop hits, we've compiled the ultimate list to guarantee your tailgate party is the most memorable one yet. Get ready to crank up the volume and discover the ultimate soundtrack to your pre-game festivities!

30 Best Tailgating Anthems: Ultimate Playlist for Game Day
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson
Bruno Mars
Uptown Special 5B+
2. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! Justin Timberlake Come Into My Life (The Album) 2B+
3. Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge 1B+
4. Livin' On A Prayer Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet 1B+
5. Turn Down for What Lil Jon
DJ Snake
The Art of Translation 1B+
6. Eye of the Tiger Survivor Working Class Dog 1B+
7. We Will Rock You Queen News Of The World (2011 Remaster) 612M+

1. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars - 2025)

Upbeat Tempo: Uptown Funk's infectious rhythm and driving beat will get everyone moving and grooving, perfect for a high-energy tailgate atmosphere.

Unforgettable Vocals: Bruno Mars' dynamic vocals and charismatic delivery add an irresistible energy that's guaranteed to hype up the crowd.

Crowd-Pleasing Factor: This track is a guaranteed party starter; its instantly recognizable melody and catchy hooks make it a singalong classic for any tailgate gathering.

Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson,Bruno Mars

2. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Come Into My Life (The Album)

Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!'s infectious beat is practically designed for singalongs and spontaneous dance-offs—perfect for keeping the energy high at your tailgate.

Anthemic Quality: The song's positive and powerful lyrics create a feel-good atmosphere, guaranteed to boost the mood of everyone around.

Crowd-Pleasing Factor: Its widespread popularity means almost everyone knows the words and will happily join in, making it an ideal choice for a truly inclusive tailgate experience.

CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Justin Timberlake

3. Thunderstruck (AC/DC)

Unleashed Energy: Thunderstruck's iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and guaranteed to ignite any tailgate party.

Anthemic Chorus: Brian Johnson's powerful vocals and the singalong chorus create an irresistible atmosphere of shared excitement.

Perfect for Pre-Game Hype: This high-octane track will pump up the crowd and set the perfect mood for a day of fun and football.

Thunderstruck - AC/DC

4. Livin' On A Prayer (Bon Jovi - 1986)

Anthemic Chorus: "Livin' on a Prayer" boasts an unforgettable, singalong chorus perfect for group participation and boosting tailgate energy.

Upbeat Tempo: The driving rhythm and relentless energy are infectious, guaranteeing a high-octane atmosphere at any tailgate party.

Nostalgic Factor: This 80s rock classic triggers feel-good memories for many, creating a shared experience among tailgaters of different generations.

Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

5. Turn Down for What

Song Title: Turn Down for What

Artist: Lil Jon, DJ Snake

High-Energy Beat: Its relentless, hard-hitting beat is practically designed to get a tailgate party jumping.

Unforgettable Hook: The instantly catchy hook and Lil Jon's signature yell will have everyone singing along.

Perfect for Pre-Game Hype: This track is guaranteed to pump up the energy and create an electrifying atmosphere before the big game.

Turn Down for What - Lil Jon,DJ Snake

6. Eye of the Tiger (Working Class Dog - 1982)

Anthemic Power: "Eye of the Tiger" boasts an undeniably powerful and driving rhythm, perfect for amplifying the energy of any tailgate party.

Unmatched Energy: Its relentless beat and soaring vocals create an infectious energy that will get everyone moving and feeling pumped up.

Instant Crowd-Pleaser: This classic rock anthem is instantly recognizable and guaranteed to ignite the party atmosphere, making it a surefire hit with any crowd.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

7. We Will Rock You (Queen)

Unmatched energy: "We Will Rock You" boasts a relentlessly powerful rhythm section, instantly transforming any gathering into a high-energy singalong perfect for pre-game hype.

Crowd participation: The iconic stomp-clap intro is incredibly easy for large groups to join in on, creating a unified and exhilarating experience.

Anthemic quality: Its motivational lyrics and powerful chorus make it ideal for building team spirit and celebrating victories, making it a true tailgating staple.

We Will Rock You - Queen

8. Shut Up and Dance

Upbeat Tempo: "Shut Up and Dance" boasts an irresistible, driving beat perfect for getting the party started at your tailgate – it's impossible to stand still to this one.

Anthemic Chorus: The incredibly catchy chorus is designed for singalongs, creating a fun and inclusive atmosphere amongst your tailgating crew.

High Energy Vibe: This track's relentless energy will keep the good times rolling throughout your pre-game festivities; guaranteed to elevate the mood.

Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON

9. Highway to Hell (AC/DC)

Unstoppable Energy: AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" is a relentless powerhouse of driving riffs and thunderous drums, perfect for amplifying the energy of any tailgate party.

Anthemic Chorus: The instantly recognizable and singalong-ready chorus will have everyone joining in, creating a massive, unified roar of celebration.

Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee: This track's undeniable classic rock appeal transcends generations, guaranteeing a high-octane atmosphere that gets everyone pumped and ready to party.

Highway to Hell - AC/DC

10. Don't Stop Believin'

Anthemic Quality: "Don't Stop Believin'" possesses an undeniably powerful and uplifting chorus that's perfect for group singalongs at a tailgate, fostering a sense of shared excitement.

Upbeat Tempo: Its driving rhythm and energetic instrumentation create an atmosphere of high-spirited fun, ideal for getting the party started and keeping the energy levels high throughout the pre-game festivities.

Nostalgic Appeal: This 80s classic taps into a shared sense of nostalgia, bringing a familiar and feel-good vibe to any tailgate gathering.

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
  • Lose Yourself
    11

    Lose Yourself

    Eminem

    2002

    2001

  • Party Up
    12

    Party Up

    DMX

    2000

    ...And Then There Was X

  • Chicken Fried
    13

    Chicken Fried

    Zac Brown Band

    2008

    The Foundation

  • Pour Some Sugar On Me
    14

    Pour Some Sugar On Me

    Def Leppard

    1987

    Hysteria (Super Deluxe)

  • Jump Around
    15

    Jump Around

    House Of Pain

    1992

  • All I Do Is Win
    16

    All I Do Is Win

    DJ Khaled

    2010

    Victory

  • Country Girl
    17

    Country Girl

    Luke Bryan

    2011

    Tailgates & Tanlines

  • Sweet Home Alabama
    18

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1974

    Second Helping (Expanded Edition)

  • Red Solo Cup
    19

    Red Solo Cup

    Toby Keith

    2011

  • Kickstart My Heart
    20

    Kickstart My Heart

    Mötley Crüe

    1989

    Dr. Feelgood (Deluxe Version)

  • Born to Run
    21

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen

    1975

    Born To Run

  • Drink In My Hand
    22

    Drink In My Hand

    Eric Church

    2011

    Chief

  • Friends in Low Places
    23

    Friends in Low Places

    Garth Brooks

    1990

  • Born To Be Wild
    24

    Born To Be Wild

    Steppenwolf

    1968

    Steppenwolf

  • I Love Rock 'n' Roll
    25

    I Love Rock 'n' Roll

    Joan Jett , the Blackhearts

    1981

  • Life is a Highway
    26

    Life is a Highway

    Tom Cochrane

    1991

  • All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight
    27

    All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight

    Hank Williams, Jr.

    1984

  • Save a Horse
    28

    Save a Horse

    Big , Rich

    2004

  • The Boys of Fall
    29

    The Boys of Fall

    Kenny Chesney

    2010

  • Crushin' It
    30

    Crushin' It

    Brad Paisley

    2015