Thanksgiving is upon us; the time of year we pause to give extra special thanks and gratitude to loved ones far and wide, and celebrate togetherness around the dinner table. Whether you’re homeward bound for extra platefuls of Grandma’s famous mashed potatoes, or hosting a friendsgiving with your best pals, we’ve cooked up 12 songs you’ll want on your Thanksgiving playlist!
1. “Fall” – John Denver
First comes Fall. One look out the window will confirm John Denver’s croon, “the falling leaves are whispering, winter’s on it’s way” and “the changing colors are a lovely thing to see”. Turkey Day’s around the corner!
2. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
Getting home on one of the busiest travel days of the year is no easy feat! Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, another Denver classic echoes our sentiments exactly. Take us home!
3. “Long Road Home” – Sheryl Crow
No one pulls at our heart strings quite like Sheryl Crow. Here she wistfully sings of loved ones who’ll meet again on the long road home. No song more fitting when anticipating greeting those you hold close this holiday.
4. “Hold My Hand” – Jess Glynne
As seen in a recent Coke campaign, something about the unity invoked by Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand” brings together families and friends to feast.
5. “Come n’ Get Some” – Art Of Fresh
When that dinner bell rings and mom calls out “Come n’ Get Some”, Art Of Fresh’s smooth R&B tune plays on repeat in our minds. Time to pile our plates high. Come n’ get some, we shall.
6. “Share” – Slakah The Beatchild ft Drake & Hazel on the Beat
Let’s not be greedy, though. Slakah returns to remind us not to bogart your side dish of choice in this energetic and soulful jam.
7. “Family” – Bobaflex
Sibling rivalries and crazy aunts and uncles aside, “They’re all part of my family. Don’t forget where you come from.” American rock band Bobaflex perfectly sums it all up in this heavy-hitting song.
8. “Corn Fed” – Shannon Brown
Regardless of your hometown, you’ll feel downright homegrown listening to Shannon Brown’s upbeat country tune, as she laments growing up strong and growing up right, saying yes ma’am and thank you, just like your mama taught you.
9. “Blueberry Pie” – Bette Midler
There’s always room for dessert right? Doesn’t get better than the The Divine Miss M, singing a whole song about blueberry pie. Serve us up a slice.
10. “Thank You Baby” – Flashlight
As the holiday’s name suggests, we’re reminded to embrace gratitude this holiday, especially for those we love and those who love us. Fire up this 70s disco tune and dance and sing along: “I want to thank you for loving me!”
11. “Just A Sittin’ And A Rockin’” – Billy Strayhorn
As the day’s festivities wind down, this Billy Strayhorn classic is the perfect food-coma cool-down song. The soft piano sounds combined with the turkey’s tryptophan will lull you off to dreamland.
12. “The Party’s Over” – The Baldwin Brothers
With stomachs and hearts full, the party’s over indeed. This chill Baldwin Brothers song is the perfect finale for your Thanksgiving festivities.
Stream the playlist in its entirety below: