Flashback Friday: Memorial Day Weekend Playlist

Memorial Day weekend is upon us! Who’s grilling?

Seriously, who’s grilling? And more importantly, can I come through?

Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to summer, so we must set it off properly. As we do every Friday here at Soul In Stereo, we hop in the time machine to revisit those forgotten favorites on our playlist. But today, with the help of some loyal readers and good friends, we’ve compiled a playlist of the best songs to set off your summer.

So whether you’re hitting the grill, chillin in the shade or stuck on your work grind, let these songs usher in your summer.

Jose Cook – The Dove Shack, “Summertime in the LBC”

Jose said: “It’s a classic because it had the perfect barbecue vibe, makes you wanna fire up the grill.”

Desiree Savage – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly,  “Before I Let Go”

Desiree said: “Before I Let Go” is always my first choice!

Fair Turner – The Gap Band, “Outstanding”

Fair said: “People who cook the the best food love this song and will not hesitate to dance and talk loudly throughout said song about how this IS his/her song. This song makes me think about fanning flies from potato salad and hot dogs.”

Larry Robinson – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Price, “Summertime”

Larry said: “This is my classic summer song. It was completely relatable when I was younger. Fresh haircut, new clothes and shoes, then wash and shine the car just to show out for the cookout. It was the lighter side of Cube’s “It Was A Good Day.”

Kim Jackson – The Dazz Band, “Let It Whip”

Kim said: “The old school vibe just makes you wanna dance while eating grandma’s famous ribs.”

Charles Clark – Marvin Gaye,  “Got to Give It Up”

Charles said: “As soon as the beat drops you got people getting out their lawn chairs and swaying back and forth at the grill to the music.”

And another from Charles – Dr. Dre, Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang

Charles said: “People who have cookouts play this by default. The video shows people cooking out, braiding hair, and showing off their cars. When you go to a cookout you are likely to hear this song while people play bones in the background.”

Tom Leo, YouKnowIGotSoul.com founder – Amerie, “Why Don’t We Fall In Love”

Tom said: “This song reminds me of summer not totally because of the sound, but more so the video. In the beginning I believe it says “The First Day of Summer” while she’s walkin’ down the street. Now for me, I always gotta hear it right before summer starts!”

The wifey Javacia, – Total, “Kissin’ You Remix”

Jai said: “I don’t think I’ve actually heard this song at any cookout I’ve attended but after the hubster and I finally buy a house and start hosting cookouts of our own this song will be on repeat. You’ve been warned.”

And Soul In Stereo’s boss man himself – Tevin Campbell, “I’m Ready”

Edd said: “No, this isn’t a traditional cookout song but my father-in-law LOVES Tevin. If you hear Tevin singing outside, that means the grill is in action. It’s become a summer anthem for us. “I’m Ready” – to eat.”

Now, it’s your turn. Email soulinstereoblog@gmail.com  hit me up on Twitter @etbowser, or stop by the comments section and share your Flashback Friday album. Leave a couple of sentences describing what makes it so great. I’ll feature your album on the blog.