A backyard BBQ without the right playlist? Disaster. The good news? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate dad-approved mix to fire up the grill and keep the vibes sizzling. Imagine this: the scent of burgers on the grill, a crisp drink in hand, dad in his finest Grill Sergeant apron, and this playlist cranked all the way up.

If you loved our Songs to Queue at Your Next Garden Party playlist, get ready—because this Dad-Approved Grilling playlist is packed with legendary rock anthems, fist-pumping classics, and songs guaranteed to get dad enthusiastically flipping burgers while shouting, “now THIS is real music."

a sneak peek of the playlist 🎶

Here’s a taste of the songs dads everywhere will love to rock out to:

"More Than a Feeling" – Boston
The ultimate anthem that guarantees dad will be air-guitaring mid-burger flip.

"Don’t Stop Believin’" – Journey
Because no backyard BBQ is complete without at least one passionate, slightly off-key sing-along that everyone knows the words to.

"Born to Run" – Bruce Springsteen
The perfect track for when dad starts reminiscing about “the good old days.”

"Walk This Way" – Run DMC & Aerosmith
A rock-hip-hop crossover classic that turns any BBQ into a full-blown jam session.

"Under Pressure" – Queen & David Bowie
A legendary track for when dad is hyper-focused on getting those perfect grill marks.

"Eye of the Tiger" – Survivor
For when dad gets serious about grilling. Tongs in one hand, cold drink in the other, pure focus mode as he channels that Rocky energy.

"Jump" – Van Halen
The perfect hype song—just make sure dad isn’t actually jumping around when he’s supposed to be watching the grill!

"Come Sail Away" – Styx
An epic rock ballad to blast when the sun starts setting, and the BBQ turns sentimental.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise" – Jimmy Buffett
A song literally made for grilling. If anyone knows how to rock a BBQ, it’s Jimmy Buffet. 

"Joy to the World" – Three Dog Night
Because every great BBQ needs a feel-good, group-singalong moment.

"Take It Easy" – The Eagles
Laid-back, timeless, and best enjoyed with a cold drink and a plate full of BBQ goodness.

"Summer of '69" – Bryan Adams
The second this song comes on, dad’s reminiscing about “the best summer of his life”—whether it actually happened or not.

"Go Your Own Way" – Fleetwood Mac
Because no classic rock playlist is complete without a little Fleetwood Mac magic.

This is just a taste—trust us, the full playlist is stacked with grilling greatness. 

what to serve with this playlist 

Great music deserves great food. Here’s what pairs perfectly with these dad-approved jams:

The Grill Master’s Special: Juicy steaks, slow-cooked ribs, or classic burgers stacked high. Pro move? Throw a perfectly fried Happy Egg with a gloriously runny, orange yolk on top for maximum flavor impact. 

Classic Cookout Staples: Grilled bratwurst, smoky BBQ chicken, and charred-to-perfection hot dogs. Pro tip: Deviled eggs = the ultimate sidekick for these classics.

Something Fresh: Grilled corn on the cob, crisp coleslaw, or a zesty pasta salad. Want to level up your salad game? Try a grilled Caesar salad with a soft-boiled egg on top.

ready to fire up the grill? 

Whether dad’s manning the grill solo or playing grillmaster while the family hosts a backyard bash, this playlist is the secret ingredient to a legendary BBQ. Press play, grab a plate, and let the good times roll.