3 Classic Albums Perfect for Memorial Day Weekend

2025-05-23

Rock band the Beastie Boys.

Summer is almost here, and Audio Ink Radio names its top three classic albums to rock over Memorial Day weekend and all summer long. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Phil Andelman

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and while the weekend often brings plenty of barbecues and parties, it’s important to remember the meaning behind the holiday. So, before we get into the rock, let’s reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Remember that Memorial Day is not Veterans Day. “Memorial Day honors the sacrifice and loss of those who served and died in the military,” the Wounded Warrior Project notes. “Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military.” So, the big distinction is that on Memorial Day, we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the U.S. and died while serving. The U.S. Airborne & Special Operations Museum adds, “Memorial Day is an American holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May, and honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.”

Memorial Day also means the beginning of summer for many Americans, but it’s not really the start of summer. In 2025, the meteorological summer begins on June 1 and the astronomical summer starts on summer solstice on June 20. Regardless, it’s time to get out that barbecue, dust it off and throw some grub on the grill. Rock music is great for a barbecue, especially if it’s family-friendly, since many summer gatherings are with family. Audio Ink Radio names its top three classic albums to rock over Memorial Day weekend and all summer long.

4 Albums to Crank at Memorial Day Gatherings

Beastie Boys, “License To Ill”

The Beastie Boys changed the rap world in 1986 with their seminal debut studio album, “License To Ill,” and it’s a party rap-rock jam that is purpose made for a summer barbeque. “Licensed to Ill” was the best-selling rap album of the 1980s, and it was also the first rap album to go No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. Songs such as “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” make for great summer anthems.

Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the U.S.A.”

If there’s one album that really revolves around U.S.A. pride, it’s Bruce Springsteen with “Born in the U.S.A.” Springsteen released the album on June 4, 1984, by Columbia Records, and topped multiples charts not just in the United States but around the world. “Born in the U.S.A.” really put Springsteen’s career on notice and introduced him to a massive audience. Tracks such as the album’s title track, “No Surrender” and “Glory Days” are classics.

Weezer, “Weezer (Green Album)”

Sure, Weezer made their mark with the band’s 1994 debut studio album, “The Blue Album,” but when it comes to summer jams, one can’t beat “Island in the Sun,” off “The Green Album.” The album, which was released in 2001, also features popular hits like “Hash Pipe” and “Photograph.” As with all of Weezer’s music, it has a breezy summer vibe. It’s a must-add to any summer playlist and still holds up years later.

For more summer music suggestions, check out Audio Ink Radio’s feature on the best one-hit wonders for summer.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Music, Rock, Rock News