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In almost every corner of Philadelphia on Saturday, you could don a mask and walk outside to find a dance party. Want to have your own celebration of the city’s role in ending Donald Trump’s presidency?
These music playlists got you.
With different combinations of songs that mention Philly, describe Philly things, or were recorded by Philly artists, these mixes toast the victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris with local heart and soul.
(Did you make one we should include? Hit us up.)
Anthems and classics
Green Philly editor Julie Hancher pulled 74 tracks into her list, titled simply “Biden 2020.”
Familiar anthems like “Dreams & Nightmares” by Meek Mill, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Motown Philly” by Boyz II Men sit next to statement songs like “FDT” by YG & Nipsey Hussle and “This is America” by Childish Gambino.
Grease the poles
Philadelphian Jake Diamond was ready on Election Day with his list, which he titled “Music to Climb Greased Up Poles To When They Call PA for Joe Biden.”
The 48-song list includes deep cuts like “Tasker-Morris Station” by Scranton punk rockers The Menzingers and “Melrose Diner” by Lansdale’s The Wonder Years, alongside tracks from Philly’s own Tierra Whack and Lil Uzi Vert.
Message from Gritty
It’s not the name Penn grad student Katie Chockley gave her list that’s notable — “Election 2020 – Philly” — but the description: “Tell Donald, I want him to know it was me. – Gritty.”
With 42 songs, the playlist is more about victory than Philadelphia proper. Meek Mill is represented (“Check”) and so is New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen (“Born to Run”), along with themed tracks like “Thank u, Next” by Ariana Grande, “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy.
Philadelphia = freedom
Sports blogger Shamus Clancy tossed together a 10-track celebration and named it after this city’s greatest (if only aspirational) export: “Philadelphia Freedom.”
It’s short, but chock full of local creators. Rapper Freeway starts it off with “Flipside,” indie rockers Cayetana make an appearance with “South Philly,” and classic rock band The Hooters show up with a very appropriate “And We Danced.”
U.S. senator joins in
Senator Bob Casey (or his staff) came out with a Pennsylvania-focused list the day before Election Day.
Along with his daughter’s suggestion of “Only the Young” by West Reading native Taylor Swift, the 36-song collection features “You Make my Dreams” by Daryl Hall & John Oates, “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John and “I-76″ by G. Love & Special Sauce.
