As far as major Holidays go, Thanksgiving does not rank first for music. That award would most likely go to Christmas. After that might come New Year's Eve, or maybe even the Fourth of July. However, we at HillTop Records believe that it's just not a proper celebration without music--and so we'd like to offer, for your consideration, our picks for the best Thanksgiving-themed (or at least Thanksgiving-appropriate) songs for your supper:1.) “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant
This sweet and honest song is about thanking friends and family--and isn't that exactly what this holiday is about?
2.) “Peanuts Thanksgiving Theme” by Guaraldi Trio
Like us, Charlie Brown and the gang like to celebrate with song.
3.) “Thank You” by Dave Brubeck
A smooth, soulful, jazzy homage to gratitude.
4.) “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
The lyrics may be more romantic than others on this list, but the overall message is the same: Thank you.
5.) “Alice’s Restaurant” by Arlo Guthrie
Less about gratitude and more about the plight of the American pacifist, this song is still played on radio stations across the U.S. each Thanksgiving. Over the impressive course of nearly nineteen minutes, "Alice's Restaurant" describes many events that took place on (you guessed it) Thanksgiving Day.
6.) “Thank You Too” by My Morning Jacket
Another song about giving thanks to a loved one.
7.) “Thanks a Lot” by Johnny Cash
What could be more American than Johnny Cash?
8.) "Turkey in The Straw"
This well-known American folk song dates from the early 19th century. Today, you probably won't hear it much--unless it happens to be Thanksgiving Day.
9.) "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA
The 25th and final hit single for Swedish pop group ABBA, this song might not be American--but it definitely gives thanks.
10.) "Colors of the Wind" by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz
Originally written for the Disney animated film Pocahontas, this song won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for its poetic depiction of the relationship between mankind and nature. It would be a great way bring some Native American culture to the dinner table without getting too political.
11.) "We Gather Together"
A prayer of Thanksgiving brought to the New World by Dutch settlers, this one's about as traditional as you can get.
12.) “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler
Always the champion for non-religious holidays, Adam Sandler celebrates Thanksgiving with a song that... Well, that doesn't really make much sense. However, its title alone makes the song impossible to leave off of a Thanksgiving playlist.
And last but by no means least, the many songs of Thanksgiving and Praise written by Our Songwriters. Go to any of Our Songwriters' pages and Click to Listen.
From all of us here at HillTop Records... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
