Barack Obama just released his annual summer playlist and it’s already causing a stir. The former president took to social media on Thursday to share the tracks he’s been listening to this season, and he kicked things off with a meaningful tribute. The very first song is“Song of Good Hope”by Glen Hansard, the Irish singer-songwriter who tragically passed away on Wednesday in a motorcycle accident at age 56.
In his post, Obama shared that the song is one he and Michelle love, adding a deeply personal touch to the playlist. But the tribute doesn’t mean the rest of the list is all slow jams. Obama packed it with contemporary stars like SZA, Vince Staples, Tyla, and Drake, while also paying respects to legends like The Beatles, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, and Nina Simone. It’s a true genre-spanning mix that shows off his range, from rock and folk to R&B, hip-hop, and country.
It’s become a yearly tradition for listeners to check Obama’s picks, and this year’s edition carries a heavier emotional weight. If you’re looking to refresh your summer soundtrack or just want to hear what the former president has been jamming to, this playlist is worth a spin. What’s the one song you think should have made his list?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.