Former President Barack Obama has released another one of his summer playlists. Like the others, it has some of the things you’d expect, like NPR-level but edgy rap and R&B, some old soul chestnuts, a bit of alt-rock and country, a nod to his podcast-mate Bruce Springsteen, and some international gems. But it also has a few “Woah!” surprises, especially British newcomers Wet Leg. (We could give you more examples, but here are some.)
Like his past lists and his annual summer reading lists, it’s a mix of age-appropriate, adventurous (but not too adventurous), and family-friendly music with a positive or socially relevant message, just like the man and the policies of his presidency, which seems so long ago.
He writes, “Every year I’m excited to share my summer playlist because I learn about so many new artists from your comments. It’s a great example of how music can bring us all together.” Here are some of the songs I’ve been listening to this summer. What songs do you want to add?”
Every year, I get excited to share my summer playlist because I learn about so many new artists from your replies—it’s an example of how music really can bring us all together.
Here’s what I’ve been listening to this summer. What songs would you add? pic.twitter.com/9OgPq0SRy4
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 26, 2022
“Break My Soul” is by Beyoncé.
Tems: “Vibe Out”
“Music for a Sushi Restaurant” is a song by Harry Styles.
“Mighty Love” by The Spinners.
Joe Cocker: “Feelin’ Alright”
“Energy,” said Sampa the Great. [ft. Nadeem Din-Gabisi]
Rosalía: “Saoko”
“Split/Whole Time” by Lil Yachty.
“Let’s Go Crazy,” said Prince.
“That’s Where I Am” by Maggie Rogers
“I Can’t Get Next to You” by Al Green.
“More Than You Know” by Dr. John.
“Blue in Green” by Miles Davis
“Last Last” is by Burna Boy.
Doechii: “Persuasive”
“Cherries,” said Hope Tala. [ft. Aminé]
Aretha Franklin: “Save Me”
“Nobody Knows Me” by Lyle Lovett.
Bad Bunny & Bomba Estéreo: “Ojitos Lindos”
“Pull Up,” says Koffee
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
Wet Leg: “Angelica”
“When I B on Tha Mic” by Rakim.
Drake: “Too Good” [ft. Rihanna]
“Spanish Joint” by D’Angelo.
Nina Simone: “Do I Move You? (Version II)”
“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck
Pheelz & Bnxn: “Finesse” [ft. Buju]
Amber Mark: “Bliss”
“Found” is by Jacob Banks.
“Apple Tree Blues” by Caamp.
Otis Redding: “I’ve Been Loving You”
“Guantanamera” by Wyclef Jean [with Lauryn Hill]
“I’m Shakin’,” said Jack White.
Big “I Just Want to Thank You,” said John Hamilton.
Fatboy Slim: “Praise You”
Dijon: “Many Times”
The Foreign Exchange: “Better” Shana Tucker and Eric Roberson are on the track.
Omar Apollo: “Tamagotchi”
“The Farthest Thing” by Maren Morris
“Under Control” — About the Internet
Kendrick Lamar: “Die Hard”
“Magic” by Vince Staples and Mustard.
Keep Looking Up is a song by Kacey Musgraves.
