Former U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled his annual favorite songs list, highlighting a diverse range of artists and musical styles. Notable tracks include Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” rising Nigerian talent Rema’s “Yayo,” and the duet “Right Back to It” by Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman. Other featured artists include Billie Eilish, Tyla, Fontaines D.C., Beyoncé, and Sturgill Simpson, each contributing to a dynamic collection of 25 songs.
In his announcement, Obama expressed enthusiasm for the selections, encouraging fans to explore the music: “Here are my favorite songs from this year. Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist.” Earlier this year, he released a Summer Playlist featuring Charli XCX’s “365” and Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” the latter making the year-end list while the former did not.
Here are the standout tracks from Obama’s top songs of the year:
– Kendrick Lamar: “Squabble Up”
– Billie Eilish: “Lunch”
– Rema: “Yayo”
– Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng: “Jump”
– Central Cee & Lil Baby: “Band4Band”
– Ezra Collective & Yazmin Lacey: “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing”
– The Red Clay Strays: “Ramblin’”
– Fontaines D.C.: “Favourite”
– Asake & Travis Scott: “Active”
– Shaboozey: “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
– Bonny Light Horseman: “Old Dutch”
– Rae Khalil: “Is It Worth It”
– Beyoncé: “Texas Hold ’Em”
– Jordan Adetunji: “Kehlani”
– Artemas: “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”
– Johnny Blue Skies: “Scooter Blues”
– Hozier: “Too Sweet”
– Leon Bridges: “Peaceful Place”
– Tommy Richman: “Million Dollar Baby”
– Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman: “Right Back to It”
– Myles Smith: “Stargazing”
– Jack White: “That’s How I’m Feeling”
– Moses Sumney: “Gold Coast”
– Karol G: “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
– FloyyMenor & Cris MJ: “Gata Only”
This curated playlist not only reflects Obama’s musical tastes but also showcases the rich tapestry of contemporary music, inviting listeners to discover new favorites.
