Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist has become something of a tradition since he started sharing it in 2015. On his 2024 edition, people flocked to see the addition of the latest song from Charli XCX named “365.” Several people praised Obama’s taste in music, but more were skeptical if indeed he had listened to the track or if it was just saying the right name to make him relevant.
With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to! PIC.TWITTER.COM/AL400CTPDE
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) AUGUST 12, 2024
The conversation reached a playful peak when Obama himself stormed into the criticism in the “I’ve Had It” podcast, which was released on Thursday, September 5th, 2024.
“You know, people like to question my playlists,”
Obama laughed.
“But I listen to every single song. 365? Yeah, I know it. It’s catchy!”
He went on to say that his daughters, Sasha and Malia, are a big part of how he continues to stay in tune with today’s hottest tracks, including pop hits, such as those by Charli XCX.
“They’re my secret weapons,”
he reportedly joked,
“making sure their old man isn’t stuck in the past.”
So here’s what makes Obama’s playlists special: they merge both modern hits and classic tunes so that all kinds of listeners find something to their taste.
For this, his 2024 summer collection includes tracks from artists including Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and even folk legend Bob Dylan, among others. According to Obama, making this mix is one way he keeps in touch with what’s hot but also discovers new talent across an enormous range of genres.
“Music has a way of connecting people, no matter the generation,”
he said during the interview.
“It’s a great way for me to share what I’m into and maybe help people find something new to love.”
Though some might’ve doubted whether he knew the first thing about music, one thing Obama made clear: this playlist is no publicity stunt.
“I take my music seriously,”
he said with a grin.
“If I put a song on there, I’m listening to it—whether it’s old-school or something Sasha and Malia think I should hear.”
In fact, the former president’s playlists continue to drive home a point: his tastes extend very far. From jazz & rock to hip-hop and pop, Obama’s picks give evidence of his real love for music in its many forms. He is even known to throw in a few surprises that put artists such as Stevie Wonder together with today’s stars like Lizzo.This thoughtful curation, combined with his undeniable charm, has earned Obama’s summer playlist a spot in pop culture—giving listeners an inside look at the tracks that soundtrack his summer days.
Adding in 365 by Charli XCX might have raised some eyebrows, but Barack Obama’s playlists ultimately make one point clear: how music acts as a bridge across time, culture, and age. Upbeat when sharing his favorite Bob Dylan ballad, or even jamming to the latest pop sensation, Barack Obama stays on frequency. Good music is timeless, and so is his sense of humor.
