Every year, Barack Obama releases his own list of his favorite summer reads and his summer playlist, and every year we’re reminded that the former president has truly elite taste (and that he’s reading more than most of us). While we patiently wait for Obama to release a list of his favorite television series (his daughter Malia Obama is a staff writer for Swarm – it could happen), we’ll mention our favorite songs from his 2023 Summer Music Playlist.
Snooze by SZA
SZA’s sophomore album SOS was just as good as, if not better than, Ctrl, and a standout from the record was “Snooze.” With production credits from Babyface and SZA’s effortless vocals, “Snooze” is the modern ballad we didn’t know we needed, and there was no musician better than SZA to give it to us.
Princess Diana by Ice Spice & Nicki Minaj
Two of today’s best rappers (best rappers period – not just female) on one track? It was impossible for “Princess Diana” to be bad. Sure, Ice Spice is new to the game, but she’s more than proven her talent by releasing hit after hit. And if Nicki Minaj is willing to collaborate with her for more than one song, she’s got bars. (Also, if we could make one adjustment to the president’s playlist, we’d include “Barbie World” by the aforementioned rappers.)
California Love by 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman
“California Love” can be included on any playlist in any season any year and we’ll point it out as a favorite. Originally released in 1995, this Tupac classic still sounds as good as ever, and even if you’re nowhere near the titular state when you’re listening to it, it still gets you in the mood to dance, party, and live the California life.
Fast Car by Luke Combs
Many a musician has covered this Tracy Chapman song over the years, but something about Luke Combs’s simultaneously gritty and silky voice makes his “Fast Car” stand out. The version is also a reminder that there are some truly inimitable talents making country music today.
I’ll Stand by You by the Pretenders
Barack Obama’s playlist included plenty of classic hits, but one that will always pull on your heartstrings is “I’ll Stand by You” by the Pretenders. Beautifully written and sung by the band’s lead singer, Chrissie Hynde, this ballad is one of those songs that the entire population seems to know by osmosis because it’s that good. Plus it’s got a key change, an objectively good feature in any ballad.
Barack Obama’s 2023 Summer Playlist is streaming now on Spotify.