The people's favorite (ex-President) Barack Obama has done it again - dropping his highly awaited list of favorite songs this year. As the former U.S. President (who's now 63 years old!) Obama continues to maintain his reputation as a pop culture icon, with his taste in music making headlines as his yearly tradition goes on.
This year’s list includes a fun blend of artists, from chart-toppers and pop icons like Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish to a couple of lesser-known indie artists that have left fans both impressed and pondering thoughts like,
"That’s a 63-year-old’s list?😹😹".
While Barack has long been celebrated for his diverse musical taste, the 2024 list seems to have caught the internet off guard. Twitter became the main spot for amusing commentary, with some fans jokingly questioning if Obama really even made this list himself (or did he have a Spotify glitchy moment this year, too?)
The former president’s favorite mix of mainstream hits, indie gems, and, of course, politically charged rap anthems has only further fueled his reputation as a music lover. Alas, not everyone is fully convinced that Barack Obama spent 2024 vibing to these bops in his free time.
Fans’ priceless reactions to Barack Obama’s playlist of favorite songs
The internet was quick to fire up after PopBase tweeted about Barack Obama’s 2024 song list, with one user hilariously responding,
"Is that really Obama??"
The tweet became an instant classic, resonating with fans who couldn’t believe how well Obama’s taste in music aligns with Gen Z. The idea of the former president grooving to some of 2024's hottest tracks has Twitter users in stitches, and they didn’t hold back with their commentary.
One fan pointed out the inclusion of "Lunch," a song with provocative lyrics, joking,
"Lunch? Oh, Michelle is one happy woman."
Some were clearly more interested in the personal dynamics behind the former president’s music choices than the songs themselves. Others noticed some interesting pop-omissions, with one user lamenting,
"the ariana erasure from his songs and movies…"
in response to the lack of Ariana Grande, a frequent favorite in the past. And for those less impressed by the year’s musical offerings, one person commented,
"a bar song sneak? that’s the worst song released this year," taking a jab at one of the more controversial tracks on the list.
Perhaps the funniest image conjured up was from the tweet,
"I can imagine Barack unironically saying ‘squabble up,’"
hinting at his Gen Z similarities. Meanwhile, the Taylor Swift fans were not happy seeing her absence on the list, with one tweet reading,
"And NOTHING for Taylor’s flop album," bringing some light-hearted drama into the mix.
Of course, some fans continue to admire Barack's musical sensibilities, with one writing, "Like always, he has impeccable taste," summing up the thoughts of those who see the playlist as yet another example of his ability to stay relevant across generations. However, the cynics weren’t far behind, with one user doubting the authenticity of the list entirely:
"something tells me he doesn’t even pick these songs and probably hasn’t even listened to half of them either💀".
Another fan, still in disbelief, added, "no brat? he’s truly over now," poking fun at Obama’s failure to include their favorite pop icon.
Obama’s ongoing love affair with music
This isn't the first time Barack's playlist has sparked such buzz. Over the years, he’s developed a reputation for curating music that not only reflects his personal tastes but also stays in touch with the current musical landscape. Every year, his lists feature a unique blend of chart-toppers and deep cuts, showcasing his ability to balance the mainstream with the more eclectic.
In 2024, Obama’s playlist includes a mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and even some genre-bending tracks, highlighting his diverse appreciation for the arts. What’s especially fascinating about his lists is how they’ve become a kind of cultural event, akin to our end-of-year Spotify rehashing. His ability to tap into generational shifts in music, whether by genuinely vibing to Billie Eilish or amplifying artists like Kendrick Lamar, keeps him relevant and beloved by fans of all ages.
Whether or not Barack Obama actually spends his evenings listening to each song on his list, one thing is for sure: his playlists have become a yearly tradition that brings people together, even if it’s to debate the accuracy of his taste. And in 2024, it’s clear that fans are just as engaged by his simple yet iconic lists!