Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again shared his highly anticipated summer playlist, creating a buzz across social media platforms.
The 2024 playlist stands out for its diversity, blending genres and artists from various eras, reflecting Obama’s eclectic taste in music. Here’s the full list of songs he’s been enjoying:
Known for his deep appreciation of music, Barack Obama captioned his post: “As summer winds down, I wanted to share a few tracks I’ve been listening to lately. It wouldn’t be my playlist without an eclectic mix. Hope you find something new to listen to.”
Barack Obama Also Shares His 2024 Reading List
Continuing an annual tradition that began in 2015 during his time in the White House, the 44th president revealed a collection of his favorite books and music for the year.
“I’ve read some great books over the past few months and wanted to share a few of my favorites. Let me know if you have any book recommendations I should check out!” he wrote in a caption on Instagram and X/Twitter.
Among Obama’s top picks are Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel, shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and The Ministry of Time by debut British author Kaliane Bradley, one of this summer’s bestsellers.
Other titles on the list include James by Percival Everett, another Booker Prize finalist and a strong contender for the award, as well as Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman, a novel that delves into the lives of warehouse workers.
Barack Obama’s selections seem to portray him as someone deeply engaged with political issues while also appreciating well-crafted narratives. His non-fiction picks include Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson, a writer Obama has called “a friend of mine” and whose work he has praised throughout his career.
He previously mentioned that one of his all-time favorite fictional characters is Reverend John Ames from Robinson’s novel Gilead. Reading Genesis offers an in-depth exploration of Christian scriptures and their lessons on human nature.
Other selections highlight the Democrat’s political interests amid today’s cultural wars, with books addressing conspiracy theories, immigration, the crisis of masculinity, and imperial ambition.
What do you think of these lists?
