Barack Obama Reveals His Annual Favorite Song List for 2024
As has become tradition, former President Barack Obama has shared his long-awaited list of favorite songs of the year, an eclectic selection of genres, artists and highlights from the 2024 music scene. This year, the list includes 25 tracks ranging from the beats of Kendrick Lamar to rising Nigerian talent Rema to iconic stars like Beyoncé and Billie Eilish.
Musical Diversity and Variety
Obama’s favorites include Kendrick Lamar’s Squabble Up, as well as Rema’s Yayo, which showcases the growing global influence of Afrobeats. Also included is the duet between Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman with Right Back to It, which brings a melodic and emotive touch to the list.
Artists such as Tyla, Fontaines D.C., Moses Sumney, Johnny Blue Skies and Shaboozey also make their presence felt, demonstrating that the selection encompasses both established and emerging names.
Barack Obama’s Complete List of Favorite Songs in 2024
Here is the complete list of the 25 songs that marked the year for the former president:
- Kendrick Lamar: Squabble Up
- Billie Eilish: Lunch
- Paddles: 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 [ft. MJ Lenderman]: Right Back to It
- Myles Smith: Stargazing
- Jack White: That’s How I’m Feeling
- Moses Sumney: Gold Coast
- Karol G: If I’d Have Known You Before
- FloyyMenor & Cris MJ: Cat Only
The Rhythm of Summer and the Continuity of Your Favorites
In addition to this list, Obama shared his summer playlist mid-year, which included tracks such as Charli XCX’s 365 and Tommy Richman’s Million Dollar Baby, the latter also present in his annual selection.
Global Music Celebration
Obama’s selection reflects his appreciation for cultural and musical diversity. Artists from different genres, such as pop, hip hop, Latin music and Afrobeats, have a place on this list, showing the global reach of his curation.
Whether you’re looking to discover new music or relive the hits of 2024, Barack Obama’s playlist is a perfect starting point. A celebration of talent, innovation and music’s ability to connect people around the world.
