Less than six months stand between Barack Obama and the end of his term as president of the United States. While madness engulfs the race to succeed him, Obama himself is gearing up for some R&R… and R’n’B.
Today, the White House dropped two official playlists of the president’s favorite songs of summer, featuring a cool mix of crooning indie hits, hip-hop, slinky jazz, and more. You can listen to both of them on Spotify—or spin the tracks below.
Obama’s summer playlist: Daytime
LoveHate Thing – Wale
Smooth Sailin’ – Leon Bridges
Elevator Operator – Courtney Barnett
Many the Miles – Sara Bareilles
Tightrope – Janelle Monáe
Classic Man – Jidenna
So Ambitious – Jay Z feat. Pharrell
Me Gustas Tu – Manu Chao
Forever Begins – Common
The Man – Aloe Blacc
As We Enter – Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Sinnerman – Nina Simone
U Got the Look – Prince
Rock Steady – Aretha Franklin
Good Vibrations – Beach Boys
Don’t Owe You A Thang – Gary Clark Jr.
Man Like That – Gin Wigmore
II B.S. (edit) – Charles Mingus
Obama’s summer playlist: Nighttime
If I Have My Way – Chrisette Michele
Espera – Esperanza Spalding
Tell It Like It Is – Aaron Neville
Alright – Ledisi
Trapped By A Thing Called Love – Denise LaSalle
Lady – D’Angelo
So Very Hard to Go – Tower of Power
Midnight Sun - Carmen McCrae
Cucurrucucú Paloma – Caetano Veloso
Green Aphrodisiac – Corinne Bailey Rae
I’ll Be There for You / You’re All I Need – Mary J. Blige / Method Man
Lover Man – Billie Holiday
Criminal – Fiona Apple
Acid Rain – Chance the Rapper
My Funny Valentine – Miles Davis
Do You Feel Me – Anthony Hamilton
I Get Lonely – Janet Jackson
Lean In – Lizz Wright
All Day Music – War
Say Yes – Floetry