Former President Barack Obama took to social media to share his list of 25 favorite songs from 2022, which included some of the year’s most popular hits as well as lesser-known tracks that may require further research for dedicated music fans.
“I always enjoy sharing my end-of-year music playlist with all of you – and this year we heard a lot of great songs,” Obama wrote on social media. “Here are some of my favorites.” The list included hits like Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” and Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” as well as more obscure acts like Bad Bunny and Zach Bryan. Obama also asked his followers for recommendations, saying “Are there any songs or artists I should check out?
The list includes a diverse range of genres, including Latin music from Bad Bunny with the song “Titi Me Pregunto” and country music from the new artist Zach Bryan with his hit “Something in the Orange.” While there is not a significant overlap between Obama’s picks and the top Grammy nominees, three of the nominees for record of the year did make the list: “Break My Soul,” “About Damn Time,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 5.”
Best new artist Grammy nominee Omar Apollo was also included on the list with “Tamaoatchi,” and Latin music favorite Rosalia was recognized for her song “Saoko.” In some cases, Obama chose an artist’s second-biggest hit, such as “Sunshine” by Steve Lacy (featuring Foushee) over Lacy’s more popular “Bad Habit.
Ethel Cain and her song “American Teenager,” whose debut album “Preacher’s Daughter” received critical acclaim but whose songs have not charted was also a part of the former president’s playlist.
Obama’s endorsement may increase Cain’s visibility and attention.
Haitian-American artist Leyla McCalla, a member of Our Native Daughters, may also receive more attention for her solo album.
Obama’s list also included Sudan Archives’ “Home Maker,” which was well-represented on year-end critics’ lists, and the little-known duo Plains with their song “Problem With It.”
SZA’s “Shirt,” from the No. 1 best-selling album released in mid-December, was another of Obama’s picks.
Obama also publishes a summer playlist, but only a few of the artists from his mid-year favorites list made it to his end-of-2022 list.
Many music fans admire Obama’s taste and wonder how he discovers all of the songs he includes on his lists.”
