What do Van Morrison, Leonard Cohen and Lianne La Havas have in common? They’re all part of the 20-song “Summer Night” playlist released by the White House Friday.
The playlist, which according to the White House’s Spotify account is “hand-picked…for a summer night” takes subscribers through an often predictable — and occasionally surprising — trip through the president’s musical tastes.
Due to popular request, here are my vacation playlists: http://t.co/uer5sIl4Vk http://t.co/zHEekHvQBr What's your favorite summer song?— President Obama (@POTUS) August 14, 2015
Some of the songs on this year's Obama playlist are rather conventional picks. Just as the playlist he released in 2012 did, this year's tracks include an Al Green hit. This year "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" replaces the classic "Let's Stay Together." Pianoman Ray Charles gets a nod with "You Don't Know Me" as does saxophonist John Coltrane with his rendition of "My Favorite Things." Also included is singer-musician Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."
Obama's "cultural compass is...[diverse], fresh and youthful,” as Pitchfork notes. While the playlist draws heavily from classics like Green, Otis Redding and Billie Holiday, he also includes some fresher picks.
But some of the other songs curated on the playlist are a bit more present day, and surprising. "Stubborn Love" by The Lumineers makes an appearance as does "Red & White & Blue & Gold," from Aoife O’Donovan's debut album "Fossils."
And of course President Obama worships at the church of Queen Bey. Obama rounds out his playlist with "Superpower," Beyonce's sultry duet with Frank Ocean.