Barack Obama’s songs of the year 2020
Now that the finish line of 2020 is in sight, at RouteNote we’re looking back over this endless year and pulling together some of the highlights from the music world. And so is former President Barack Obama, who has released a list of his favourite songs of the year.
The 44th US President often compiles lists showcasing his favourite cultural highlights, sharing them with the world on social media. Obama always promises that ‘there’s something in here for everybody’, and the same is true of his latest list, a rundown of top tracks of the year, compiled with help from daughter Sasha. The songs range from Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Ghosts’ to tracks from Bad Bunny and British artist Little Simz.
Previously Barack Obama had shared his favourite films and TV shows of 2020, and a list of the top books he’d read this year. A few months ago the release of the first volume of Obama’s memoir, A Promised Land, was accompanied by a list of the songs that track his time in the White House, and earlier in 2020 he posted a Summer Playlist.
The Songs of the Year 2020 playlist is available to listen to on Spotify. The Obamas have a good relationship with the streaming platform, last year partnering their Higher Ground production company with Spotify to create podcasts. Michelle Obama’s first series saw her chatting candidly to friends and family about relationships. This month Spotify also signed an exclusive podcast deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, prompting rumours that the platform is moving away from its traditional music base.