Obama drops new summer playlist

Former President Barack Obama revived one of his signature summer traditions: sharing a new playlist that blends chart-toppers with classic hits spanning genres.“Here are some of the songs I’ve been listening to this summer,” Obama wrote Thursday in a post on X. “It starts with a song Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a great musician who passed tragically this week. Our hearts go out to his family.” Recommended Stories Obama’s 2026 playlist features more than 170 songs and continues the tradition he began while in the White House of sharing his favorite music during the summer months. His selections have long attracted attention for blending rock, R&B, hip-hop, country, jazz, pop, and international artists. The former president’s annual summer playlists have become a cultural event, generating a widespread discussion on social media as fans dissect his music choices and debate notable inclusions and omissions. The former president has frequently said the lists reflect his personal listening habits rather than recommendations from staff, according to the Hill. Here are some of the songs I've been listening to this summer. It starts with a song Michelle and I love by Glen Hansard, a great musician who passed tragically this week. Our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/3A1trYfXfx— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 30, 2026 With summer winding down, here’s a sampling of what Michelle and I have been listening to — some new, some old, some fast, some slow. Hope you enjoy. pic.twitter.com/BS5ri1lvxz— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 24, 2019 OBAMA’S $850 MILLION PRESIDENTIAL CENTER OPENS WITHOUT AN INVITATION FOR TRUMPThe return of the summer playlist follows a break from the tradition last year, when Obama said he did not have time to curate a seasonal music collection but still shared his March Madness picks.Obama has continued to publish annual recommendations for books, films, and music since leaving the White House, with his curated lists remaining among his most anticipated social media posts each year.