It's Election Day and that means not only will millions of Americans be making their way to voting booths in order to participate in our great democracy, but chances are they'll first have to work through that dreaded pre-election anxiety as the fateful hour draws closer. What better way to pass the time and get in that election day mood than by jamming to your candidate's Presidential Playlist?
Chicago is home to a rich music scene, so it's not surprising how varied President Barack Obama's musical tastes are. These selections from his campaign's official Spotify playlist really paint of picture of our 44th President's particular chosen soundscapes. While friend Jay-Z is conspicuous by his absence, there are even greater surprises to be found.
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No Doubt – “Different People” 1995
What's the very first song on the playlist? Is it a patriotic American staple? Actually, it's a No Doubt album cut from their breakthrough 1995 release Tragic Kingdom. We had no idea Obama got down like that, but we do look forward to the inevitable Obama/?uestlove co-authored “Best No Doubt Deep Cuts” article that's certainly going to surface in a future issue of Rolling Stone.
Booker T & the M.G.'s – “Green Onions” 1962
A smooth crowd pleaser, Booker T & the M.G.'s “Green Onions” has delighted generations with its infectious notes that touch the center of the listener's soul. Not a bad addition to any playlist at all. At the very least, it means we'll trust the President to assemble our playlist for a long road trip.
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REO Speedwagon – “Roll With the Changes” 1978
Shockingly the only song selection with the word “change” in the title, REO Speedwagon's “Roll With the Changes” is the type of rah-rah-rah ride-the-new-wave party starter that perfectly gets any listener swept up in a movement. Despite the inclusion, the President's yet to state his stance on whether he thinks the song's album's title You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish is bad or really, really, really bad.
Al Green – “Let's Stay Together” 1972
It's a no-brainer that “Let's Stay Together” wound up on Obama's playlist. Not only has he spoken in the past that it's one of his favorite songs, he even performed a rendition of it so perfect that Green himself said the President “nailed it.”
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Bruce Springsteen – “We Take Care of Our Own” 2012
Closing out the Obama campaign's playlist is Springsteen's latest “We Take Care of Our Own.” Off of his new album Wrecking Ball, the song strike an optimistic note in times of trouble, acknowledging the problems that exist, but working toward a better future. It's a relevant and effective choice to bring a strong campaign playlist to a close.
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