Hey guys, gals, & non-binary pals!
I hope your weeks have been filled with productivity, great memories, and fun! If not, that is totally okay too--we are currently living in a very weird time and the fact you are alive, breathing, and existing is enough!
On August 17th, 2020, former U.S. President, Barack Obama, released a truly monumental document: his 2020 Summer Playlist. It featured a large selection of songs--53, to be exact--ranging in styles from R&B to pop to electronic to everything in-between. In an effort to produce a stellar August Edition of my Top 15 Picks while enjoying the 44th President's own 53 picks of the summer, I decided to put out a special edition of Top 15 Picks. Without further ado, here are MY Top 15 Picks off of Barack Obama's 2020 Summer Playlist! Enjoy!
1) "Texas Sun" by Leon Bridges & Khruangbin
As a fan of both Leon Bridges and Khruangbin, I was stoked to listen to this track! "Texas Sun" begins exactly as you'd hope: with a twang-y electric guitar riff that serves as the backtrack for the remainder of the tune. Upon first listen, I instantly understand why our 44th President has this track on repeat; it's infectious! Between Leon Bridges' soulful vocals and Khruangbin's eclectic sound, the feel echoes many of the artists emerging in the late '60s and early '70s. For this reason, "Texas Sun" is a must listen! Go listen!
2) "Don't Walk Away" by John Legend ft. Koffee
"Don't Walk Away" truly showcases the versatility of John Legend's voice. With an Afro beat and deep studio chords, this track is perfect for the summer. Plus, Koffee's verses are a great edition to this already amazing song! Go listen!
3) "Love You For A Long Time" by Maggie Rogers
Before listening to this song, I did not know that a song could evoke such a deep feeling of warmth and comfort within me. Featuring sweet vocals and rather laid-back instrumentation, "Love You For A Long Time" will instantly make you feel giddy inside, as you picture the person you love in an endless golden dream. Maybe I'm just in love. Maybe I'm just sentimental. But, I think this song is certainly worth listening to. Go listen!
4) "Savage Remix" by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé
A 2020 staple! After becoming most popular on the app TikTok, it's no surprise that this track sneaked its way onto Barack Obama's 2020 Summer Playlist. The Megan Thee Stallion & Beyoncé duo is impeccable and a true testament to Bad Bitch energy. Go listen!
5) "Made It" by Teyana Taylor
Oh boy!! 9 times out of 10, if you see me dancing to a song with my headphones in, it is THIS song! "Made It" is incredible and I have no questions as to why Barack Obama loves it so much. It is THE perfect song for summer nights! Teyana Taylor's voice mirrors that of Rihanna's while also reminding me of H.E.R. Either way, she's amazing and you must listen to this track! Go listen!
6) "Don't Rush" by Young T & Bugsey ft. Headie One
For those of you who have seen my Songs of the Week for this past week, this song may look familiar. If not, what are you doing?! Go check it out! Also, go listen!
7) "Know Your Worth (Remix)" by Khalid & Disclosure ft. DaVido & Tems
As a fan of both Khalid's and Disclosure's discography, I already knew I would love this song. However, I didn't realize how much! The beat is smooth, electric, and a bit somber, beautifully pairing with the r&b/soul voices featured on this track. I am simply obsessed with this song! Go listen!
8) "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley & The Wailers
"Could You Be Loved" is an eternal summer song. Whether at the beach or laying out on a boat, this track is sure to fuel your summer adventures. It's completely justified as to why this song has made its way onto Barack Obama's 2020 Summer Playlist: it's an endless classic! Go listen!
9) "Blue World" by Mac Miller
Like most of Mac Miller's tracks, "Blue World" evokes a sense of summer nostalgia. Featured on his hit posthumous album, Circles, it highlights Miller's unique sound, characterized by electronics, soft chords, and dreamy harmonics, and brings back memories of day-dreaming, popsicles, and slow days in the warmth of the sun. This track is certainly a must listen! Go listen!
10) "Tú" by Maye
You know that feeling of slowly drifting on a pool float? This song is simply the embodiment of that experience. It's dreamy; it's calming; and it's the perfect edition to any easy-listening playlist! Go listen!
11) "Cayendo (Side A - Acoustic)" by Frank Ocean
Ah yes--the perfect track for those late summer nights. As expected, "Cayendo" is stunning. Featuring Frank Ocean's soft, soulful vocals and the beautiful use of Spanish lyrics, it is impossible not to fall in love with this song. May "Cayendo" drift you off to sleep. Go listen!
12) "ALREADY" by Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer
What a SHOWSTOPPER! With Beyoncé's alluring, deep voice and the accompanist efforts of Shatta Wale and Major Lazer, "ALREADY" is impossible not to dance. Even if you're stuck at home, this track brings the party! Go listen!
13) "Lockdown" by Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak is a musical genius. Written in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic and released on Juneteeth of 2020, "Lockdown" is the testament to the Black Lives Matter movement, specifically, the protests in Los Angeles in June. It is raw. It is powerful. And, it is unforgettable. Go listen!
14) "UN DIA (ONE DAY)" by J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy
Usually I'm not a huge fan of slower techno songs, but "UN DIA (ONE DAY)" is incredible. Featuring Dua Lipa's unique voice and the Spanish rapping talents of Bad Bunny and J Balvin, this song is the perfect song of the summer. I love it! Go listen!
15) "CROWN" by CHIKA
I first fell in love with CHIKA's flow when I watched her Tiny Desk concert with my housemates. A stellar artist, CHIKA is unapologetically herself. Unsurprisingly, "CROWN" is truly unique. Words cannot describe how incredible the harmonic backtrack works with CHIKA's mesmerizing flow. The energy oozing from this track is just enough to positively push yourself through the remainder of the year! Go listen!
Hope you all enjoyed!
Peace.
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