Barack Obama is closing out 2025 the same way he has for years — by sharing what he’s been listening to and reminding the internet that his music taste doesn’t stay in one lane.
On Thursday, December 18, the 64-year-old retired POTUS dropped his annual list of favorite music of the year on Instagram. “As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music,” he captioned the post. “I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!”
Some of the biggest standouts on the former president’s 2025 playlist include Kendrick Lamar (with help from SZA), Lady Gaga, Drake, BLACKPINK, Chappell Roan, Rosalía, and Bruce Springsteen, but the list doesn’t stop at the obvious. Obama also sprinkled in indie favorites like The Beths and Jason Isbell, jazzy cuts from Stacey Kent, and global picks from artists like Burna Boy, Olamidé, Xavi, and Manuel Turizo.
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It didn’t take long for the internet to react.
“Nice to see Faithless on there. That entire album is sublime,” one person wrote.
“Laufey and Gunna what a combo,” another added.
“Wow BLACKPINK 💖,” chimed in a third.
Others couldn’t help but notice Obama including both the “Not Like Us” rapper and Drake on the same list. “A true President always brokering peace ☮️👏,” one commenter joked.
“What does Obama know about AURORA by Mora and De La Rose 😭😱,” another fan wrote, clearly impressed.
And of course, not everyone was satisfied. “Obama I say this with all my respect—WHERE’S BAD BUNNY,” someone else teased.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner also revealed his favorite movies and books of 2025, a ritual he’s been keeping since 2015.
