Every year as December winds down, former U.S. President Barack Obama continues a beloved tradition: sharing his personal list of the year’s favorite music. What started as a way to spotlight the sounds that shaped his own year has become a cultural moment that music lovers around the world look forward to — partly for discovery and partly out of pure curiosity about what a global leader listens to when the spotlight isn’t on politics.
Obama’s playlists are known for their eclectic mix — from chart-topping hits to soulful gems, global artists to rising stars. This year’s 2025 selection spans genres, generations, and cultures, proving once again that music has no borders. His picks include everything from soulful pop and hip-hop bangers to indie rock, Afrobeat sensations, K-pop energy, and reflective ballads.
In his annual post unveiling the list, Obama wrote (paraphrased), “As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition I started years ago. These are the songs that moved me this year — I hope you find something new to enjoy.”
Barack Obama’s Favorite Songs of 2025
Here’s the complete playlist that made the cut this year:
1. Nice to Each Other — Olivia Dean
2. Luther — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
3. Tatata — Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott
4. Jump — BLACKPINK
5. Faithless — Bruce Springsteen
6. Pasayadan — Ganavya
7. 99 — Olamidé ft. Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young Jonn
8. Pending — Lil Naay & Myke Towers
9. Sexo, Violencia y Llantas — Rosalía
10. Metal — The Beths
11. Abracadabra — Lady Gaga
12. Just Say Dat — Gunna
13. The Giver — Chappell Roan
14. Aurora — Mora & De La Rose
15. Silver Lining — Laufey
16. No More Old Men — Chance the Rapper & Jamila Woods
17. Bury Me — Jason Isbell
18. I Wish I Could Go Traveling Again — Stacey Kent
19. Please Don’t Cry — Kacy Hill
20. Stay — ROE
21. Never Felt Better — Everything Is Recorded (ft. Sampha & Florence Welch)
22. In the Name of Love — Victoria Noelle
23. Ancient Light — I’m With Her
24. Vitamina — Jombriel, DFZM & Jøtta
25. Float — Jay Som ft. Jim Adkins
26. Ordinary — Alex Warren
27. Sycamore Tree — Khamari
28. Nokia — Drake
29. En Privado — Xavi & Manuel Turizo
30. Not In Surrender — Obongjayar
Why This Matters
What makes Obama’s list more than just a year-end recap is its diversity and surprise factor. You won’t just see the biggest radio hits ;you’ll find songs from around the world and artists at very different stages of their careers. It’s a reminder that music connects us, no matter where we come from or what we do.
Fans of these artists often celebrate their inclusion, while many listeners use the playlist as a way to update their own libraries. And for artists especially emerging ones being featured can be a meaningful moment of recognition.
Whether you’re here to discover new favorites or revisit songs that defined the year, Obama’s 2025 music list offers a soundtrack worth exploring. Which songs are already on your playlist?
