Barack Obama’s playlists are known for their eclectic nature, spanning various genres from hip-hop to jazz, and including both established artists and emerging talents. His 2024 list featured artists like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Beyoncé, showcasing his broad musical palate. Swift’s music, predominantly pop with storytelling elements, might not align with the specific tracks Obama chose to highlight this year, which leaned more towards hip-hop, R&B, and other genres.
Fans and pedestrians before the next-to-last concert of Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour, near BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada, Dec. 7, 2024. The two-years-long tour was Swift’s first in almost five years, the longest gap of her career, and transformed her into not just the biggest star in pop music, but also a cultural phenomenon. (Alana Paterson/The New York Times)
Here’s an analysis of why her music might not have made the cut:
Musical style and themes
One potential reason for the omission could be the thematic focus of Swift’s recent work. While she is known for her storytelling and emotional depth, her latest albums have also leaned heavily into pop and personal narratives that may not align with the more socially conscious themes present in Obama’s favorite selections this year.
Political context
Taylor Swift has been vocal about her political views, especially during the 2020 election cycle. However, her music may not have resonated with Obama in the same way as artists who tackle broader societal issues through their lyrics. Obama’s playlists often reflect artists who engage with pressing social matters, which might explain why he chose to highlight other musicians over Swift.
Personal preference
Ultimately, musical taste is subjective. Obama may simply prefer the sounds and messages of the artists he included this year. His selections often highlight a blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance, which might not have aligned with Swift’s recent releases.
Cultural influence
The artists featured in Obama’s list are known for their significant cultural influence and ability to spark conversations around important issues. While Taylor Swift certainly has a massive fanbase and cultural impact, her recent work may not have struck the same chord with Obama as that of other artists in his list.
Financial success
With Taylor Swift’s immense popularity and commercial success, her music might be seen as already having enough exposure, leading Obama to highlight artists like Shaboozey or Rema, who might benefit from the spotlight.
Different direction
Swift’s absence could simply indicate that none of her 2024 releases, like “The Tortured Poets Department,” struck a chord with Obama in the same way other artists did. It’s also possible that his taste does not align with the stylistic direction Swift has taken in recent years.
Influence of Advisors
There’s speculation that Obama’s lists are not entirely self-curated but might involve recommendations from family, friends, or music experts. His daughters, known for their involvement in shaping his musical taste, might not have pushed for Swift’s inclusion this year. Furthermore, the process of compiling such lists could involve considering advice from a broader circle who might have different musical inclinations.
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