Barack Obama shares his annual summer playlist and reading list featuring Charli XCX, Billie Eilish and Bonny Light Horseman

Taking to Twitter last night, former US President Barack Obama shared his annual Summer Playlist and Summer Reading List – featuring his top picks of old and new artists, and the books he's reading this summer.

"With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately" the tweet read.

Obama concluded by saying: "and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!".

With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to! pic.twitter.com/aL400Ctpde

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 12, 2024

Featuring on the former Democrat President's playlist were, Charli XCX's 'Apple' which inspired a viral TikTok dance trend, Billie Eilish's 'Cihirio' and Bonny Light Horseman's 'Old Dutch' which was recorded in legendary West Cork pub Levi's.

Indeed, Bonny Light Horseman credit Levis’ upright piano, which they lubricated with olive oil to hide its creak, with being the centrepiece of their third LP Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free, which 'Old Dutch' is lifted from.

The music video for 'Old Dutch' is also filmed in the iconic watering hole, where the band played as a result of Cork's Sounds From A Safe Harbour Festival.

Featuring on the presidential reading list, was Zach Williams Beautiful Days, Kaveh Akbar's MATYR! and Memory Piece by Lisa Ko.

"I’ve read some great books over the last few months and wanted to share some of my favourites" the tweet read.

I’ve read some great books over the last few months and wanted to share some of my favorites. Let me know if you have any recommendations for books I should check out! pic.twitter.com/ATh75yOw7i

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 12, 2024