The inauguration team of President-elect Joe Biden and future Vice President Kamala Harris has released an official inaugural playlist, with 46 songs to represent the 46th president, ranging from Steely Dan’s golden years (“Do It Again”) even the most recent SZA, “Good Days”, which was just released on Christmas Day.
As you can expect, it’s in the same eclectic, inclusive and aspirational spirit as former President Barack Obama’s playlists (if not quite as strangely hepatic as some of the Obama beats after the presidency were, without Malia and Sasha around to pack with their choices).
Now available on all major streaming services, the playlist sometimes goes outdoors, with vintage and contemporary inclusions that were not necessarily the basic products of the pre-election campaign, of the classic instrumental “Pick Up the Pieces” from Average White Band to the modern group of Sault, centered on the subject of Black Lives, “Free”. Current Grammy nominees Dua Lipa and Kaytranada appear, as well as relatively current artists such as Burna Boy, Internet, MF Doom, Major Lazer and Tame Impala. Boomer songs are also well represented among Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley.
The main ingredients, however, of course, are the music of the walk-up or walk-off for Biden, Harris and their spouses, familiar to those who followed the 2020 campaign closely.
Biden’s personal campaign song is replayed in the form of Bruce Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own”. Mary J. Blige’s “Work That,” of course, has been a milestone in her campaign since the night she was announced as Biden’s vice president choice. Dr. Jill Biden’s theme is “You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall and John Oates; “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals is the choice of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Many of the songs were clearly chosen for their uplifting spirit, even if they were not substantial successes, like “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness. As for the sad “What a Fool Believes” by the Doobie Brothers, one can only assume that someone on the committee felt that it was assumed that This one one applies to the other side, since Biden’s team choices were generally not as deaf as Trump choosing the gay anthem “YMCA” and the cynical “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
Although the 46 songs are notable for being demographically wide, the playlist is weird and visibly missing a single selection of one of the country’s most popular forms of music – country – or anything from even the most left-wing American or American genres. root music suggesting that the committee that made the choices was not thinking too much about increasing the appeal of Biden’s heart.
Inaugural Presidential Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement: “During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected. Whether you are a country lover, a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop enthusiast, a classic type or just love old-time rock ‘n’ roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites and heals. Today we are thrilled to share President Maiden Biden’s inaugural official playlist and Vice President-elect Harris with the nation. These songs and artists reflect America’s relentless spirit and rich diversity. They are the score for a new chapter and will help to bring people together as the Biden-Harris administration begins its important work to unite our country. “
The committee said it is partnering with D Nice and Raedio, Issa Rae’s label, to launch the playlist. It is being placed on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music, with a different “special mix” prepared for Soundcloud.
Find the Spotify version here.