The president is gearing up for his Monday inauguration, and he’s apparently doing it with the help of some Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, fun., and Marc Anthony, among others.
Thursday, the president’s inauguration Twitter account released the official playlist, comprised largely by the artists slated to perform at various inaugural events.
First up on the playlist is Stevie Wonder’s mammoth 1970 single “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” which probably any person with ears would recognize is the song the Obama campaign used in both 2008 and 2012. It’s a great tune, often deployed at wedding receptions (where it’s generally rapturously received) and is perfect for just about any moment I can think of.
Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the president’s playlist, but it basically tells me he likes song titles with literal meanings, as in the choice to use Alicia Keys’ “New Day”, or with tongue-in-cheek references to the the past four, rough and tumble years, by including Brad Paisley’s “Mud on the Tires.” Obama’s list also seems to tell me he’s mostly listening to stuff either from the later-aughts pop charts or ’60s and ’70s Motown. That’s all well and good, but I still feel like we can get some music with more life and Chicago sound in that list.
After all, didn’t the president just tell us this week that he likes a good party?
The latest NBC News/WSJ poll shows President Obama’s approval rating at 52%, so maybe he can substitute “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” for another Stevie Wonder classic, 1973’s “Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing.” The title seems to carry the right message, it’s a seriously happy tune, and who doesn’t like hearing Mr. Wonder say ‘Todo está bien chévere’? (Answer: No one)
Secondly, it may not hurt to have a Wilco song on deck. No, they’re generally not the band you call on to bring the party, but the band’s singer, Jeff Tweedy, and President Obama have some history. Wilco also has the advantage of hailing from Obama’s hometown Chicago. The whimsical “You and I” (again the song title works as a nice metaphor on re-election) is a nice possibility.
Since the president already has the inimitable Beyoncé on his playlist, how about adding something from her sister Solange? The catchy “Losing You,” may have had the most maddeningly infectious chorus of any song in 2012. Also, it’s got a good beat and said chorus will give Obama supporters a sense of relief. (“Tell me the truth boy, am I losing you for good?” We all know the answer)!
And how about some Iron Maiden just because…well…he won.
What am I missing?
Drew Katchen