The Official Biden Harris Inauguration playlist dropped on Friday (Jan. 15), and the eclectic 46-song roster curated by Raedio has it all, from Kendrick Lamar and Bob Marley to Beyoncé, Tame Impala and Major Lazer.
The playlist comes from the label founded by DJ D-Nice, Issa Rae and Benoni Tagoe, and was crafted in partnership with the Presidential Inauguration Committee. The selection fits perfectly with the Biden/Harris team’s theme, “America United.”
Available on all major streaming services today, it kicks off with “Lupitas Interlude” by Brooklyn rapper Kota the Friend and includes Bruce Springsteen’s stirring “We Take Care of Our Own,” Kendrick and Mary J Blige’s “Now or Never,” The O’Jays’ “Give the People What They Want,” Mac Miller’s “Blue World,” Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” recently-deceased MC MF Doom’s “Coffin Nails” and Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain.”
According to a statement from the Biden/Harris team, the playlist “represents the diversity of our nation, and our strength and resilience as we look forward to new leadership and a new era in America.”
Other acts on the nod to the 46th president intended to “evoke joy and symbolize new beginnings” include: SZA, Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Vampire Weekend, Jackie Wilson, The Brothers Johnson, Oddisee, Whitney Houston, New Radicals, Curtis Mayfield, Toro y Moi, Jill Scott and Dua Lipa.
“As a brand that is founded on the principle of being an audio-everywhere company, we are honored to create the official playlist for the historic inauguration of President Elect Joe Biden Vice President Elect Kamala Harris,” said Tagoe in a statement. “We know that music has the power to bring people together, and after a year of national challenges and division, we hope this collection serves as an indication of a new beginning, positive change and a reminder that music of all types is a common language.”
Inauguration Committee CEO Tony Allen added, “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 soul, a jazz enthusiast, a hip hop head, a classical sort, or just love that old-time rock and roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites, and heals… These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country.”
In stark contrast to the relatively low-wattage inaugural celebration in honor of outgoing one-term President Donald Trump — which leaned heavily on oldies, country and obscure cover bands — the Biden/Harris team has announced a glitzy roster of A-list stars for next week’s celebration, which will include Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Springsteen, Fall Out Boy, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons and the Foo Fighters, among many others.
Check out the playlist below.
