So, President Obama's Got a Workout Playlist. Let’s Rank Its Songs
For the November issue, President Obama gave WIRED his essential playlist for staying fit. So we decided to rank the tracks. Let's get it started.
WIRED
First Lady Michelle Obama may be the White House occupant behind the Let's Move! campaign, but that doesn't mean President Obama is a slacker in the gym. POTUS is so into fitness he's got a must-use playlist for staying in shape—a list he shared with WIRED while guest editing our November issue. All the tracks are solid (hey, the guy knows good music), but we decided to rank his picks to see which best balanced great tunes with undeniable cardio motivation. Here goes!
https://open.spotify.com/user/wired./playlist/65I0seXpVmUyp5o2yrDC1K
SONY MUSIC01“Get Me Bodied,” Beyoncé
As anyone who has survived a spin class will tell you, this is essential. It's got a pulsating beat that doesn't quit, Beyoncé's commanding vocals, and even starts out with a countdown to get you properly, preparatorily pumped.
T-Neck Records02“Live It Up,” the Isley Brothers
A drumbeat that feels like a heartbeat and a rubbery bass line that keeps the rhythm going makes this the perfect song just as you're hitting your stride.
Bethlehem03“Sinnerman,” Nina Simone
Admittedly, most people don't think gym jams when they think Nina Simone, but POTUS is on to something. The almost-staccato piano and tip-tapping cymbals are perfect. Good luck not hearing Simone sing "I run to Barack" instead of "I run to the rock" from here on out.
Ten Music Group04“Emergency,” Icona Pop
When it comes to the best Icona Pop to dance to, "I Love It" is still No. 1—*Girls* proved that—but "Emergency" is great for athletic motivation.
A&M05“Let’s Get It Started,” Black Eyed Peas
There's a reason sports arenas still crank up this song more than a decade after its release.
Nublu Records06“Perro Loco,” Forro in the Dark
President Obama threw a curveball with this one, but he's right: This songs gets bodies in motion.
Roc Nation07“Off That,” Jay Z, featuring Drake
There are better Jay Z songs to workout to, but they don't directly reference POTUS, so...
Marathon Artists/House Anxiety/Milk! Records/Mom + Pop Music08“Elevator Operator,” Courtney Barnett
A solid track for the final push on the elliptical.
Island09“Could You Be Loved,” Bob Marley and the Wailers
A lovely song, but a surprising workout choice.
A&M10“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” Sting
Sting is classic, and while a man known for his stamina belongs on any gym playlist, this maybe isn't the *best* workout song. That said, it certainly does sound like something Olivia might jog to on *Scandal*.
Angela Watercutter is WIRED's senior editor for special projects. Prior to joining WIRED she was a reporter for the Associated Press. Watercutter was also a senior editor of Longshot magazine and a contributor to Pop-Up Magazine. She received a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Ohio University. ... Read more
