I divided this playlist into several major groupings. First, there are several songs that the Trump and Harris campaigns have used at their rallies. I’m including “Ave Maria” (the Pavarotti version) and “YMCA” here because Trump danced to both on stage. The songs from the Harris campaign include hits from Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Chappell Roan, and Jason Isbell. Each song (aside from being a bop) conveys some key messages – like freedom, hope, and feminine empowerment.
The second group of songs could be about elections – even if they aren’t explicitly. We’re trying to capture the vibes – transitions of power, change, anger, and excitement.
I also wanted to include a number one song that was as old as the youngest voters in 2024. However, I learned that the number one song 18 years ago was “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter. We don’t need to put that kind of energy out there for this Election Day. Instead, I picked another mega-hit from that year, “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé.
See you on the other side, friends.
Laura C. Bucci is a 2024-2025 Good Authority fellow.
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