Canadian singer Daniel Caesar has received a stamp of approval from former U.S. president Barack Obama.
The 22-year-old Toronto R&B star’s “Blessed” is among the tracks on Obama’s list of his favourite songs of 2017.
The song is off Caesar’s album Freudian, which came out in August.
“During my presidency, I started a tradition of sharing my reading lists and playlists. It was a nice way to reflect on the works that resonated with me and lift up authors and artists from around the world,” Obama explained in a Facebook post.
“With some extra time on my hands this year to catch up, I wanted to share the books and music that I enjoyed most. From songs that got me moving to stories that inspired me, here's my 2017 list — I hope you enjoy it and have a happy and healthy New Year.”
Caesar is the only Canadian artist to make the presidential cut.
Obama also singled out “Havana” by Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug, “Feel It” by Portugal. The Man, and “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles.
Here’s is Obama’s complete list of his favourite songs of 2017:
"Mi Gente" by J Balvin & Willy William
"Havana" by Camila Cabello (feat. Young Thug)
"Blessed" by Daniel Caesar
"The Joke" by Brandi Carlile
"First World Problems" by Chance The Rapper (feat. Daniel Caesar)
"Rise Up" by Andra Day
"Wild Thoughts" by DJ Khaled (feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller)
"Family Feud" by Jay-Z (feat. Beyoncé)
"Humble" by Kendrick Lamar
"La Dame et Ses Valises" by Les Amazones d’Afrique (feat. Nneka)
"Unforgettable" by French Montana (feat. Swae Lee)
"The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" by The National
"Chanel" by Frank Ocean
"Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man
"Butterfly Effect" by Travis Scott
"Matter of Time" by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
"Little Bit" by Mavis Staples
"Millionaire" by Chris Stapleton
"Sign of the Times" by Harry Styles
"Broken Clocks" by SZA
"Ordinary Love (Extraordinary Mix)" by U2
*Bonus: "Born in the U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen (not out yet, but the blues version in his Broadway show is the best!)