AN IRISH singer has made it on to former President Barack Obama’s list of his top songs from 2018.
Co. Wicklow singer Hozier made the list with his song Nina Cried Power, the title track from his September EP.
The song, which features R&B singer Mavis Staples, is inspired by Nina Simone and a host of other artists that have had an impact on the singer.
Hozier himself was delighted with the inclusion, tweeting his thanks to Obama.
This is amazing? Thank you @BarackObama https://t.co/cyN0KBLnRm
— Hozier (@Hozier) December 28, 2018
The singer, who received worldwide acclaim for his 2013 hit Take Me To Church, was in esteemed company on the list.
Also on the former President’s selection was Apes**t by The Carters (Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z).
Obama said the list of his favourite songs, movies and books – an annual tradition of his – is a way of highlighting “talented authors, artists, and storytellers – some who are household names and others who you may not have heard of before”.
“It gives me a moment to pause and reflect on the year through the books, movies, and music that I found most thought-provoking, inspiring, or just plain loved,” he wrote.
Meanwhile on Obama’s list of his top books on 2018, he said his favourite was Becoming, the autobiographical memoir by his wife Michelle.
