diff --git a/src/playlist.c b/src/playlist.c
index 33a0207c3..a63dd62e4 100644
--- a/src/playlist.c
+++ b/src/playlist.c
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ playlist_sync(struct playlist *playlist)
 
 		/* make sure the queued song is always set (if
 		   possible) */
-		if (pc.next_song == NULL && playlist->queued != -1)
+		if (pc.next_song == NULL && playlist->queued < 0)
 			playlist_update_queued_song(playlist, NULL);
 	}
 }