In compiling this list of 69 songs, I wanted to combine the classic with the new (compare “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye with “Waves” by Kanye West), and the hard with the soft (compare “R U Mine” by Arctic Monkeys with “Try to Be” by Blue Hawaii). What follows is a selection of songs from a diverse array of music acting as an encompassing sexual experience. What I’m trying to say is, I hope at least some of this playlist can put you in a mood. Follow the Technician Spotify at @NCSU_Technician to listen to all the sexy songs.
Warning: Some of the songs contain explicit content.
Featured tracks from the playlist:
“Get on Your Knees,” Nicki Minaj feat. Ariana Grande
To start off the list, we have the contemporary sex icon herself, Nicki Minaj, whose sexuality is often the source of controversy, undeservedly so. Blatantly in charge, Minaj and Grande command attention in “Get on Your Knees” — a strong and unabashedly feminine assertion of power and respect in a sexual situation. Minaj’s cool language pairs with Grande’s crooning to provide an empowering and original anthem.
“Edie’s Dream,” Suuns
Weird and magnetic in its synth pulses, “Edie’s Dream” by the Canadian band Suuns haunts you after a first listen. “I had a dream, do you know what I mean?” the singer warbles in the opening lines in a voice that seems to be doubting itself. The single is definitely dreamlike and lends itself perfectly to fogging up windows midday.
“Pusher Love Girl,” Justin Timberlake
A more mature and refined Justin Timberlake emerged with his album, “The 20/20 Experience,” as did his take on sexuality. Gone is the resentful Justin who simultaneously wants to scorn and cry a river; here now is the Justin who murmurs, “All I want is you, babe.” One of his lesser-known successes, “Pusher Love Girl” is sweet and indulgent with its talk of mutual pleasure and candy metaphors.
“Pony,” Ginuwine
Recently popularized by the “Magic Mike” soundtrack, the sure-to-be-timeless “Pony” by Ginuwine was actually released back in 1996. The song embodies what was best about ‘90s R&B and what has been sustained in current musical trends; it is erotic without being demeaning to women, funny without being disgusting and self-aware without being obnoxious.
“Brooklyn Baby,” Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has a great number of sensual singles, and “Brooklyn Baby” is one of her best. Documenting the blossoming romance of two innocent hipsters in Brooklyn, Lana tackles her subject with careful lyricism and dreamy relish. A summer track as much as anything, the song conjures images of youth, foolishness, beauty, hope and temporality all at once. It makes you want to set up a hammock next to a record player, despite how pretentious such a setup would be.
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