Feb. 7, 2011
Dan Mancini
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The sexiest music is soft yet strong, rhythmic but unobtrusive. It serves the purpose of the moment and makes going in for the first kiss just a little bit easier. Handle these songs with care, then, because with great power comes great responsibility.
10. Marvin Gaye – “Sexual Healing”
When there’s an elephant in the room, introduce Marvin, in other words this is a cute first song to play. Plus Dr. Marvin Gaye’s prescription for a little alternative medicine is refreshing amidst a Senate squabbling over healthcare.
9. Little Willie John- “Fever”
Fever is a classic that drips swagger. Since originally recorded in 1956, the fever has caught with countless other artists. Look for a sugary yet sizzling rendition by Peggy Lee, and a sultry noiresque affair by Meiko.
8. Mazzy Star – “Fade Into You”
Mazzy Star is just so 90’s, and it’s aged just as well. Made to be played in the dark, PopEater calls it, “The soundtrack to candlelit dorm-room grope sessions across the country.”
7. Chris Isaak- “Wicked Game”
Chris Isaak doesn’t want to fall in love, but he can’t expect any two people listening to this song to keep their hands off each other for long. Also not to ruin anything for freshmen, but being a 1989 release, there’s a sizeable chance you were conceived to this song.
6. Daft Punk – “Make Love”
This song fades in on plucky electronic rivulets that tickle your cuddle button, then hits you with a bass line like a koala’s heartbeat, and a single (somewhat subliminal) verse that says, “Make Love.”
5. Cat Power – “Half of You”
From the South comes that most noble art of blues and it’s in southerner Cat Power that blues find a renewed relevance in lovemaking. Closet TrueBlood fans also know this is the tune to which Bill and Sookie hook up for the first time.
4. Stateless – “Bloodstream”
Stateless are the perfect chemistry of electronic and analog. Their super sentimental Bloodstream is lyrically and sensually apropos for first kisses.
3. Lykke Li – “I Follow Rivers”
Swedish import Lykke Li’s début album had a sound like afterglow, her sophomore album, Wounded Rhymes, releasing in March, is la petit mort itself.
2. The Glitch Mob (feat. Swan) – “Between Two Points”
An absolute beat driven masterpiece, I think this song actually has an orgasm at around 1:36
1. The XX – “Infinity”
The austere and ethereal sound of The XX, and the pacing of Infinity are what make it the sexiest song I’ve ever heard.