Let’s Talk About Sex: Bangers for Banging
There are some basic truths to the human condition. First, people listen to music. Second, people have sex. Finally — and most importantly — people listen to music when they have sex.
In the series Let’s Talk About Sex, writers talk about sex. And music.
Written by Dallas Killeen
Photo courtesy of Tame Impala VEVO and Coog Radio
If you search “sex playlist” on Spotify, hundreds of user-made musical compilations (and the one Omarion album) provide more than enough evidence to support my claim. But the search results bring a startling detail to light: people don’t know how to curate sex playlists.
The current offerings might include sexy songs, but they fail in setting the perfect mood for sexy nights. You need music that follows the rhythm of the night, and no one knows better how your sexual encounters ebb and flow than you. So quit relying on other people. Take matters into your own hands. And if you’re my parents, please stop reading. For everyone else, here’s a guide to building a bedroom playlist that keeps pace as the heat goes up and the pants come off.
Bashful Bops
You’re sitting next to your partner, their hand just out of reach. You can see their sideways glances and feel your cheeks burning as if there were hot coals just under the skin. What do I do? you wonder. The answer? Put on your playlist. Be careful not to get ahead of yourself and play anything too aggressive in the beginning. (You don’t start mid-thrust, do you?) Instead, keep the tempo slow and focus on songs with sensual lyrics.
Recommended Songs: “Second Heartbeat” by Shy Girls, “Honey” by Kehlani
Let’s Get Started
When sexual tension breaks into locked lips, you don’t want to think about anything other than the hands running through your hair or the nose brushing against yours. At this point, the words in the background don’t really matter, so your playlist should focus on keeping the atmosphere alive. Find songs with repeating musical melodies — nothing too complicated. Lose yourself in the hypnotic production and the moment it creates.
Recommended Songs: “Whatever You Want” by Sports, “Kiss It Better” by Rihanna
Caution to the Wind
Yeah, making out on the couch is great and all, but it’s time to up the ante. When you make the move to the bedroom, the music needs to move with you. Start fading the slower tracks out. Pick up the tempo. Slip in songs with more sexually explicit lyrics. Your roommates already heard the door lock behind you — no need for subtlety anymore.
Recommended Songs: “Love Galore” by SZA ft. Travis Scott, “Nuestro Planeta” by Kali Uchis ft. Reykon
Heat of the Moment
Two words: unbridled passion. I’ll leave the exact details of what happens to you and your partner, but the music needs to enhance every kiss, every touch, and every awkward laugh you share. If you know a song that makes your skin tingle, play that track now. Because here, that static shock will feel like lightning in your veins.
Recommended Songs: “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by Tame Impala, “Two Weeks” by FKA twigs
Hold Me Closer
Wow, that was amazing. But now what? You may have finished, but your playlist can keep going all night long. As you and your partner curl up under the covers, let tender music fill the room. Shift back toward slower songs that the two of you can use to steady your racing heartbeats. Most importantly, find music that makes you happy. Sex is something beautiful, and you should drift off to sleep listening to something that puts a smile on your face.
Recommended Songs: “Forrest Gump” by Frank Ocean, “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.