1. Miguel – “Adorn”
Have you ever wanted to be enveloped in a libidinous sonic fever dream? Yes? Then Miguel is your man. This song is all about being a generous lover and focusing on your partner. It’s also all about Miguel’s heavenly falsetto and that big thick… bass line.
2. Beyoncé – “No Angel”
When Beyoncé’s self titled album came out I was dubious of the idea of Beyoncé as this viscerally sexual vixen, but she showed me. The usually pristine Beyoncé successfully flaunted her more personal and sexual side to great fanfare. This can all be encapsulated in this standout featuring co-writing credits from Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek.
3. Kelela – “Rewind”
Unlike our last two entries, Kelela delivers a subtle seduction. This is more of a track about flirtation and impending desire rather than baby-making. The sparse landscape of the instrumental stand as the perfect backdrop for Kelela’s alluring cooing as she coquettishly eyes an unknowable lover.
4. BenZel & Jessie Ware – “If You Love Me”
If our last entry was a coy flirtation, Jessie Ware and BenZel’s “If You Love Me” is the natural counterpoint. Opting for a grand romantic question rather than surreptitious glances, Jessie Ware’s rich soulful voice bleeds into the exquisite artifice of BenZel’s digital landscape. Sexuality tinged with devotion has always been Ware’s strong suit and this is the crown jewel.
5. Lapalux ft. Andreya Triana – “Puzzle”
I’m gonna go ahead and fully own this one. This entry is entirely a self indulgent choice. Lapalux’s use of off-kilter beats and organic textures in this context speak very much to my personal taste. This song really speaks to the essence of sensuality in romantic encounters… plus the video is about a love triangle featuring a jealous car-mistress. What more do you want?
6. Janet Jackson – “No Sleep”
I think everybody wishes they had the kind of sexual maturity and grace Janet Jackson displays in this song. She’s stately, in control, and having fun. Janet’s a pro and the world is just a tiny bit sexier for it.
7. FKA Twigs – “Pendulum”
This song is destined to be the weird one on the list, but what do you expect when I’m making the list. FKA Twigs’ persona has always been hyper-sexual, but in a way very different than anything else on the list. FKA Twigs engages in a form of controlled submission, manufacturing vulnerability in a way to monopolize her own sexual agency. I could try to describe her angle all day, but the only way to really understand is to give this track a listen.
8. Rhye – The Fall
This song really is the warm feeling of creating moments to me reminisced upon later. The soft romantic pallet and androgynous vocal performance convey this visceral buoyance. This is a song for wanting to spend more time with someone who you think is going to become very special or perhaps remembering those instances after they already have.
9. Ciara – “Body Party”
BOOM! Designated hitter. Many of you have already heard “Body Party,” but if you haven’t: just listen. Mark my words, this is the seminal love-jam of this musical era. I can’t lie. I won’t lie. It’s amazing. Now I know what you’re thinking. “What could possibly be coming next? What could ever follow up this iconic bop? Also, is Skip single?” Well, loser, thanks for teeing up my very next entry.
10. Cherrelle – “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”
OOOOOOOH YEAH! An oldie but a goodie. This song is essentially the story of my life. Always turning people on and being cute, evading giant sentient animals and what not. So naturally, as a song ostensibly about me, it is the sexiest song of all time. Doesn’t this song just fill you up with lurid thoughts of your last encounter with Skip? While I admit that I am a stud muffin, I’m sorry to inform you that… I didn’t mean to turn you on.